Is it possible for any individual, no matter his or her political or social background, to gain the office of president and effect change?

In theory, yes; in reality, no… for reasons such as those you’ve stated.

Have you been in a cave for the last 7–1/2 years?
GWB has had quite a negative impact upon this country.

Considering the race/competition (in which they will need resources, allies, popularity and political savvy) that they have to endure before reaching the White House, I will say No.

We definitely have very limited choices to vote for president…....only two parties and none really does anything to benefit the masses, the country, and the world. In the end the promises we hear of what they’ll do are limited by the support they have in the Senate, in the House and other branches of the government. We may be a democratic country but if we only have two choices between two parties, we are doomed. It would be nice if the government puts a program to support the participation of other parties and all parties have access to funds to support their campaigns at least at the beginning of the race. We may have the best system in the world, but still we are lacking a lot when it comes to the external policy we have towards countries like Iran; in reality the way the US approaches these problems in a global basis all we accomplish is to isolate the US more than create allies. We are wrong just to label certain groups as terrorists but do nothing to benefit the people in those countries so the US popularity in those countries is less than zero. Is okay to show a military force but we must create programs that will benefit the people so we can take the terrorists support away. Otherwise we are just isolating ourselves in the world. We can’t police the whole world, we need allies. This is why our external debt keeps rising and nobody seem to be able to put a stop to it.

@MrKnowItAll – Good Point I should have specified positive change! My bad.

In today’s world it takes big bucks and butt shaped lips to make it in politics.

@Bri_L I’m not trying to bragg that I know everything. I just gave you my honest opinion on things. If you don’t like it just discard it and forget it.

edmartin
I’m pretty sure Bri was referring to ‘mrknowitall’ who posted the second answer in this thread.

@wildflower @Bri_L Ok, I see. Sorry, I wasn’t aware of that name on this thread

While I am usually very cynical, I think that some perspective should be given. Does it take money, savvy, popularity and so on? Yes, it definitely does. But our first President was a King in all but name. Adams was booted out on partisan politics and his vast abuses of civil liberties. With the Federalists out, in came Jefferson and the Republicans – who were white, male, estate-holding, slave-owning aristocrats. As were all the voters.
My point is politics in America has always been “a long struggle of meaninless he said she said that amounts to very little for most of our problems” with many of the problems you’ve mentioned. But it is getting better, I have to believe. Seriously, after the last seven and a half years, I have to believe that.

@ Edmartin101 – Oh my gosh yes, wildflower had it right. Your input was great. I was actually trying to find an article I read about a town that made it possible for anyone of any financial or political background to run and a waitress took a fairly hi office.

I quite enjoy your input and contribution.

@ -Mr. Knowit all I wasn’t calling you out in a negative way. I just forgot a rather major descriptive

I think it takes a strong and sterling character to accomplish this. Charisma, someone who can tap into the psyche of discontent and inspire them to effect change themselves.

JFK did it once when he proclaimed, ”[a]sk not what your country can do for you—but what you can do for your country.”

I am of the opinion that the effort almost needs to be put towards not solving the problem, but getting the two sides together to solve the problem. With out cooperation, the best idea in the world will be struck down.

@Bri_L Thanks buddy!

Change comes from consensus. Anyone who can build enough consensus to get donors, pundits, policy wonks, security wonks and economic wonks around one table should be able to take the presidency.

Good point dave… I mean chaosrob.