The party of privilege vs. the party of the people

In 2008, Republican John McCain was the presidential candidate with so many houses, he lost count. Barack Obama was the guy with only one somewhat luxurious home. Today, President Obama presides over a party of perceived privilege, while Republicans accessorize themselves as the party of the people.

Brown accessorized brilliantly during last January’s Senate race in Massachusetts. He’s not mega-rich like Kerry, yet comfortable enough, with five properties and a horse his daughter co-owned for a time with a race track owner. But Brown’s humble pickup truck and barn jacket remain the enduring symbols of his upstart campaign to win the seat held for decades by the late Edward M. Kennedy.

Kennedy was a rich and powerful Democrat who kept a connection to the people in a way that Brown and millionaire Sarah Palin understand. But some Democrats just don’t get it, from Governor Deval Patrick’s fancy drapes and Cadillac to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Armani suits and taxpayer-funded military jet.