> Activists run for office and get in and fight for what they believe, to the extent that the system allows them to do so. We often see politicians fight for unpopular ideas, simply because they believe those ideas are morally good.

Name an activist that got any sort of political power? just one.

Politicians talk, they say nice things the populous likes to hear they don't fight for unpopular ideas that would reduce their change of getting reelected.

The truth is that in a democracy long term projects like building infrastructure is done by long term agencies and politicians just take credit.

I think op hears politicians take credit and say if only I am reelected leader for life I will build more bigger and better and op believe them.