Palin Says She's "Everyday Working Class" Despite $250K Income, 5 Properties, 2 Boats, And 1 Plane

[Disturbed]

Their combined income of nearly a quarter-million dollars last year was five times the median household income for Wasilla's 7,000 residents. They own a single-engine plane, two boats, two personal watercraft and a half-million-dollar, custom-built home on a lake that is worth three times the average of other homes in town. For the future, they also have a 401(k) retirement account compliments of Todd Palin's years as an engineer with oil giant BP.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/30/palin-says-shes-everyday_n_130711.html

[crazylikafox]

1. She's a LOT richer than Biden. I think he should bring this up....

:bounce:

[Larkspur]

2. Yes he should and he should mention that he takes Amtrak to and from work every day

Biden's a communter, just like lots of every day Americans.

[rvablue]

10. I don't know exactly if he should bring it up

but I hope he's got this info in case she tries to hit him with being an elitist.

The other day, my only concern with Biden, is that Palin was going to hit him with a mommy zinger like, "Do even know how much milk costs" or school clothes or something......in order to make him seem "out of touch."

But this is a good weapon to use if she goes there.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

3. Where are they getting this money?

They're jointly making $250,000 and already have several properties and a half million dollar home. I read somewhere that Palin's salary as Governor was about $68,000. Her salary as mayor couldn't have been more. Is Todd Palin making that much money by racing snowmobiles?

[Marsala]

4. He has a high paying job as... something oil-related. I think. n/t

[MichellesBFF]

5. But I thought he was a stay at home dad!

Where does he find the time?

[Keith82718]

6. Working Class

As much as I dislike Palin's policies, I don't think this is the issue on which to attack her. It is probably quite correct to claim that she is working class, despite her relatively high income. She grew up a teacher's daughter in a small town. She receives $125,000 as Governor of Alaska, and I would assume that Todd Palin's income could account for most the rest. Although it is true that Todd Palin is an employee of the oil company BP, he is not in a managerial position, but a field supervisor position. Based on my knowledge of both Alaska and the oil business (used to be in both), his job probably involves supervising between 5 to 8 field employees (maybe techs, electricians, mechanics), and appears to be the type of thing a competent blue collar employee gets promoted to after several years of experience and proven ability - nothing cushy or "managerial" about it. Also, whatever his shortcomings, Todd Palin is said to be an active member of the Steel Workers Union, further indicating his current job is more like a foreman or field supervisor position than a managerial job. The five properties are not unusual by Alaska standards - they are probably remote hunting or fishing sites purchased for very little money (dollars to the acre) and very little improvements (unimproved cabins with no electricity or running water are typical).

Like I said, there are a lot of problems with her experience and policies, but I don't think this is a successful area for attack.

[BronxBoy]

7. Most Amercians

do not consider $250K to be "working class". I sure don't.

And it is an appropriate issue to attack her on especially in light of her condescending comments about community organizers, most of whom make nowhere 250K while helping people who definitely don't make that.

[RockaFowler]

8. $250K is working class??

WOW!

I must be at the poverty level then.

She is an elitist. No Joe Six Pack for her!! Ugh I hate that term

[livetohike]

9. Welcome to DU!

:hi: but I disagree with you. No matter where they came from in their past, their current status is anything but working class. Having five properties in Alaska is the norm? People in rural PA may have 1 hunting camp, maybe.

I don't see how Palin can claim she/they are "Joe Six Pack". A ludicrous term to go along with her miserable command of the English language. Surprising for a teacher's daughter.

[Left Is Write]

11. What was described in the OP is definitely not "working class."

A $250K income (plus property) for a Wasilla resident sounds like upper middle class to me.