"Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates"

Gore Vidal's quote is a criticism of modern democracy. He is suggesting that democracy is a system of government where elections are held regularly, however with no real problems or differences between the prospects. This indicates that the elections are a wild-goose chase and cash, as the same individuals are chosen regardless of who is running. Vidal is implying that democracy is not a system that truly serves the people, as the very same individuals are chosen no matter their policies or platforms. He is suggesting that democracy is a system that is more concentrated on the process of elections than on the real outcomes. This quote is a criticism of modern democracy and its lack of significant modification.