Here are some photos of former President Barack Obama in Milan yesterday. Barry was giving a speech at Seeds & Chips: The Global Food Innovation Summit 2017. He was the keynote speaker, and according to the Daily Express, he charged the summit £2.5 million for the appearance. It involved the keynote address, but he also did a Q&A session, and apparently the Obama events were completely sold out, so I bet the summit at least made their money back?
Still, people are mad that an ex-president is making paid speeches. Personally, I don’t care. I didn’t care when Hillary Clinton – who was then an ex-senator and ex-Secretary of State – made paid speeches either. I think there are a lot of conversations to have about getting big money and dark money out of current political system, but to me, paid speeches are not some dark, mysterious or dishonorable thing. Even if an ex-politician is addressing a private party or non-public group, who cares? A lot of people care, apparently. People like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, both of whom criticized Obama’s $400,000 Wall Street speech last week. Sanders called Obama’s speaking fee “distasteful” and unfortunate.”
I’m not going to pretend that I don’t think Barry Obama picking up hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not millions of dollars) per speech is a bit tacky. It’s the kind of tackiness I expect from the Clintons, which is another reason Hillary’s speeches never bugged me. The Clintons are super-tacky. The Obamas always seemed so much classier, which is probably why some Democrats are in a snit about it. Obama was supposed to be different! He was supposed to be PURE, don’t you get it? But at the end of the day… he’s out of office and he’s completely free to do whatever he wants. Why should we hold Barry to a different ethical standard than we hold the current emperor?
Also: I’m going to need Barry to button at least one more button on his shirt. Seeing him without a tie and with the extra button undone is… unsettling.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I miss him so much 🙁
This. His face should be on some of those bills.
I also miss him dreadfully. Hell, if I were a rich person I’d pay him $3 mil just to come have lunch with me.
You missed the fraud?
Yeah he’s amazing, but why not put that money into the Resistance? Seriously.
He needs some sort of income does he not
Better paid speech than black marketing or acting as oligarch and dictator’s puppet
He is already worth millions?
So? I will never understand why republicans can shill Nagini’s crap products from the WH but a democrat who is out of office should go leave in a cave on nuts and berries. Why is it tacky that he makes $? The man spent 8 long years doing a difficult job with grace and dignity. Making money now that he is a private citizen is nobody’s concern, and his income is his own business. There is no cap on what his personal fortune should be. If people want to pay to see him, good on him.
Get that $ Barry.
I also didn’t care that the Clintons made speeches or whatever. Out of office – do whatever you want. Selling favours while in office – go to jail. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. The Kushners are selling visa to Chinese millionaires, the Trump clown brothers are branding golf courses, home;s and who knows what else all over the world while protected by SS detail, Ivanka is “learning” on the job show to be a presidential advisor (apparently copying cheap shoe designs taught her foreign policy, diplomacy, military strategy etc.) – and people worry about Obama’s paid speeches. That is why this mess happened – the left has unsustainable idiotic purity tests, meanwhile Trumpsters happily oink in the swamp.
Nagini!! OMG I’m dead
Hey Vauvert! When did I defend Kellyanne Conway? or Jared Kushner?
Actually, he probably came out of the White House with very few tangible assets. His earning potential was high, but his actual existing wealth quite low.
U.S. presidents are paid $400k/year, a more than tidy sum, but they also have a LOT of expenses that no one knows about. They are billed at high rates for all food they eat, other than that at work-related events, travel not done in the course of business, personal staff time used, etc. Basically every single thing they and their family members do, eat and consume that is not DIRECTLY official presidential business is itemized and charged back to them. (Security costs are not one of these; those are taxpayer borne, even during “free” time.) It is not a free ride, by any means. Plus, Obama donated some of his presidential salary back to the treasury department.
Sure, the Obamas quickly got a mega-book deal, with an historic advance, so I’m not trying to argue they’re destitute, but the Obamas did not enter office as millionaires, and while in office almost certainly saw their net worth DECLINE, from what is when at least Michelle was still in the private sector. Of course, that all quickly changed once he was out of office and the offers rolled in.
I once heard of Hilary Clinton, who famously said they left the White House “broke,” that she felt that way because they were comfortable, but nowhere near the multi-millionaires and billionaires they regularly hobnobbed with. In their circles they were “broke,” by comparison. Which is both completely, logically understandable and wildly out of touch … Which you are very likely to be after leaving the White House bubble. Don’t forget where the Obamas spent their first weeks out of office … Hanging with Richard Branson on his yacht and private island. So, yeah, they probably felt “broke,” too, even if they have more than most Americans could ever even fantasize about.
Not condoning the mentality, just explaining it.
@VAUVERT 100% agree.
Trumps a billionaire. Obama being paid to make speeches people actually want to hear is 100% better than Trump being paid hundreds of thousands every weekend he goes on vacation golfing in Florida
I think the Obama’s didn’t have that much money when he was elected and I can understand why he’s cashing now. He’s still relatively young and his plans for his next phase of politics will need funding.
