They're also probably just not that bright. Liberalism (especially of the neoliberal variety these schmucks represent the worst of) and the triumphal "end of history" really did a number on the western elites' intellect IMO. The walking, talking turds holding highest office across the west nowadays seem to have no self-reflection, perhaps no cognitive empathy whatsoever- and there's been no incentive for them to develop it.

Both can be true. Plenty of people pick up a hammer for the first time and hold it the right way.