I think a lot of comparisons about oligarchy miss the point.
Sure America doesn't have an oligarchy as defined by the textbook. But that means that the textbook definition is inadequate. It doesn't take away the fact that rich families control politics in America using its various media, lobbying, and charitable instruments. The oligarchy in America is very much quid pro quo. You donate to politician (ahem, their campaigns, fundraisers and charities) and politician does things for you.
Sure America doesn't have an oligarchy that looks like Russian oligarchy. But American political system is also different from Russian political system. The rules of the game are different in the two countries. Russian oligarchs are playing the game according to Russian rules, American oligarchs are playing the game according to American rules.
Sure America doesn't have an oligarchy as defined by the textbook. But that means that the textbook definition is inadequate. It doesn't take away the fact that rich families control politics in America using its various media, lobbying, and charitable instruments. The oligarchy in America is very much quid pro quo. You donate to politician (ahem, their campaigns, fundraisers and charities) and politician does things for you.
Sure America doesn't have an oligarchy that looks like Russian oligarchy. But American political system is also different from Russian political system. The rules of the game are different in the two countries. Russian oligarchs are playing the game according to Russian rules, American oligarchs are playing the game according to American rules.