Obama and McCain's definitions of rich reflect their ability to relate to voters

By: Jasmine Ashton

Posted: 9/5/08

As the 2008 election approaches and the nominees are finally picked, I think we're all asking ourselves the same question: do the candidates represent voter interests? And what will they do to get us out of the mess brought by the past eight years of the Bush administration?

In a faith forum held on Aug. 16, evangelical minister Dr. Rick Warren individually asked the presidential candidates a series of faith-based questions ranging from the existence of evil to abortion. Such questions were aimed to help determine their moral character.

When Warren asked them to each define "rich," a particularly subjective word, their responses were particularly interesting.

"I think if you're just talking about income, how about five million?" Senator McCain joked as Senator Obama thoughtfully replied, "If you are making more than $250,000 then you are in the top three or four percent of this country."

Regardless of their intention, the candidate's definitions of "rich" reflect their perception of the class structure that exists in our country. In order to truly understand their views, it is important to look at the both the candidates' financial backgrounds and proposed economic policies.

According to Guilford psychology professor Richie Zweigenhaft, the candidates' past financial circumstances play into the psychological dimension behind their policies particularly in regards to their reference group and who they compare themselves with.

Obama wants tax hikes for those making over $250,000 a year, a plan that would benefit the middle and working class. His upper middle class background mirrors this policy. From 2000-2004, before Obama began earning substantial royalties on his books, he and his wife's combined income was between $207,000 and $275,000 a year.

In addition to his tax policies, Obama proves his dedication to those whose incomes fall below the poverty line by providing $6.7 billion for anti-poverty programs while simultaneously increasing the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2011.

McCain on the other hand, "wears $500 shoes, has six houses and comes from one of the richest families in the state," said Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). The Republican nominee earned over $4 million last year and comes from an interest group that includes almost no one.

McCain's economic policies reflect the interests of the very wealthy and his plan to extend the Bush tax cuts would in turn benefit the seven percent who earn roughly one third of all American income.

The American tax system is progressive, allowing the rich to be taxed more than the poor. This system has been in place since America's inception, and places the lion's share of the tax burden on the affluent (theoretically). McCain's continued tax cuts for the wealthy make our system more regressive and proves that he is not looking out for the needs of the majority of America.

This all being said, a candidate's personal experience with wealth or poverty does not always directly correspond to their economic policies. However, in a country where the median annual household income is roughly $50,000, and the bottom 20 percent earn below $20,000, it is important that we elect a president whose policies reflect the needs of the middle and working class majority rather than the highly concentrated wealthy minority.