Candidates - they’re just like us!

Tue, April 15, 2008 - 11:11 AM

After Barack Obama’s comments characterizing small-town America as bitter, the candidates are showing of their street cred to prove who is more “in touch” with American voters.

The candidates – particularly the Democrats right now as they continue their battle for the nomination in Pennsylvania and Indiana - have been trying to look like they are one with the working-class people of America.

Hillary Clinton throws back a shot of whiskey. Obama bowls.

In reality, the Clintons made $20.4 million in 2007. According to the New York Times, they are in the top one-hundredth of 1 percent, or roughly 14,500, of all taxpayers.

Obama reported income of nearly $1 million in 2006.

John McCain has not released his tax returns. But it’s safe to say he does well for himself. His wife Cindy is an heiress to her father's stake in beer distributor Hensley & Co. Cindy McCain’s worth may exceed $100 million.

All three candidates are in the U.S. Senate, a body which is not exactly lauded for being in touch with common folk. And McCain has been there the longest – 22 years.

When Clinton boozes it up or Obama bowls, we’re supposed to say, “Look at that! They live just like I do!” But it always comes across as fake and elitist. The drinking and bowling got major play on television because it is rare to see them do these things, at least publicly. And yet for many Americans, that’s a Saturday night.

So are any of these candidates really in touch with the American voter?

-- Amy Dominello