Hi Sis Kimmi, i am not well versed about discussion on politics but just want to stress out one thing here. I think we don't have to know the characters being discussed personally because if that is required then there would be no debate allowed in school, in congress etc etc. Everyone can contribute their views based on their observations and on what they have read.
To Manilana, I agree with you that if a man is born in poverty it is not his/her fault, but when he/she grows old and still lives in poverty it is his/her choice is definitely unacceptable because no one chooses to be poor.