Senior officials who work in federal agencies are ever mindful of the political winds and the potential career consequences of being on the “wrong side of a trade”. They don’t see themselves as corrupt but job security, professional advancement, and retirement consideration weigh heavily on them. Jus sayin...
At some point public outrage shapes the discussion. That’s happening with Hillary’s loss in Michigan and the subtle caution in the media. The decision makers in the parties distanced themselves so far from the electorate that the appeal of a Trump or a commie like Bernie is virtually unfathomable.
You’re 100% correct about the CYA imperative.