Is there any declared Prez candidate who couldn't afford Edward's House?

[BR_Parkway]

$6 million? Seems like small change for the pocketbook of all the candidates I can think of. And the whole overblown "he sold to hidden people" story in the Solomon smear article? If he doesn't sink the profit into something, he pays it in capital gains. Seems like there was another big house sold in Raleigh too that may need to be rolled over. I made good money on my real estate the past few years, if he started out with a much more expensive place than me (pretty safe bet) than his gain as a percentage was probably a pretty nice chunk

Do I think it seems like a stupid move politically? Well, I've certainly seen sharper ones.

Do I begrudge him? No, he earned his money, can spend it however he wants.

Do I think that it's a waste of resources? Probably, but the follow up info on the earth friendly design looks interesting to say the least.


Has my opinion changed about him? No, knew he was wealthy before.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Not sure what Dennis K's finances are like. I imagine, though, that

banks hand out loans and mortgages like candy to congress critters.

[ShortnFiery]

2. But that's the exact point:

Having a money cushion in the bank. Living modestly and giving generously to charity is laudable. However, if you are a politician that FOCUSES your campaign on populism values, well, in all objectivity it's mere the showing off (purchase) that is the kiss of death for your upcoming election.

No, it's not fair but because POPULISM and helping the poor is Edward's focus, buying this castle was way "stoopid" for this highly intelligent man. I don't get it either - but we both know that it won't fly well with those on the fence.

Additionally, Edward's swaggering rhetoric threatening Iran won't work for the peace loving, liberal base.

Sorry, it's just IMO, but Edwards has ruined his chance of being President six ways to Sunday.

However, I believe that he could be a very good Vice President. :shrug:

[MrPrax]

3. If the Solomon article,

is a smear...then it's a good one.

I have been looking mightily for a really good rebuttal to this from our usual reliables both here and on other sites -- funny they seem to be shooting blanks on this one.

There is of course that veritable leftwing pit bull http://mediamatters.org/items/200701190010">Media Matters. They spin nail THE most glaring aspect of the story and the part of the Solomon piece that I was most concerned about :eyes:

The simple reality that can't be 'spun' is that most voters have figured out that folks who live in 4 or 5 million dollar houses generally DON'T have the same interests as them.

[all.of.me]

4. Environmental impact

Is it earth friendly? Is it green building? Does it save energy? Were native materials used? Is every inch of space utilized? It is optimally and naturally sited to the land? Granted it is on 102 acres, but a lot of trees were cut down. Is the landscaping going to be native, or will it need excessive and wasteful maintenance?

If politicians already have big homes, that is one thing. But to build something like this when the earth is getting more and more fragile, in my opinion, is not a good move, politically or ethically. What does Al Gore have to say?

[DU9598]

5. Most likely Tom Vilsack

He has a nice middle class home in Mount Pleasant, Iowa ... it is a remodeled victorian next to the train tracks that run through town. He also has a modest apartment in Des Moines close to his campaign headquarters. He was a self-made small town lawyer, but I doubt he could come close to John Edwards.

That said, I am leaning more to Edwards, but we shall see.

[UTUSN]

6. How many acres is Shrub's pig farm? & CHEENEE's multiple properties?

After all, CHEENEE and Shrub broke the law from Day One, since they were both residents of the same state.

That said, it is obviously a stupid move politically to splurge while campaigning on "two Americas" themes.

If he can get himself out of it, with the aforesaid focus on Shrub-CHEENEE's properties, he could prove himself astute. If not, he's over.