America: why complain about current politicians when you know very well you won't vote for the Average Joe?

Question

lets face it, Americans want politicians with high profile executive jobs, with million dollar retirement packages.

you dont want to vote in a local hero who helps his/her community. works hard to make ends meet and lives a real responsible life.

you want the typical, grew up rich, with a powerful family making decisions over your lives.

This is how it has been in the history of America


given that, what do you REALLY think about that?

Sway- agreed, but i thought Perot made his money suing car companies? guess i misjudged that one

kujigafy- an average joe in my definition is someone who didnt make their fortune being an ambulance chaser, or a former has-been hollywood star

gz- then you are happy with Bush and Cheney and all other politicians that keep making their way back to the white house?

Answer 1

people aren't honest about what they want. I tend to like candidates who have had 'humble beginnings', but most don't.

even gore, who i love, is from a rich family and while I don't doubt his intellegence he got into a top school and had connections for jobs after he graduated. a non-rich person needs top grades and great behavior to even qualify for a top school and some top schools will still let in someone with money above said poor but smart student.
then its hard to get into a field like politics without some friends and connections.

more rich people with wealthy families run than adverage joes

Answer 2

I've always thought the same, but like others mentioned, the biggest barrier to running for office is being able to afford it, or knowing enough rich people to make donations. To meet rich people you need to be rich or in a high position, if you are in a high position, you're probably rich, and if you're rich, then you're no longer an "Average Joe". It's this vicious circle of logic and nowhere can you break it so that an "Average Joe" can be elected.

Answer 3

first, define average joe. look at the "average person" (if that can be defined). your neighbor, or what have you. do you want that to be your president? id rather someone who isnt average - well educated and experienced with law and public policy is not the norm, but its the best choice for president, usually.

second, i dont agree that most people do want any of what you said on principle - it just so happens that theyre the best connected and prepared to run a national campaign.

and there are several examples of people who were not raised with money and power and became president: clinton, reagan, nixon, lincoln, and jackson are just a few.

edit-but youve only defined what the average joe is not, not what the average joe is. i agree with you on who should not be president, what about who should be president (ie, who is the average joe, and why is he qualified)?

Answer 4

I dont know where your part of the country is but here is Central Pennsylvania. We have the same stupid ways that you are talking about except here. These people maybe vote for the other canidate (dem or rep or vise versa) but that is only 1 tenth of 1% of the total vote... Other then that..... They vote straight on a party line.... And that means like you said the rich.... Grant from Pennsylvania

Answer 5

We complain because we vote them in on what they say they will do. Then, they don't do it. Until we are able, which will never happen, to be able to recall them out before there term is done, we are stuck with what we got stuck with. It seems good people want nothing to do w/ running. Maybe only yearly elections for one term of two years and you're gone and not able to return. A total change every two years. Peace :)

Answer 6

The average joe is too busy trying to get 40 hour work in to go traveling across the state to get elected. And besides, a person has to be known to get elected. How many people do you in your group of acquantences that is known outside your town?

Answer 7

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

This is what I want my president to be qualified to do. I don't care how much money he has or hasn't made. The second part of this oath referring to the Constitution is equally important and requires having read it!

Answer 8

Why would I want to vote for the average Joe??????
I want some one who has the brains and has a vision for what serves this country best. I know I won't get what I want but that's the way of the world.

Answer 9

I would like to see more independetly weathly self made persons.

I was gunning for Perot, seriously, who better to balance a budget than someone who came from nothing and became something great with noone elses help

Answer 10

Exactly.

I want wealthy people who at the very least can stop beating on the poor for being poor.