IBD:
Liberals hope that the populist-sounding Elizabeth Warren will run to the left of Hillary Clinton, whom they fear is now too rich and out of touch. But Sen. Warren’s financial records may dash their hopes.
While making presidential noises, the Democrat senator has positioned herself as the Democratic Party’s top defender of the working class.
On Wednesday, she told the AFL-CIO in its “Summit on Raising Wages” that the system is “rigged” in favor of the wealthy.
“The average family not in the top 10% makes less money today than they were making a generation ago. So who got all of the increase in income? One hundred percent of it went to the top 10%,” Warren preached, sounding like a reincarnated Eugene Debs. “All the new money earned went to the top. All of it.”
And, as it turns out, a healthy share of it went to Warren herself. She’s amassed a personal fortune bashing the rich — while insisting she’s not one of them.
Combing through her latest Senate financial disclosure filings, however, it becomes clear she is part of the same top 10% she rails against. In fact, her net worth puts her in the wealthiest 1%.
The assets of the self-proclaimed godmother of the Occupy Wall Street movement and champion of the 99% include:
• Financial assets worth between $3.7 million and $10 million.
• Real estate assets worth more than $3.1 million, including a home in Cambridge, Mass., valued at $2.4 million and a condo in Washington valued at $740,000.
• A $525,000 book advance for her new memoir, “A Fighting Chance.”
• At least 19 investment funds, including stock funds worth at least $1 million.
Her large stock portfolio is odd, given her crusading against the “excesses” and “greed” of Wall Street. And it’s downright unseemly, given her bashing of members of Congress who own stock.
Well, it looks as if Obama’s Jarrett/Chicago team is positioning behind old Eliezabit Warren, so Hillary had better watch-out for the long knives. Linking Bill to Jeffrey Epstein is just the beginning of the onslaught, should Hillary make a move towards running. Interesting that the broad brush of the Epstein filth has also painted Jeb and Crist. Guess the Chicago machine wants Fauxcahotas to have Chris Christie or Romney as a rival.
There might be something commendable about those who—for the sake of their principles—advocate raising the taxes of people such as themselves. The other side of the coin are wealthy people who advocate tax cuts that are disproportionately to their own personal monetary benefit.
To some degree at least, this might be a reflection of the selfless/selfish dichotomy. Opinions seem to vary concerning which is the greater virtue.
Have you noticed?
She has a new ally.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) will join her.
What a combination!
@Greg:
Oh, you mean taking an extra 5% of their $1 million while the little guy pays an extra 5% of his $50,000? Wow, that’s bold.
I wonder if Warren will refuse armed escort since it is so evil for that working scum? Yet another liberal that has never held a job and is uber-wealthy telling the working stiff how they identify with them. Like Obama. Like Hillary. Like Edwards. Like Kennedy. Like Pelosi. Like Reid. Their view is wealth is evil… but not their wealth.
Warren is a bald faced liar who took advantage of a false minority status to gain wealth and position. How can anyone except liberals trust her? When the people of this country were concerned with ethics, she would have been run out of town on a rail with the tar and feathers.
Republicans can claim both the richest and the poorest members of Congress. Darrell Issa is worth over $448 million. David Valadao is over $11 million in the hole. In terms of median wealth, congressional republicans are richer.
Congress is getting richer
@Greg: Ah. But Republicans don’t survive by vilifying wealth and anyone (but themselves, of course) that has it. Why isn’t Lizzy donating all but enough for bus fare and lunch to those in need?