Political Punch

To the article, the only question would be does his rhetoric match his actions. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that they chose not to report their charitable deductions to keep them anonymous.

My big concern is the hate that is on this board. How can we, as a country, ever move toward the ideals that we were founded on...with such contempt and hate for each other, our politicians and sadly, ourselves.

I am one of those folks that tithes, trusts in and calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and believes in my country. And what I do know, is God is in control..and whoever He allows to be the leader will be. The people always get the government and leadership they deserve, and are willing to accept.

I wish you all peace...

patrick,
Even you don't believe that Obama made $15k of income as a civil/community worker.

Exactly what year are you refering to? Was this right after High School?

Obama is not all what you think he is. When it's all said and done, you will be in denial when you learn more about your candidate. You need to be open-minded.

I'm sorry but what have you people gave? Are there any written laws anyplace that says a person HAS to donate a damn dime to anyone? I'm not a Barack Obama supporter or a Democrat
(and thank God - for you people are idiots) but there are people with more money than he has, that gave or give far less. There are people that have far less than many of you and have given or give more than many of you. Before you ignorant and vile people try to condemn this man for what he did or didn't do with his own money, look in the mirror.

So what if he didn't donate enough. Before he was a senator the guy was making less than $15k a year doing civic/community work.

They gave a lot more than I did. After reading all your posts, I am surprised that any charity even needs to ask people for more...all of our charity's coffers should be full since obviously you all give so much.

Be a real American patriot and STOP THE HATE instead of looking for stupid reasons to continue it.

Obama is a liar and a racist???

Get a grip!!! The public sees plainly through HRC. 53% thought she was deceptive and that's before she got called on her lies on Bosnia-gate! Please, please, please, you HRC and republican shrills are too funny!

That one percent gone to anti-American chruch to promote racist and anti-americanism.
Good going Mr. Obama.

Custer above -- You said to name "one politician" basically who was honests, has credibility and the intelligence to lead -- that would be Fred Dalton Thompson. Had the answers, wrote them down in black and white for all to see, and had no skeletons. Instead of rushing to support him, people fell, instead, for charisma and empty rhetoric. We lost the man who would have been the greatest President ever known, the man who could have done it all. Sad day for America.

You know all of you insulting Hillary supporters are crossing the line. Do you think that all of the disgusting untrue negatives you spew about Obama is going to be forgotten if your fat but girl steals the nomination? Do you think we are going to waste our gas running to the polls to vote for Hillary when you think you can just put a man down every chance you get? you must be MAD! Say hello to McCain and good by to your young boys!

BHO is just "thrifty" with his cash, I bet he "tips" well at TGI FRIDAY though, HMMMM.....maybe not!

Lauren:
Are you a politician???

Because if you WERE a politician you would EXPECT that your tax returns would come under review and would therefore CLAIM ALL OF YOUR DONATIONS.

However, I can TOTALLY understand you giving him the benefit of the doubt. (NOT).

Stop acting like he's God's gift, the man is in politics. Name one politician who isn't dishonest.

NOT ALL AMERICANS CLAIM EVERY DONATION THE MAKE. I KNOW I DONT. I DONT GIVE TO GET A TAX BREAK I DO IT BECAUSE BELIEVE IN THAT CAUSE.
I ALL OF YOU OBAMA HATRS WOULD TEL HILLARY RELEASE YOURS,DO YOU KNOW WHY SHE HAN'T, SHE HAS TO REDACT THEM .YOU KNOW ONCE A LIAR ALWAYS A LIAR.
SHE IS A GREAT STORY TELLER SO SHE HAS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE STORY OF TAXES MATCHES HER WORDS.

If you look into his tax return, you see his wife made $257k as a hospital administrator. Want to know why healthcare costs are out of control... this is why.

I can see a doctor who is saving lives or doing complex surgery making $257k or more, but some pencil pushing hospital administrator? What do they do that's worth that?

