explain in first principles the business model behind politicians such as senators, their incentives, and how they get paid under the table or in kind
The basic business model of a politician, such as a senator, is to be elected to a position of power, and then to use that power to advance their own interests or those of their constituents or supporters. In order to get elected, politicians typically need to raise large amounts of money for their campaign, often from wealthy donors or special interest groups. These donors and groups may have specific policy goals or agendas that they hope the politician will support if elected.

Once in office, politicians may have access to valuable information or connections that can be used to benefit themselves or others. For example, a senator may have inside knowledge about upcoming legislation that could affect the stock price of a particular company, and they could use that information to make profitable trades on the stock market. Similarly, a senator may be able to influence government contracts or regulations in a way that benefits a particular business or industry, and they could receive kickbacks or other forms of compensation in exchange for their support.

While there are laws and regulations in place to prevent politicians from accepting bribes or other forms of illicit payments, there are always ways for those seeking to influence policy to find loopholes or workarounds. For example, a wealthy donor might make a large donation to a politician's charitable foundation, with the understanding that the politician will support their policy goals in return. Alternatively, a business might offer a politician a lucrative consulting contract or speaking engagement after they leave office, in exchange for their previous support.

Overall, the business model of a politician involves leveraging their position of power and influence to benefit themselves or their supporters. While there are certainly ethical and legal considerations involved, it is ultimately up to voters and the broader public to hold politicians accountable for their actions and ensure that they are acting in the best interests of the people they represent.
Why might a politician be encouraged to work against the system for their own self-gain? Does the field of politics merely attract selfish people, or is there some corrupting nature to the work that they do?
There are a number of factors that might encourage a politician to work against the system for their own self-gain. One of the main reasons is the immense pressure to raise money for political campaigns, which can create a dependency on wealthy donors or special interest groups. This can lead politicians to prioritize the interests of these donors over those of their constituents, or to engage in corrupt practices such as accepting bribes or kickbacks.

Another factor is the intense pressure to win elections and maintain power, which can lead politicians to engage in unethical or corrupt behavior in order to gain an advantage over their opponents. Additionally, the political system itself can be corrupting, as politicians may become desensitized to unethical behavior over time and begin to view it as a necessary means to an end.

It is worth noting, however, that not all politicians are corrupt or selfish. Many enter politics with a sincere desire to serve the public and make positive change, and work hard to maintain their integrity and uphold ethical standards. However, the pressures and incentives of the political system can create a challenging environment that can be difficult for even the most well-intentioned politicians to navigate. Ultimately, it is up to voters and the broader public to hold politicians accountable for their actions and demand ethical behavior from those in positions of power.