In most Western democracies, politics has become a contest between two elites: the well-educated, and the wealthy. The major parties don't do much for the non-elites, but try to manipulate them through distractions (left-wing identity politics and right-wing scapegoating). Often they give up on politics.

I couldn't have described things as clearly or with as much basis as the article does, but I did dimly perceive the situation (as do many), and that is why I have supported Sanders and Corbyn.