The existence of a shadow government, or deep state, alone …

The existence of a shadow government, or deep state, alone should be a good hint at why the candidates don't really matter. The entire point of the system is that even if an outsider gets into the white house, the system isn't in jeopardy and the agenda keeps marching on, albeit sometimes a bit slower. I think it's time to look at the presidency as a largely ceremonial role. Real change would have to come from somewhere else.