Relevance to current UK/US politics
Just finished the second season. I find the show outstanding, but I may be a bit biased towards the English humor. Anyways, I wanted to ask, if somebody happens to be involved in UK/US politics: how relevant it is compared to today's political machines? I accept that in the 80s, the civil service has held considerable power, and the ability to block many decisions of the political cabinets. But isn't that different today? Isn't it true that today's power brokers are the media directors (so called spin doctors)?
Please note that I am looking for opinions of people that have been actually involved in politics. Thank you.