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Poverty rate saw record increase in 2009: 1 out of 7 Americans is poor
The number of people in the U.S. who are in poverty is on track for a record increase on President Barack Obama's watch, with the ranks of working-age poor approaching 1960s levels that led to the national war on poverty.
Census figures for 2009–the recession-ravaged first year of the Democrat's presidency–are to be released in the coming week, and demographers expect grim findings.
It's unfortunate timing for Obama and his party just seven weeks before important elections when control of Congress is at stake. The anticipated poverty rate increase–from 13.2 percent to about 15 percent–would be another blow to Democrats struggling to persuade voters to keep them in power.