GOP Candidates Emphasize Their Poor Backgrounds (VIDEO)

It is a staple of modern political campaigning to play up your humble roots to connect with voters. Perhaps seeking to draw a contrast with President Barack Obama, who some have deemed "elitist," GOP presidential candidates took many opportunities to mention their simple beginnings in 2011.

The mashup above of campaign moments features Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney.

Romney and Huntsman grew up in very wealthy families. But, like their fellow candidates, both of them speak of families who are having trouble "making ends meet" and the pain of the middle class.

Check out this recap of the campaign so far to see the candidates speak of poorer backgrounds and discuss how people are hurting because of the recession.