Question

Say, don't you remember, they called me Al—
It was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal—
Buddy, can you spare a dime?

The excerpt emphasizes the idea that the problems of the Great Depression
affected all Americans in one way or another.
drove a wedge between people who once were friendly.
brought out the very worst behavior in many Americans.
caused many Americans to experience financial ruin.

Answer 1

drove a wedge between people who once were friendly.

The speaker pleads with a former friend—“I’m your pal…Buddy, can you spare a dime?”—showing how economic hardship fractured personal relationships.