"...questions about whether the wealthy have an outsized influence on politics through campaign contributions."  Questions about WHETHER??  Oh, the naivety.  

"The problems [of inequity/have and have-nots] began to be felt when spending on social assistance and employment insurance programs was cut."   In other words, the artificial props were kicked out from under the receivers.  Inequity always a fact. 

"“It’s primarily about whether you own a home or not,” he said. “It’s almost a have and have-not division – those who have are doing well, those who have not, have different views.” 
Here's my view.  Notice the word "own." The statement should read, "... whether you pay a mortgage or not."  Many, many "homeowners" of course, really don't own their homes. The banks do.  As they will discover should the economy/housing bubble go sideways.  All it'll take--one way or another--is a 1.5% increase in mortgage rates.  If (?) that happens, tens of thousands will be "have-nots" overnight.