Are all politicians wealthy?

I have also often wondered about these same things, estherlou. It seems that in order for anyone to make it in politics these days they have to be wealthy. I don't believe that this was the way it was originally meant to be. How can we be adequately represented by people who have no common ground upon which to meet us? It is a well known fact that money and power drives the need to acquire more of the same. That is why I believe so many politicians are corrupt.

Well in my country maximum poticians are rich.Even those politician who dont have single asset before becoming minister or MLA or MP,they become rich within a few year.Some become billionre.But there are some exception.

I was actually discussing this with my family a few days ago. Someone pointed out how most, if not all politicians have money, and that the chances to become a politician seem to drop dramatically when money is the thing you lack. In the end, we all agreed it was disturbing that it is the rich that run our country, and that the poor are left in the dust because they don't have the funds to compete. We may vote them into office, but in the end the people with the money always end up the leaders of our country.

As for whether or not they can relate to the poor - I think it's possible. Once upon a time some of them were no better off than some of us. Others had it all from the beginning: good schools, good connections, good finances, etc. It would depend on the politician. Some may let the money go to their head and forget how hard it is to be poor, some may only pretend to know, and others may remember the days of necessary budgeting with hundreds of dollars, instead of the billions they handle now.

I'm not!!! My last years income was about $25,000. Hardly a sum for someone trying to get elected is it?

Money has always been a stumbling block for me. I had one good year driving a truck and then was disabled by MS.

So now I'm on a disability income and haven't got a pot to pee into. We are going to be buying a house, but none of that takes place until after July 31st.

That's why I'm so anxious to get donations for my political run happening. I'm sure they will come, but it is a bit nerve wracking in the meantime.

Hello,..... prior to 1980 the politicians were honest at least in my country.but after that the degradation process started and now politics has become the last refuge of the greatest scoundrels.most of them are criminals.these politicians accumulate money by various unfair means and become rich very soon which an honest man can not achieve during his life time.the present day politicians all over the world are corrupt and they have enough black money.thanx.

Well all I know is that most of them have very nice places to live, and seem to not be effected by the same things regular folks are. So yep I have to agreee they are probably paid way to much for the messes they make. with our lives.

I don't know of many politicians who are not. Local ones also seem to have money. Let's face it, the days of service to the nation just for the joy of serving are gone. It takes money to get noticed. Then once they get noticed the politicians want us to donate to the election bid.

They will relate with those "politically" who has to live on less than $ 10. Politician of course wealthiest and they join in poltics to become more wealthiest by grasping business using political image. Of course every one not like this. Many politicians are not rich and devoted their life for the welfare of deprived people. Over all politics is for the fame, power, money, serving nations and world, etc.

I've always wondered the exact same thing - how can they relate to someone who is scraping the bottom of the barrel to makes ends meet?

It's no wonder that there is so much legislation passed that favors the wealthy - they're padding their own pockets, not looking out for the best interests of the general population.

I probably won't have a chance of getting a "best response" for this one, but I'll chime in anyway.
Most politicians (in the US) were successful business-people or professionals BEFORE they got into politics. It's true that many also come from successful families and don't seem to have to prove themselves, but it is the success that propels them into leadership. I respect leaders who lead by example. They know how it's done and how to get things done. I wouldn't want the unsuccessful to be running my town, state, or country.
Now in some countries politicians do get rich from bribes and pay-offs but that is not true in the U.S.(usually). Most politicians aren't paid big salaries as elected officials and they have to do fund-raising to pay for their campaigns. That's why the media focuses so much on how they raise their money and from whom. This gives you the best clue as to their character and influence.
People don't go into politics to get rich, they get rich so they can go into politics.