Is the United States an oligarchy?

First of all, I am NOT blaming the Obama Administration, but I think the U.S. has effectively become an oligarchy over the past few decades. Does anyone actually believe that everyday citizens can possibly have a fighting chance at winning elected office in this country? Essentially, we have created a system in which you must be a well connected lawyer or rich businessman with friends in high places in order to even have a chance at raising enough money and support necessary to run increasingly expensive campaigns both at the state and national levels. Furthermore, I think we as Americans have become complacent in reelecting inbents who have served in elected office for decades, which only furthers the culture of elitism that is running rampant in Washington. The geneous culture of rich lawyers, businessmen, and lobbyists running our country seems very disturbing and in no way, in my opinion, could be clified as a "citizen democracy."