Hey Obama, wanna reduce health care costs, start here! These insane salaries for nebulous jobs and the $18 hospital asparins, just to name a few.

I just can't give my vote to a presidential candidate who let other people damning this country. In his recent speech about race Obama still tried to defend the person who wished that God would damn the country that we all love. What kind of leader would do such thing!

Ugly Ugly Ugly. I make FAR LESS than what the Obamas made. Furthermore, I'm single. And I gave to charity alot more than they did. I'm not saying that they were obligated to do so. But I am surprised at their charity - or lack thereof.

Sen. Obama and his whole campaign is just pure and simple jive!

Hmmm. I think Obama said he donated $22,000 to the TUCC in 2007. I guess he really does support the beliefs of his minister and church or he was trying to look good in his run for President. With all those millions coming in from his supporters, I wonder if any of that money is going to support his church.

Shocker! Kerry gave ziltch in 2004 and Gore gave less than $250, meanwhile Cheney gives in the millions. It's like the Clinton daughter v. the Bush twins. The Bush twins worked in the DC public school system, Latin America, and Africa while Chelsea made $150K working for hedge fund (hedge fund, btw, is a dirty word in DNC circles, except when C. Clinton or John 2 Americas Edwards works for them).

Obama. Solving poverty through your funds, not his. Chartiy starts at the IRS I suppose. Hilarious. So frigging typical of the Do As I Say, Not as I Do Crowd (reference to the same titled book).

kate, Obama's wife has been making six figures for a long time now.

and to all those making the, he gave it, but didn't report it excuse. BS. These people take all the deductions they can get. How do you think Kerry paid taxes at the 25% level in 2004?Stop kidding yourselves. Obama is just like the rest of the left, all talk, no action.

Jackt51, the professor meant it's in line with the givinfg patter of most democratic Americans. There have been numerous studies on this. Right after the 2004 election, for example, showing how Red States and Bush voters were more charitable. Same thing when measured conservative v. liberal. The same thing applies in Europe. You're all only generous with other people's money.

Tax day is on April 15.

This is the day I and most americans (that actually work for a living) file thier returns.

While in the White House, the Clintons filed and posted thier tax returns on April 15.

Now they are suppose to do something different just because price Obama says so?

Is Obama going to make all people file taxes before 15 April? What happened to the rule of law?

What happen to freedom?

I really don't think that anyone who runs for pres.should have to release anything. why does this have to be public record. it's none of anybody'a bizz...greg

how is this seriously an issue? It is what he claims, at that level of income, you only claim what you have receipts for. I don't doubt cash goes into the collection plate when they are in Church. this is one for those that already weren't going to vote for him, had he donated more it would have been, look look! he just wants to mandate we all give as much as he does!

"I only make $53,000 a year. I'm not all that particularly religious. And I still managed to give the church I go to ten Sundays a year $2,400 in 2007. Obama's a rather selfish cheapskate."

LOLOLOLOLOL

2400 bux?? SUCKER! they took your 2400 and RAN. Anyone who tithes at church is an idiot. Big fairy tale is all that the church is teaching you. yeah, Morals are great 'n all, but most churches are so IMMORAL it's ridiculous.

Why don't you look at the bigger picture? 1.2 million in income... and they paid 300K in taxes... WOW. they gave 300 grand to the UNITED STATES. Sounds like they did their donation duty right there.

It's funny... i bet most of the people here don't donate to charity at all. I made 120K last year. I didn't donate one RED CENT to charity. Do you know why?? because most of the money you donate to charity goes to the organizations' administration staff. Usually it's on avg of 70 or 80 cents on the dollar... so it's STUPID to donate to charity. If you want to help people, help DIRECTLY by giving to the specific folks it would help. When you do that, it's not "tax deductable" but does a far greater service.

Ask an Obama supporter why they like him. They say...I share his values...he has done so much good for his community..he wants change...he practices a new kind of politics.

