If there’s one thing outsiders need to know about Washington, D.C. but don’t, it is that employees are loyal. To a fault.

People just don’t talk to the media about their bosses’ anger or bad habits. And they don’t just keep silent because of the professional consequences. The typical person working anywhere in Washington’s political culture — on or off the Hill — remains loyal out of strong feelings. Disputes and complaints stay within the family — at most, you’ll hear vague rumors that no one can confirm. And if someone from the outside ever drags your boss, you actually might not speak to that person again.