This election is distinguished by two things:

It’s the first election in which I have met both the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, John Kerry, and his choice for a vice-presidential candidate. I met John Kerry when I was interning for a Massachusetts news station — and I accompanied the interviewing reporter. And I met John Edwards at the $1000 a plate fundraiser last June.

The other thing that distinguishes this election — the candidates (all four of the major party candidates) are millionairs — multi millionaires.

I remember when George H.W. Bush went to a grocery store and was surprised by the ‘new fangled’ scanner technology. Now, that’s a man who’s not standing in line at Albertson’s on a late Sunday afternoon hoping his ice-cream didn’t melt before he could get home.

In this representative democracy, this got me wondering — how can these candidates even pretend to relate to our problems — when our problems are not theirs?

According to CNN reports, John Kerry’s worth is estimated at $164 million. John Edwards is reported worth a paltry (at least in comparison) $12.8 million. And these folks are supposed to be the nominees of ‘the party of the people?’

Now, most agree that Republicans are more candid about their wealth. George W. Bush, despite all his financial blunders, is according to Slate reportedly worth between $9 and $26 million dollars. And Dick Cheney, the former head of Halliburton, is worth according to Forbes reportedly $60 million dollars.

So, again I ask, do you think these men have had problems similar to those of most Americans?

Do you think they’ve ever been unable to find a job — when they really needed one to support themselves or their families?

Do they know what it’s like to come to the first of the month and not have enough money to pay the rent?

Do they know what it’s like to go to be hungry?

Do they know what it’s like to be in court and not be able to afford a private attorney — as you face prison, or worse, the termination of your parental rights?

Have they ever sat, ill, in an emergency room, trying to decide if theyshould give them their real name, because they don’t have health insurance and can’t pay the bill?

Have they ever had to decide between food and shelter?

The answer is no. In this representative democracy — these candidates represent wealth, affluence, exclusivity, and the top 1% of Americans. Now, who will represent the rest of us?

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