Well...do you have a different reason...because those do not seem to fly anymore.

It is clear he is a politician just like them all...he lies...misspeaks...uses negative tactics (we see this clearly with the Hillary bashing from his supporters). He sought out high ranking members in the political world to gain their support for his own political aspirations.

Take off your rose-colored glasses Obama supporters...time to ask the tough questions of your candidate and not to be duped by a speech, no matter how well spoken.

We have always given 10% of our income to the church. Donate in other ways and time. We have never made near 45k a year either.

I am amazed that obama being so civic minded and concerned about the poor in the area he was from, would of given more to them. In donations and time. Like roll up his sleeves and cook and help at soup kitchens and events. Sat down and eat with the poor and get to know them. Silly, me. I am sure he is to high above them to take a genuine hands on approach with them.

Mr Obama is a speech.

There are those who donate whenever necessary to needy people "everywhere" and don't claim tax deduction on every donation. Never judge others if you don't know the truth.

I thought only republicans were that cheep.

Maybe the Obamas thought that giving $311,000 to the US Government was charity enough, as they had no say how THAT money would be spent (welfare, porkbarrel, war effort, etc).

Please note that I am no Obama supporter either. I just think he needed a better tax shelter - or accountant - that he actually paid that much.

They were too busy donating favors to Rezco. And they needed every dime to make payments on the house that Rezco helped them buy.

The problem I have with the Democrat tendency toward stingy-ness is that they make much more money then we do, but they want to take OUR money and use it for their programs...programs that they don't even give personally to.

At least Bush and Cheney have been generous with charities. Dems want to give away other peoples' money (raising our taxes). Republicans want people to have the choice to give if they want to.

Wow a that's nearly $42 per week in the collection basket. How generous...

No offense, but I don't remember "giving to charity" as being a requirement for the Presidency of the United States. Especially since half the presidents we've had lately consider "charity" to be an entitlement and encouraging laziness. Unless of course its a faith-based initiative.

They made, total, 1.2 million, according to these figures. Of that, they paid 311,000 for taxes. Which leaves about 900,000 left to pay for things like mortgage, any kind of schooling for their kids, health care, etc. I'm pretty sure they have to keep track of their bills more than say many other members of Congress. I also remember reading that they both just paid off their loans for law school.

Seriously, for this level of government, they ain't exactly raking in the cash. What is the point of this article?

Obama IS a
--- Talker ---
but NOT a
--- Walker ---

Giving money is not the only way to support charities. There is also the donation of time and effort, by volunteering and assisting with the purposes of the charities. Those donations also have a monetary value, but not the kind that is reported on tax returns. Judging someone's charitable history by looking only at monetary donations listed on their tax returns, therefore, can be highly misleading.

thinkingfella : What a joke!

I'm loving all the republicans posting as 'former' 'Obama supporters' here.

Keep it up guys, your anger and mastery of the language are making my arguments for me.

Obama in '08.

Didn't anyone point out that was the year Senator and Mrs. Obama finished paying off their college and law school loans. How much did they have left over after that? How much would anyone have left over after that unless they were employed by a NYC law firm?

The Obamas' charitable contributions have consistently risen each successive year after that.

Obama and Michelle spent their time working on behalf of the poor in Chicago. They both took lower paying jobs to help in the community. They gave their time. Unfortunately, community organizing doesn't pay as well as shady trips to Dubai. I wonder what McCain and his 23 million dollar wife's taxes look like.

