Neither political party has much incentive to point it out (Republicans because they are in the opposition, Democrats because it weakens the argument for state action), but the United States is still a very wealthy country. Here, based on 2014 Census Data, are median incomes for 4-person households by state– above $60,000 in even the poorest states, and above $100,000 in several. 2-person and 3-person households are not as wealthy, but neither paints a picture of widespread destitution. America has pockets of poverty amid widespread affluence, not the other way around.
spottedtoad 
The Republicans are in opposition?
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I think the political culture represents the Presidency as the government, yes.
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