Should How a Politician Spends His Money Concern The Voters?

[Reddie]

There's this one article I read which seems to suggest that Marco Rubio wouldn't be the best president because of his "abysmal family financial management."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/13/1449331/-Why-is-Marco-Rubio-so-incredibly-poor

Senator Marco Rubio, who wants to be our president and become responsible for the largest, most complex economy in the world, cashed in his only retirement savings! And this came at the end of a 15 year period in which he earned at least $4,585,000, an annual average of over $300,000.

There always are two sides to a story. Maybe Rubio had good reasons for spending his money as he did. But question is, will someone's spending habits influence how he'll make decisions should he be elected as president?

If it does, should we elect only rich people who've proved that they've done a great job managing their finances?

 

[dogtowner]

Should we....
Not sure I want to go there, kind of an individual opinion to me.
Why might you perhaps ?
Money problems is amagnet for graft so if it gives you pause as to whether a guy will yield to temptation then maybe so.
But maybe it's not money problems just spends what he gets. That could be a problem for you but all national pols are good with spending more than they have so is that a good barometer ? Not sure.
Sounds mainly like a club for one pol to beat the other with.
Maybe it's best to examine his platform and his history of action. My 2 cents.

 

[Alexia]

I don't think it should matter, because the structures don't allow a single body to authorize payments, plus they have audits.

Many politicians are self-made people and have made poor investments and bounced back. I don't think it helps his image, but many wealthy people may errors and have poor advice. Look at all those who fell for Madoff's schemes.

 

[pwarbi]

I'm not sure it should make a difference to be honest. If a politician as the right policies and will do the best for the country in my eyes then I'll vote for them. That's what it should be about.

Unless of course he's spending all his money on cocaine and lapdancers, then I might start to get a little worried! Then again, I'm sure they wouldn't be the first to do that...

 

[BigRob]

I think it is fair to highlight the issue and let the voters decide if it matters to them.

 

[cashmcall]

I don't think it should matter, because the structures don't allow a single body to authorize payments, plus they have audits.

Many politicians are self-made people and have made poor investments and bounced back. I don't think it helps his image, but many wealthy people may errors and have poor advice. Look at all those who fell for Madoff's schemes.

Forgiveness, is a great thing, and looking for the best in people is another.. your post are refreshing

 

[pwarbi]

I think it is fair to highlight the issue and let the voters decide if it matters to them.

I agree. While like I said I personally wouldn't have a problem that's just my opinion, but stories like this should be in the public domain so the electorate can decide for themselves.

 

[jbbarn]

I tend to be more concerned with how politicians want to spend other people's money than with how they spend their own. However, if they can't seem to manage their OWN finances, how can they be expected to spend a minimal amount of taxpayer money, which doesn't belong to them. Yes it matters.

 

[Zynni]

I tend to be more concerned with how politicians want to spend other people's money than with how they spend their own. However, if they can't seem to manage their OWN finances, how can they be expected to spend a minimal amount of taxpayer money, which doesn't belong to them. Yes it matters.

I couldn't have said it any better.

I do think it matters. That said, I'd also have to have more info, before determining exactly how much it should play a role in this particular instance. It can be tough to wade through all the mud slinging. I tend to look at a politician's past political activities and stances and voting record much more than I look at anything personal that is posted about them.

 

[jbbarn]

I don't think it should matter, because the structures don't allow a single body to authorize payments, plus they have audits.

Many politicians are self-made people and have made poor investments and bounced back. I don't think it helps his image, but many wealthy people may errors and have poor advice. Look at all those who fell for Madoff's schemes.

Yes and although we don't have Madoff running for office, we did have Barack Obama. One only has to look at how Obama has desecrated our economy to know that a despot will do whatever he deems necessary to bring about his own ends. Obama has never had to struggle financially. If he did, I seriously doubt he could keep his head above water. I am looking at it in reverse, I realize, but considering the way he has wasted our tax dollars for 8 years, I assume he would have an impossible time managing his own finances. It tends to work both ways. A person is either fiscally responsible, or they aren't.