Historically speaking, how many countries, civilizations, do you know of that weren't run by "elites"? Every civilization on earth is run by "elites." If there's a revolution to over-throw elites, then the next people to gain power become elites and rule. It's an endless cycle.
Depends on what you mean by elites, surely this country has not been run by elites. Funny but when I look at Presidents my own favorite FDR was sort of an elite, at least in my definition. But he did a hell of a job. When you look at certain European countries they seem to have lost their elite too, Denmark for instance.
In America today the church as become for some the elite and for others corporatism but I don't see it. It is too vast and complex.