The reality of American politics, past and present, is that most politicians have always been very wealthy, as running for and serving in public office requires assets, and the time and effort needed to be elected and to serve in office.
No one has a problem with a politician’s wealth unless it leads to a belief that he has a callous lack of concern about the lives of ordinary people, a disconnect between the politician and the people.
Therefore, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush came across as leaders who could connect to the American people at the time they were elected.
This is the problem of Mitt Romney, his inability to connect to average people, and demonstrate concern for the average American’s everyday existence.
We don’t fault a person being rich who wishes to govern us, but we do resent a person who looks down on us as the “plebeians”, who should just accept the “patricians” without any expectation of such leaders considering our needs and problems.
Hello Professor,
May I suggest the site:
http://manwiththemuckrake.wordpress.com/
There are two retired History Professors from the University of Toledo who contribute and I am sure you would have a lot in common with them. I am also a contributing member of that blog too and would love to have you stop by. Some very good talking points being passed on there.