I really, really like your # 102!
Besides your wisdom, we need to remember "players" need the company of other players. It fuels their ego, and adds to their power, allure. Example. We loathe Vernon Jordan, who facilitated many of Clinton's questionable acts. Vernon Jordan = the ultimate player. While Clinton was in power, Jordan set up job interviews for Monica Lewinsky. Right now, he's smoozing with Republicans in Knoxville, some kind of hobnobbing with the Howard Bakers.
Washington lawyers, lobbyists, and MSM journalists pass around politicians like condiments at a picnic.
Once you get to the top, you smooze, do favors for, gossip, party, come to the aid of, and become "best friends" with others at the top. You're in the club! They are worthy, which makes you feel worthy, and that's much more important than core beliefs, if you even have any, after you get to the top. George and Laura Bush have survived 5 years without becoming overt "players". Unlike the Clintons, the Bushes weren't impressed with Sally Quinn's Washington, or Hollywood, or New York. They don't play the game, another reason why they are so hated.
Exactly. And I don't think it overestimates their pettiness to say that the Washington press corps really, really misses all those Hollywood star-studded parties with free ord'oeuvres and booze that clinton used to throw. With W. and Laura in the White House, enjoying quiet evenings with a few friends, self-important, fashionable correspondents are finding things really bo-o-o-ring.