You’re absolutely correct, but neither of them were poor or middle-class unknowns by the time they ran for president. Both Obama and Clinton (and their spouses) were attorneys prior to them ever running for any elected office; lawyers tend to make a good bit of money. Further, both Obama and Clinton ran for and won state offices before running for national offices--Obama State and then U.S. Senate; Clinton governor of Arkansas. Thereby, again, amassing money and supporters before hitting the national elections for the presidency. Further, please note, I said “nowadays” — not the 1990s or 2000s before Citizens United became the hellbeast that it is.