Obama Proposes Buffet Rule Just As He No Longer Would Be Hit By It

Just worked out that way.

He earned just under $800,000 in 2011, so he wouldn't be affected by the million-plus rule.

But...

The president did earn over $1 million in previous years--$1.7 million in 2010 and $5.5 million in 2009.

The Bidens, meanwhile, paragons of Middle Class Values, made just shy of $380,000, and managed, in this election year, to donate $5,540 to charity.

That's a marked improvement over the Bidens' previous record.

The Bidens reported giving $995 in charitable donations last year — about 0.3% of their income and the highest amount in the past decade. The low was $120 in 1999, about 0.1% of yearly income.

Over the decade, the Bidens reported a total of $3,690 in charitable donations, or 0.2% of their income.

Biden says he gives his time, man.

Biden spokesman David Wade said in an e-mail that the Bidens "also contribute to their favorite causes with their time as well as their checkbooks."

That's an average of $369 (yes, just three digits) per year for the last ten years.

Obama's also increased his giving for this election year -- knowing Romney gave away an awful lot, the Obamas now report giving 22% to charity.

However, the Obamas have made a lot more money in the past -- and gave just 5.7% to charity in 2007, an election year.

Correction: I screwed up my math. In 2010, paying their 2009 taxes, they gave 18% or so.

posted by Ace at 11:34 AM

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