I am beginning to think that perhaps we need a president who comes from modest means, perhaps similar to Abraham Lincoln or Jimmy Carter. We have witnessed, with much disdain, what happens when a person of wealth, and greed to match, comes to the White House. Once money becomes an addiction, even the presidency won't stop a person like Donald Trump from pursuing ways of lining his pockets.
A president's salary is currently $400,000 annually, in addition to some perks that come with the office. Most presidents have adhered to the stipulations in the Emoluments Clause, which restrict gifts and financial gains directly related to the presidency. Donald Trump has used every opportunity to enrich himself financially, and his family members have benefited greatly as well.
After enduring almost 1-1/2 terms of Trump's presidency, I am inclined to vote for someone from modest means. Just because a candidate is a multi-millionaire, even if successful in business ventures, doesn't mean that such a person will be empathetic toward persons with meager existences. Trump, for example, doesn't understand what it means to carefully budget to account for rising grocery or gas prices. He has never shopped in a grocery store, nor has he ever filled his own gas tank.
The next presidential primary races will soon be upon us. We don't want another wealthy narcissist in the White House. We rather need someone who places others before himself/herself. Empathy also needs to be a primary characteristic of anyone serving in the Oval Office. This means that anyone like Donald Trump need not apply.
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