If by some inexplicable series of

[IMaDick]

That's a snippet from obama's speech on the deficit.

It's his claim, and yet he gets a 12,000 dollar refund after earning almost 2 million dollars?

[BlueTiki]

Through withholding and estimated tax payments during the year, the Obamas paid $466,104 to the Internal Revenue Service. That was an overpayment, so they are getting a $12,334 refund

And if that $12K was either donated or returned to the Treasury, it would represent 0.7% of his AGI.

In other words . . . his charitable contribution would have been 15% versus 14%.

No one forced him to take deductions and lower his effective rate to 26%.

[Duchess]

Doesn't he have people that guide him financially?

I don't actually care one way or another what others do with their money, I only care about my/our money. *shrugs*

[BlueTiki]

Doesn't he have people that guide him financially?

Naw . . . he probably used Turbo Tax.

I have nothing against anyone using the full scope and latitude of the the tax code to minimize their taxes. In fact, I have problems with those who don't.

I couldn't stand Kerry, but the docking of his yacht in RI was legal and a proper financial decision. And there's the rub . . . Financial v. Political.

When you're in politics and you preach a message, better get your financial guys and your political strategists working together to send a unified message.

Lead by example.

[Duchess]

When you're in politics and you preach a message, better get your financial guys and your political strategists working together to send a unified message.

Lead by example.

Agreed.