"Is there really no one in the American political system who speaks for the poor?"

In a word, no.

I overstate the case, but not by much. In order to get high enough in the pecking order to be able to get anything done you need to have loads of cash. The poor are not in a position to give you that cash so they have no favors to call in.



I still don't think the Dems could have done much more in this round of the fight. I think this is unfortunate, but there you are. The U.S. is in a serious mess and it will take a lot of time and maneuvering to get out.