"A poor father and a poorer son, without food and with no roof to cover them," answered the Marionette.

I have no idea whether this poor woman kept the roof over her head; all I know is, if she did, it would have been no thanks to Mr Obama.

Many of those classified as poor have cable and satellite television, fridges, air-conditioning units, microwaves and a roof over their heads, even if it is just a caravan in a trailer park.