Can a low to middle income person run for president today or is the presidency only for the well-to-do person?
2006-07-03 07:15:57 · 25 answers · asked by MADteacher 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Any rich, white, straight, protestant male over 35, who was born in the U.S.A. can be president. Everyone else is out of luck for at least 20 years.
2006-07-03 07:19:48 · answer #1 · answered by Torero In Red 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Someone who isn't wealthy could run for President -- and many do -- but would have no chance of being taken seriously as a candidate. National campaigns require a lot of money (most of which is wasted on TV ads), so a viable candidate needs either a lot of money of his own or access to a lot of money from contributions. Contributions are unlikely to come in great amounts to someone who is not well established in either business or politics.
A person who is not wealthy could *eventually* become President (as, for example, Bill Clinton did), but not right away. Such a person must first either become wealthy or, most likely, rise through the ranks of elected office.
2006-07-03 14:23:22 · answer #2 · answered by devyn_d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, just anyone could be president today, but who wants it? Every idea is second-guessed. Every little thing you ever did, or didn't do, is scrutinized. Things that have absolutely nothing to what you are today suddenly matters somehow.
As for running, anyone qualified (35, native-born American) , but why would anyone think they should vote for you? What have you done? How are you accomplished to think the country would want you? You need to give them something that makes them think you will be better than the others. How will you show it? Money isn't the issue, accomplishment and some notion to deliver on the promises (we sort of figure you won't on most of them, but you've got to be plausible).
2006-07-03 14:28:47 · answer #3 · answered by Rabbit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are certain requirements that must be met.
The president must be a natural-born citizen of the United States (or a citizen of the United States at the time the U.S. Constitution was adopted), be at least 35 years of age, and have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.
2006-07-03 14:20:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A poor person could become president, but it would be difficult.
You need to have ideas that enough people agree with so they will vote for you. You need a way to get those ideas out where people can see/hear/read them. You need to show that you have some experience in leadership -- what positions of authority have you held in the past, and did you do a good job?
In order to get the word out, it usually takes money ... if you don't have it yourself, you need to convince others to support you ... and they usually want something in return.
2006-07-03 14:24:08 · answer #5 · answered by jackalanhyde 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While there are the constitutional requirements of being a naturally born citizen and being over 35 years old, most Americans equate educational and financial success with potential success at running our country. Would you want someone who barely passed high school, and got their associates degree at the local community college running the free world? Would you want someone who can only get a job at McDonald's or is struggling with debt in charge of making big economic decisions?
2006-07-03 14:22:37 · answer #6 · answered by Dave S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes any one can become President.,But there Are requirements
1 Native Born Citezen
2 lived in the U.S.A. for at least 14 yrs.
3 Be atleast 35 yrs old
2006-07-03 14:32:59 · answer #7 · answered by Edward K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
anybody can run for president if they meet the following requirements
1) they have to be born in the united states
2)they have to hold a residence in the US for the last 11 years
3)have to be at least 35 years of age (i think it's 35)
It would also help you win the primaries if you have previous experience if you held any positions of public office in the past
2006-07-03 14:24:46 · answer #8 · answered by nemesis60145 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a low to middle income person can't run unless they had a crap load of money. You need money for advertising, traveling, you need to pay staff. Unless you can get a very wealthy financier to fund your operation, or if you can get alot of people to donate to your campaign, you're not going to last against the big boys.
2006-07-03 14:19:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, anyone can become president. Our last couple presidents have not all been rich. Carter, Regan and Clint ion were not rolling in doe or anything.
We sure could use an 'everyman' president
2006-07-03 14:18:55 · answer #10 · answered by null_the_living_darkness 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must be joking. A poor person becoming the president of the USA? No way.
2006-07-03 14:17:46 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