I do hope that he will start organizing soon and make a difference in another way.
“that she felt that way because they were comfortable, but nowhere near the multi-millionaires and billionaires they regularly hobnobbed with”
I disagree. They had millions in legal fees after all of the lawsuits that Bill was involved in. They were actually in debt. I read articles about their financial situation during the election.
vauvert well-said.
@ Vauvert this 1000x. He is a private citizen who has to make money. He days of being a great president is over( unfortunate for us). Let the man live his life how he wants to Bernie & Liz I’m looking at you.
Shelby- Just wondering. Is there a limit to how many millions someone can have? He has two daughters to put through college. He needs security because of right wing birther KKK nutjobs that still can’t accept that he was the POTUS. He made a very low salary while he was in office. And he is getting his income legit instead of funneling it through some phony foundation like Bono.
I am worth 1.5 and am not farting through silk everyday. You have to earn while you can earn.
I do not think there is a limit to what somebody can earn Lookit, but Barack Obama in 2010 thought there was. I do however think there is an honorable way to earn money and a dishonorable way to earn money. Profiteering off telling stories about your time in public office is dishonorable in my book. I do not like when republicans or democrats do it. It vulgarizes the presidency in my book.
According to data collected by American University, the Obamas are positioned to earn a quarter of a billion in their lifetime, that is gross.
Also to all of you saying Obama was worth nothing when he went into office, he was already worth millions for his two books preceding the presidency. He was worth 12-15 million dollars at the end of his presidency.
http://nypost.com/2017/04/25/when-will-obama-have-made-enough-money/
Michelle and Barack got a $60 million joint book deal earlier this yr.
@lookhot
What nonsense. I had to work 2 jobs to pay for my college and had to get loans.
Do Sasha or Malia ever have to worry about working bad jobs or paying back loans or their parents taking out mortgage?
The Obamas are millionaires. They already had millions even before he ran for office. He doesn’t have to worry about paying his daughters through college.
Stop acting like he is a poor guy. He isn’t.
I do not think there is a limit to what somebody can earn Lookit, but Barack Obama in 2010 thought there was. I do however think there is an honorable way to earn money and a dishonorable way to earn money. Profiteering off telling stories about your time in public office is dishonorable in my book. I do not like when republicans or democrats do it. It vulgarizes the presidency in my book.
According to data collected by American University, the Obamas are positioned to earn a quarter of a billion in their lifetime, that is gross.
Also to all of you saying Obama was worth nothing when he went into office, he was already worth millions for his two books preceding the presidency. He was worth 12-15 million dollars at the end of his presidency.
http://nypost.com/2017/04/25/when-will-obama-have-made-enough-money/
Ulysses S. Grant and Winston Churchill both saved themselves from bankruptcy by selling their memoirs. This is not a new practice.
He already was worth 4 million and Michelle had a good job which she was paid 200K per year.
The girls attended a fancy private school in Chicago before moving to Sidwell in Washington.
Why are people acting like they were poor or struggling? They were not.
I don’t understand why this is a scandal. A lot of former politicians including Presidents and Vice-Presidents do paid speeches when they leave office. It’s offensive that Obama is being attacked for something that’s normal. It’s not as if he’s in office where companies can influence him.
Maybe its who he taking money from? Wall Street? He condemned them and yet will work for them? Just for money?
Sometimes you have to say no to stand up for what you believe it and if he takes money from some county that has no integrity ( lets say he does in the future) then its like everything he said be believed in was a lie.
I may WANT to buy something but I won’t buy certain products from certain companies due to their stance on some subjects. And I also won’t work for them.
So the ” get that money” slogan just seems like he was talking out of his ass while in office and now he’s out he doesn’t give a shiz about it and its all about the money. Which makes me sad if that’s true.
He is a private citizen and is free to charge whatever people will pay for his presence and words. If he wasn’t so awesome, no one would be willing to pay millions upon millions for speeches and book deals. I am sure he will use some of the money to do good for other people, but if not – well it’s his money and he earned it.
agreed
I am sure Trumpety has done a whole lot worse for less money. I would do a speech for 30 dollars if I could get someone to pay me 🙂
Exactly. People want to know what he thinks and what he has to say. Why shouldn’t he be able to charge for his time and acknowledge his own value? This is so common, even Colin Powell gives paid speeches. Obama was speaking at a food summit here. Not sure what the issue is.
Plus the organisations he’s speaking to will no doubt charge whopping entry fees to hear his talks so he’s entitled to a share of that.
Yes, such speeches are often basically a direct and indirect fundraiser for the sponsoring organization. They aren’t losing money on it.
But if it were Trump, it’s a different story, right? Hypocrite!
Good for him. Make that money. Get all of it. He’s out there working and looking damn fine doing it. I consider myself a Democratic Socialist, and I could not care less about this. Everyone needs to stay out of his business and stay laser focused on the shitshow that is our current president.
right?? He’s not a lobbyist, so what the problem is?
