Mike Gravel

[DemocratSinceBirth]

What did you folks think about the fact that he thought it was amusing that he declared bankruptcy to stiff the credit card companies?

[kanrok]

1. It shows he's probably insane.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

2. A Few Thoughts

If you're broke you're broke...

Some lenders are , indeed, predatory...

I suspect Mike Gravel had fun buying some of the stuff he ultimately didn't end up paying for...

[Gonzo Gardener]

3. He did himself a huge disservice. He came of like a raving nutbag.

My jaw nearly hit the ground. :wow:

[flaminbats]

4. I was disappointed with his answer..

a candidate who had to declare bankruptcy, and who went through tough times would be one I'd be more likely to listen too! but he threw away a golden opportunity to connect with small business owners and the working poor by describing how tough bankruptcy is to get through.

instead he bitterly blames that on the credit card companies, it seems like Gravel learned very little. why are these debates only it making harder to choose a candidate? :banghead:

[Sparkly]

5. I think he's a jerk.

But I've thought that for a while.

[JerseygirlCT]

6. I think he's nuts

Often useful (his attack about the Iran amendment last night was *right* on point), often entertaining. But certifiable, too.

[THUNDER HANDS]

7. well, he probably ruined his credit score

why is this guy on stage again? Is there some minimum number of candidates that have to be represented on stage in these debates to make sure each person only gets 30 seconds?

Heaven forbid we have five candidates and they each get a whole minute or two to answer. Instead we get three candidates and the seven dwarves.

[StrongBad]

8. He came off like a stark raving mad old coot

He seems like a decent guy personally but he kind of reminds me of the type of person who dabbles in politics only to say that everything sucks while contributing no original ideas or positions.

[Naturyl]

9. I thought it was great, but not good for his campaign.

I didn't mind what he said at all, since I agree with him. Credit card companies are predators and I don't feel sorry for them at all. Millionaire exploiters don't need our concern. I do think Mike should have kept it to himself, because many people are indoctrinated into worrying about the welfare of predatory millionaires and some will falsely view him as a "thief" and such.

It was an unfortunate remark in a strategic sense, but great to hear in a personal sense. Screw the credit card companies, they can rot in hell.

[Desertrose]

11. Yeah, my thoughts exactly.

Probably not the best thing to announce publicly when you are running for president...but I actually loved that he actually had the guts to say it...when so many I think, agree with him.

The fact he used it for his political stuff is even funnier in a way. Bet those corporate CC companies hated that. LOL

DR

[Naturyl]

10. Oh, and BTW, he spent the money on his National Initiative

Not some kind of funtime shopping spree or whatever people are imagining. I think the National Initiative is kind of crazy, but Mike Gravel is all about it, and that's where the money went.

[LWolf]

12. I'm not sure.

How accurate is this Wiki article about him?

<snip>

In the 2000s, Gravel suffered from serious health issues, requiring three surgeries in 2003 for back pain and neuropathy;<8> in 2004 he declared personal bankruptcy.<8> After that, he began taking a salary from the non-profit organizations he was working for. Much of that income was lent to his presidential campaign; in 2007, he declared that he has "zero net worth."<8>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Gravel#Career_after_leaving_the_Senate

Health care costs are often helping to create bankruptcy:

<snip>

A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that the average out-of-pocket medical debt for those who filed for bankruptcy was $12,000. The study noted that 68 percent of those who filed for bankruptcy had health insurance. In addition, the study found that 50 percent of all bankruptcy filings were partly the result of medical expenses (14). Every 30 seconds in the United States someone files for bankruptcy in the aftermath of a serious health problem.

http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml

Frankly, the lives of my family are more important than my credit score, if it comes to that. I think many people will use their credit to provide necessary health care for themselves or their family, even if that means bankruptcy. That's nothing to be proud of.

The shame is that it should happen to anyone. Health care should be a right, not a commodity to be bought and sold.

I can understand the bankruptcy, and I can understand not liking credit card companies. It's not amusing, though, and I think that was a big misstep on his part.