Madison and Jefferson did learn from history. It's not all about fighting the 'oligarchs' of today, nor is it all about pleasing a healthy majority of a democracy like ancient Greece. It's about doing what's best for ALL, even if the majority is stampeding around like a bunch of frantic ponies. If a candidate can't do something worthwhile for both the 'poor' and the 'oligarchs' within the limits of our republic (note: not a democracy except when the people are ready to make an informed and thought-through decision), then that candidate is unqualified for office. If the rich are overtaxed in this country, with the support of the Democrats, then good leadership is to give them tax breaks. If they aren't taxed enough, then lower the boom and don't make lame excuses. As for reality right now, GWB is doing fairly well in spite of being an overt twit - and the Democrats that crave mismanagement that leads to socialism are really freaked out by it. LOL!