Someone who connects with the masses and makes it a popular issue that our elected leaders feel the need to coopt in an effort to be reelected. The elected officials will move towards the stated will of the people if it is clearly defined and overwhelming in the polls. Since such a thing happens so infrequently, I know it seems like a theoretical discussion.

It does not have to be an independently wealthy person, but this would be the most direct route. Some hybrid of John McCain's political vision (centerist and focused heavily on issues of good government) combined with Howard Dean's grassroots organization could probably accomplish the same thing.

Heck, I do not have a crystal ball so I am pulling these scenarios out of thin air. The important thing to remember is that neither of the two parties owned by Washington special interests will advocate anything like this.