Is the pool of POTUS contenders destined to only be a millionaire's club?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:17:56 -0400

How weathly does a US citizen have to be to contend for the US presidency, much less win? Do you have to be a millionaire to even have an outside chance at winning? Where does that leave the rest of us? Was our elementary teacher correct when she said we can grow up to be president of the USA? Or is that an exclusive club reserved for millionaires?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 11 at 2015 8:19 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:19:21 -0400

Let's face it. It takes millions to run for a job that pays 400k

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 11 at 2015 8:19 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:19:31 -0400

Personnally speaking I can't remember that last president who wasn't well to do when he took office. I think it has always been a millionaires club.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 8:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:21:05 -0400

Not to worry sir, when I retire I'll run for POTUS and save us all from the madness! But to answer the question, it seems right now that the two people with the most money and resources are winning, only time will tell.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 8:27 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:27:23 -0400

You know, I've sometimes been tempted to believe that if someone could stomach the insults...afford to not work for two years (the better to make the effort)...and had family willing to support them while they did it...a "regular" guy could make the cut. At the very least, someone using "free" publicity like social media could come up with a way to prove that popular support should warrant a place on the ballot. I say we all support our own "RP candidate"...what say you SSG Wallace? (from one Scot to another, you gotta admit the name's enough to carry the vote)

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Aug 11 at 2015 9:44 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 09:44:14 -0400

Everybody else is to busy working to run.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Aug 11 at 2015 9:49 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 09:49:33 -0400

Harry Truman was the last non-millionaire to be elected President.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 9:57 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 09:57:12 -0400

I think that anyone has the ability to run. If you stand for good principles and have a good moral foundation then you will have people behind you to donate to your campaign. After the field narrows that support base is only going to grow. I would run for president one day if I felt like our country would still be around. Don't forget it takes millions to run for a job that pays 400k a year, true but that 400k a year for the rest of your life. In addition to all the money you get just for speaking and showing up to events.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 11 at 2015 10:08 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:08:30 -0400

The closest we have to that is Scott Walker. HS grad, college drop out, turned governor. Not saying he's my candidate but he represents more of what America is made up of...HS graduates with some college, trying to work to make ends meet. But again he's not who I'm voting for, just the atypical example compared to the rest of the field.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 11 at 2015 10:14 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:14:26 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver The only way it changes, is if we as citizens demand change. It doesn't need to be a millionaire's club. If we put strict limits on campaign financing, limit the amount that an individual can spend on a campaign regardless. I would suggest start with the salary of the President. As SSgt Alex Robinson put it, it takes millions to run for a job that pays $400k. So what if the limit of campaign spending was $400,000 dollars from all fund sources? You want to see someone who can balance the budget. Well here is the first test. You are only allowed to spend $400,000 on your campaign, and receipts must be produced to show how much was spent on each section of the campaign. Or let's be a little more reasonable. There are 50 states, so let's give them 500,000 to spend. That gives them $10,000 per state for campaigning.
The we will see how truly creative, and worthy a candidate is for the position. If they overspend, automatic Disqualification. If they hide spending, automatic disqualification. A person who balances the budget, gets their message out to the people, doesn't cheat, doesn't go over budget? You have a person at least worthy of consideration for a vote. This would additionally serve to allow candidates from outside the two large political parties to mount an equal campaign for the office.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 11 at 2015 10:16 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:16:28 -0400

It takes a lot of money to run. That's why only the wealthy attempt it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 10:45 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:45:07 -0400

Before or after they win the office?
If after, there can be little doubt that it has become quite the money maker for former Presidents. Speaking fees and influence are very lucrative.