Oh for crying out loud. Let's get some facts and perspective in here please:

1) The Obama's could have given money every week to a charity and simply not requested their deduction. Many people do this, including me: when I put money in the church basket every week I don't ask for a receipt so I can write it off on my taxes. I know some do, but it's not a criminal offense to fail to ask for a deduction.
2) They could have given money to worthwhile causes that are not tax deductible.
3) They could have contributed to their community with labor and work. This wouldn't show up as a charitable contribution on the tax return.
4) You group all four years together to make it seem like they are big earners (over a million dollars!), and stingy givers, but if you look at each year individually they were relatively modest earners until the book started to sell in 2006, each earning around $125k a year. This is not an unusual wage for college graduates with advanced degrees.
5) It is difficult for people who make less to give more, because a greater percentage of their earnings are needed for expenses like mrotage, bills, etc. 6) You fail to note that in 2006 and 2007, as they started to make more money, they gave a considerably larger portion of their income to charity.
7) Can we get a comparison with McCain and Clinton's charitable giving here? Or at least some mention of why you can't? Is that too much to ask?

Umm.

Didn't the Obamas not make any money until 2005, and then they gave about 60K away to charity in 05? Nice cherry-pick!

OBAMA IS A LIAR !!! THIS IS THE LAST STRAW. I WAS AN INDEPENDANT WHO WAS GOING TO VOTE FOR OBAMA. I BELIEVED HIM, BUT HE LIED TO US. HE IS A RACIST AND A LIAR.

Obviously, he is a
Talker,

but
NOT
a
Doer.

This PROVES Obama is a racist and a LIAR. He has LIED to the american public. He should step down as Senator. He is damagaing the american public !!!!

This is the LAST STRAW. I was going to vote for obama, but now this independant is voting for Clinton. The Obamas are liars and racists !!!!

Awwwww, trying to find something bad to say about Senator Obama because Senator Clinton is having a bad day? :)

I hear that he never cleaned out his gutters either! lol

At least Senator Obama isn't AFRAID to release his tax returns!

Kate...Has Obama done anything else to earn money besides being a Senator and writing books?
I will note that they ONLY earned 1.2 million and not MILLIONS that other politicans have.
Still, we their IVY league educations and speeches about improving America you'd think there would have been more to prove it. MAYBE they devoted their TIME and attention?

Obama paid $26,000 on their last returns to his church . And his total assets is valued at 1.2 mill not his income. This is pulblic knowledge ,check on Hillary and McCain too. Hillary was in debt for millions when she left the WH for legals bills that both had .Corruption pays off , the have made millions made on pardons ,NAFTA ect after their 2 terms.

That's what I always said, look at a person's action, don't listen to the speeches. Obama is not the one willing to contribute to the society. He is liar, he is not a do-er, he is not a fighter.

Politics is making me sick. I am especially sick of all you Obama supporters.Probably you are all black anyway and all racist. He is all teeth and ears with nothing in between. He looks just like his white mother and i bet he hates that.

Oh, now I get it. For no good reason - the reporting was done on a 4-year period to spin the Obamas as rich misers. I get it. Why not give the full picture. Weird. And misleading.

Why is it liberals want more of my tax money to help people with, but refuse to give their own money?? I am not rich, yet I give more than 10 percent of my income. I say before they ask for higher taxs let them donate some of their own money.

I'm a little confused. I thought last week everyone was in an uproar because the Obamas gave too much to their church. Maybe that doesn't count in New York? It does in the rest of the country - and with the IRS. Something is off on the Bloomberg numbers and I am a mathmatical moron. I don't buy those numbers - and I'm willing to bet that by the end of the week they are corrected.

I only make $53,000 a year. I'm not all that particularly religious. And I still managed to give the church I go to ten Sundays a year $2,400 in 2007. Obama's a rather selfish cheapskate.

you CONVENIENTLY forget that Obama wasnt paid for being a senator until January 2005, which is about the time his books started selling. And compared to Clinton and McCain (who both get the majority income from their spouses), he's the poorest of them.

Then in 2006... they donate $22,500 to the Wright Church... why such a big increase in 2006?

It's too bad Clinton hasn't released hers.

It's so kind of them to release them 3 whole days before the PA primary.

I can't believe people aren't seeing through this crap. This is how Bush got elected twice.

Wake up people!