* I put this in the debate forum in the event it spins off into an ugly discussion. That is totally not my intention, but with politics, you never know. *
I see by the headlines today that President Obama made 5.5 million dollars last year. I know that former Presidents Bush, Clinton, Bush and Reagan all had earnings in the millions as well. That being said . . .
How can someone who makes that kind of money even fathom what it's like for the average American right now?
Cherry Crush
OCD is not an adjective. It is not a personality quirk. It is not synonymous with being organized. It is a complex and debilitating mental health illness that affects people of all ages and walks of life, and is defined by the presence of unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions. 
I am an OCD warrior and I fight for my son.
I am an OCD warrior and I fight for my son. 
Sweet Cherry Pie
Here is an article about it: http://www.brokencountry.com/index.php/ ... n-in-2009/
I think he's relate-able not because he is an "average joe" but because he is down to earth and doesn't act like he rakes in 5.5 million. Most of his money is from his book sales.
I think he's relate-able not because he is an "average joe" but because he is down to earth and doesn't act like he rakes in 5.5 million. Most of his money is from his book sales.
Kat >^..^<
Cherry Crush
To clarify - I'm not talking about relatable as in "likeable".
OCD is not an adjective. It is not a personality quirk. It is not synonymous with being organized. It is a complex and debilitating mental health illness that affects people of all ages and walks of life, and is defined by the presence of unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions. I am an OCD warrior and I fight for my son.
I am an OCD warrior and I fight for my son. 
Cherry Jubilee
I'm not convinced that any politician can truly relate to the "average guy".
Cherry Cropper
I think it is almost impossible, money or no money. Once you become president (or run for president) you are no longer the average American.
the pp is right - the average American would never be president - you need to have more money than the average folk to even think about running.
the pp is right - the average American would never be president - you need to have more money than the average folk to even think about running.
RACHEL
Cherry Bomb
There are some (but few) rich people and politicians DO come from more modest and humble roots, and thus may be able to remember things from their past, but times change and it probably is no longer the same. I think once you're living in a different level of society it's hard to "relate" but it's possible to "understand" ... whether they "care" or not is an entirely different story.
♥♥Amber♥♥
Cherry Cola
I still believe in a place called Hope and still believe that Bill Clinton was someone who related and still relates to the average joe - I don't think he has a clue how to do anything else. It's his strength and his weakness.
On the other hand, as much as Obama likes to schmooze with the rich and famous and take their money, I have no doubt that he lost his ability a long time ago and candidates like the Bush's, Kennedy's etc., who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, don't even know where to begin.
It IS possible to find these candidates and for these candidates to maintain their sincerity; the American people usually don't like them because they aren't "slick" enough for television and that's where the average joe who votes gets most of his information.
On the other hand, as much as Obama likes to schmooze with the rich and famous and take their money, I have no doubt that he lost his ability a long time ago and candidates like the Bush's, Kennedy's etc., who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, don't even know where to begin.
It IS possible to find these candidates and for these candidates to maintain their sincerity; the American people usually don't like them because they aren't "slick" enough for television and that's where the average joe who votes gets most of his information.
A Cherry on Top
To put it in perspective, you can read here how his earnings have continued to grow over the years. And a lot has to do with his book sales (as someone mentioned earlier). His charitable contributions were just as high :)
Trish ~ It's all fun and games until somebody loses an EYELET!
Cherry Cola
I agree with what most of the others have said - I don't think there are many politicians out there, if any, who can really relate to the average american. But Obama, I think, is probably as able, if not more so than most politicians because he wasn't always rich.
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