Candidates Face Challenges Talking About Personal Wealth

Democratic presidential candidates may have to tread lightly when talking about income inequality and their own personal fortunes. A presidential candidate's wealth is a common issue during an election season. But with a growing focus on income inequality, the topic may be of even greater importance for Democrats during the 2020 primary. "If a candidate gets, for lack of a better word, outed as a millionaire trying to talk about working people's issues that can be problematic," said Todd Belt of George Washington University.

Class discussion: Most U.S. presidents have been millionaires either before or after holding office. Does it matter to you if a candidate is rich, poor or middle class? Why or why not? Can a rich person understand the struggles of working people? George Washington is ranked as the second wealthiest president while Abraham Lincoln was one of the poorest. What makes a president great or terrible? Should all political candidates reveal their tax returns so voters can learn of any conflicts of interest? The eight richest people have more wealth than half the rest of the world. What, if anything, should be done about income inequality?

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