Only 1-percenters need apply for the job of POTUS.

[MADem]

18. It's been like that since 1776, pretty much. Even before Citizens United. Even before any rules at

all were applied to the process, and votes could be pretty much bought.

Generally speaking, smart people find themselves in positions where they make money. They may not be stinking rich, but they aren't poor, either.

We're unlikely to see a part-time cashier from JC Penny elected to the White House any time soon. We pick people from public life--politicians, many of whom were trained as lawyers (not a minimum wage gig), who are working as Senators or Governors. We occasionally pick people who have served the nation honorably and well in times of war--senior military leaders, like Washington, Grant, or Eisenhower. These aren't foot soldiers, they're general officers. Those jobs also pay fairly well.

People who are worrying about making the rent and paying the light bill before the power gets shut off just aren't viable candidates for the Presidency. They may be nice folks, but they're just not in "the pool" for consideration and odds are, they never will be.