I think they're both. I don't treat my politicians like Good vs. Evil.
But as smart evil vs. dumb evil.
Some of these guys have failed upwards so long just by doing the same cost cutting measures they always had. It's the only strategy that has worked for them for 75+ years.
Only this time it isn't working.
Rather then change their mindset, they will let America Rot and the rest of the world will outpace us in our hubris. I consider this a dumb evil situation.