When the MSM convinces the public to punish the officeholders for certain things–some of them even deserving of punishment–it has the effect of training the politicians to act in certain ways.

To wit, any politician who acts corrupt will do OK for himself, unless he actually breaks a law. This has the effect of traning policitians to be legalistic–something they need no incentive to do, since most of them are lawyers. Or the MSM manages to convince the public that the politician is corrupt or guilty. Since this latter group are confined to people the MSM wants “publically convicted”, this has the effect of training politicians to worry more about appearance than substance. Take a stateman-like position on Social Security reform? You’ll be buried alive. Bring home the pork for a new school? You’ll be lauded.

The congress is only as corrupt as the voters that put them there.