Does a politician's wealth matter?

While campaigning in Michigan last week, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney told a crowd about the cars he owns.

"I drive a Mustang and a Chevy pickup truck," he said. "Ann drives, a couple of Cadillacs, actually."

It was an uncomfortable reminder--at least for his staff--that he's a multi-multi millionaire. But as the Boston Globe noted--he's in some pretty lofty company.

All of the other remaining candidates have earned at least a million dollars--and one of them will challenge President Barack Obama--who has also made millions from his book royalties.

Does their wealth matter?

"Rich people have a harder time connecting with others, showing less empathy to the extent of dehumanizing those who are different from them," Britt Peterson wrote in the Boston Globe. "They are less charitable and generous. They are less likely to help someone in trouble. And they are more likely to defend an unfair status quo. If you think you'd behave differently in their place, meanwhile, you're probably wrong: These aren't just inherited traits, but developed ones. Money, in other words, changes who you are."

Kerri Miller will be talking with Adam Waytz, management and organization professor at Northwestern University. Allan Lichtman, American University history professor, will also join the discussion.

Video: Romney's wife drives a couple Cadillacs

Video: Why it matters that our politicians are rich

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