Almost all American presidents grew up wealthy, do you think they can accurately represent the poor?

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Almost all American presidents grew up wealthy, do you think they can accurately represent the poor?

by mood ring Posted July 23, 2007 21:37:14

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+6 raves

I was watching John Edwards on the news the other day discussing the problems of the improvised on his Poverty Tour across America and John Edwards is worth 62 million. Rudy Giuliani made 11 million in speeches last year. What do these men know about the average everyday American? And do you believe that they can make policies based on improving the lives of the poor and and middle class?

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	No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them. 48% 12 votes
	Undecided 36% 9 votes
	Yes. They are able to put themselves in the shoes of the people 16% 4 votes

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tmkabler November 10, 2008 00:55:08

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
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mk, Smartass Oracle January 22, 2008 20:47:06

Answered: Undecided
Actually Clinton, Nixon, Lincoln and I'm sure there were more, did no grow up rich. In Bush's case, he has no clue what the common man or woman goes through.
True~Male December 24, 2007 16:16:22

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
Most American politicians are completey out of touch with the average american. They can never represent us fairly.
<--That guy December 03, 2007 20:16:03

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
I think this is how is usually is, but there are a few exceptions (FDR).
T September 14, 2007 18:43:15

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
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The Hand of John September 14, 2007 13:43:20

Answered: Undecided
it really does depend on the person. FDR was extremely good with issues concerning the poor and his family was well off then again I've watched a politician that started from nothing and was a total jerk to the poor. I don't think it matters.
Mercury2120 August 06, 2007 15:40:26

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
(User did not leave a comment)
Patrick July 30, 2007 15:57:27

Answered: Undecided
The only though that comes to my mind right now is it takes money to make money...................
Marianne July 25, 2007 08:25:05

Answered: Undecided
I'm guessing anyone can put themselves in other people's shoes if they really want to; but yes it's easier to relate to similar people and not be to involved with different ones. That being said - it depends on the president really.
lonewolf July 24, 2007 05:48:37

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
(User did not leave a comment)
shirlstermcg July 24, 2007 04:07:22

Answered: Yes. They are able to put themselves in the shoes of the people
Most American Presidents ( these days) have been exposed to more ways of life and have vast experience with programs that help the poor and indigent. You cant really be immersed in a problem and be objective.
Lady O July 24, 2007 03:09:08

Answered: Undecided
They didn't all grow up wealthy. But if they achieve wealth, they can still represent the poor if they have a good memory and compassion.
I think this is one reason President Clinton appealed to so many people. He came from a single-parent home of modest means, and is living proof of the American dream. (I know, I know, some of you didn't like him, he needed a smack at times, but still)

So, anybody besides me still waiting for a President who will look out for the forgotten MIDDLE CLASS???
jackrorabbit July 24, 2007 02:35:37

Answered: Undecided
I would really say that it depends on the man. As for Edwards, he grew
up fairly poor, and made his money as a slick atty. I am sure he
remembers his roots. I don't know Rudy's story so I can't say, but
running NYC you definately have a lot of slums to deal with, so perhaps
he does understand it since he had to deal with it on a daily basis.
spider_brad July 24, 2007 00:55:05

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
Politicians have had more days off this year than I've had in the past five, and I'm not even poor. They're not concerned with the poor or even the middle class for that matter. They'll pay us lip service on the campaign trail to make the wealthy feel just a little less guilty about how the average Joe is getting screwed. But once they're in office, their only concern is suckling at teat of the lobbyists and special interest groups.
Regulus [99 - INSHALLAH] July 24, 2007 00:15:10

Answered: Yes. They are able to put themselves in the shoes of the people
To an extent.
shiela33 July 24, 2007 00:00:13

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
moderated...
Mamma Roo July 23, 2007 23:15:43

Answered: Undecided
My first inclination was to say no - but then I started thinking about all of us. I know that I can put myself in other people's shoes (to some extent anyway) if I really stop and listen to them. I am sure that some rich people are capable of it as well. Whether any of the current candidates can, is not something that I know.
#1Misty July 23, 2007 22:35:06

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
I too was watching John Edwards and I got the impression he did not want to be there, like this was something his camp set up, but it did not work out, I say. I feel that Mr. Edwards should pack it in, or go for being Hilarys' vice president.
highlatte July 23, 2007 22:27:44

Answered: Yes. They are able to put themselves in the shoes of the people
btw...........most American presidents were not born into wealth or grew up with wealth.
annamariesiobhan July 23, 2007 22:26:59

Answered: No. Their policies are limited to their own experinces and what will benefit those like them.
Rudy Giuliani is a crook. He makes money off of making speeches on 9-11 and the families that were affected by it. I just threw up thinking about it.

Does anyone know how to clean throw up out of a keyboard??