Because they controlled the environment in which business operates.

The economic policies of the in power party have a tremendous influence over our mutual economic condition. Of course, in reality it is just one party with two extremes since nothing really gets done except how to line their own pockets at the general populations expense. The wealthy will always be the wealthy no matter what the economic condition because they have the monetary buffers to survive it. There are always exceptions and that normally comes from overly aggressive positions that have a tremendous upside, but an equally tremendous downside. Just look at the speculative notes in the housing market.