Exactly! Why should Obama be the only former president who doesn’t do paid speeches? He was an amazing president for 8 years; he was our no drama Obama! Let him do as many paid speeches as he wants, he’s no longer serving in public office and will never hold public office again (according to him). He & Michelle are also donating 4 million to a Chicago summer work program so he’s putting the money he’s getting to good use. Also, when he’s in the news you know that pisses off Emperor Baby Fists!
Melly, In case you haven’t noticed, He’s …BLACK!
The problem is impartiality while in office. It’s not about Obama specifically but the POTUS office/seat. The fact it’s now pretty much an uniform practice means POTUS COULD – COULD – be motivated to be less partial towards certain sectors (banking, hint hint) while in office.
There’s no reason to believe Obama was thinking that way. He’s obviously putting his money where his mouth is, and the easiest way to get that money is through speaker’s fees, which will be highest at this time. The Clintons also shared their extra speakers money pretty well, donating millions to their Foundation’s projects.
Bernie, I love ya but you can take a flying leap on this one. You would not turn down such fees if they were offered and you know darned well that they are offered because the sponsoring organizations benefit greatly from the prestige and interest of having an articulate ex-POTUS speak. They pay high fees to get his time and attention because they ultimately make it back many times over. This is why universities have endowed lecture series, so they can compete to get famous speakers
Make that money, honey!!
Taking up a collection to get him back….
^^^^^^^^
All politicians do it. It’s not an issue in my book, who gives a sh*t? Where is the difference between this and a book deal? The man worked HARD for 8 years and aged about 20. Why is he supposed to do it for free?
This is much better than our politicians (yes, the super correct Germans) working for large corporations 2 minutes after they are out of office. F*cking Schröder, his good friend Putin, and that Nord Stream/Gazprom embarrassment are still haunting me.
This. I honestly have no issue with these people making money off of speaking events – it IS less sketchy than many other ways they make money. So whatever. It’d be nice if they donated a nice chunk to some sort of cause, but whatever. As long as they’re filing it properly, I don’t really care.
In 2006/2007 Trump was the highest paid public speaker in the world – The Learning Annex
shelled out 1.5m per speech at an expo and only had to speak for an hour each time. In 1989 Regan made 2 million for two speeches and a tour in Japan and that’s 2m in 1989 money which would be closer to 3.8m now. Rudy Giuliani made $9.2 million – in 13 months doing this that he had to disclose when he was running in 2007. W has made somewhere to the tune of 15 million since leaving the WH. Dick Cheney makes 75k per event, his daughter makes 20k per. “The same year he joked about being recently unemployed, Mitt Romney made over $362,000 in speaking fees, according to USA Today.”
I believe Trudeau was making around 20k a pop for his speeches at one time.
The Obama’s donated $2 million of their own money for youth summer jobs in Chicago. They are already putting their wealth into action.
@Erinn Who in the world paid anything to listen to a Trudeau speech. If you are talking about the current Trudeau he can’t even put two words together.
People paid to heard the current Trudeau speak because of who is father was. Whether he is a good speaker or not, his father made him famous, at least here in Canada.
The speech money and the unbuttoned shirt….Barack might need to think about his brand before jumping into the post-President speech career.
I’m sure they make troll-proof suits.
Looks better than Trump wearing his huge ill-fitting suits and that red tie that’s almost to the floor!
He looks amazing and super stylish. He is doing more to cement himself as the next generation leader then anyone else.
Also how is his legacy/image hurt by making money? They all do this? And we have no idea what they make so why they keep reporting about obama is confusing
A lot of ex politicians do this, in the UK anyway, I don’t see the problem- I doubt any person on this planet would say no to being offered millions for a speech!
He’s such an amazing public speaker, though. I feel he would be worth every penny.
As someone who’s not American, can you please provide a video link of one of his speeches?
I’m genuinely curious. I keep seeing this claim repeated over and over, and when I look at Youtube clips all I see is a man struggling to put more than four words together without pausing every few seconds.
He has an issue with stuttering. Stuttering in no way indicates the level of intelligence or knowledge of a speaker. Often people who stutter have a higher than average level of intelligence.
It boggles my mind that people can actually listen to the content of Barack Obama’s speeches and interviews and not discern that he is a highly intelligent person.
I guess if you’ve never known anyone who is dyslexic or stutters or is neuroatypical in other ways, maybe you would incorrectly associate their speaking speed or cadence with intelligence, but these things are not directly linked.
He’s not an amazing public speaker, and never has been. He can read a teleprompter well, but he stinks at extemporaneous speaking.
Let the man make his money. He is no longer the president. He is a private citizen now and should charge however much they are willing to pay for him to speak.
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren need to focus on doing their actual jobs instead of worrying about what Barack is doing.
“Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren need to focus on doing their actual jobs instead of worrying about what Barack is doing.”
Yes!!!!
WORD. How many houses does Sanders own?? Angry Little Old Muppet Man needs to STFU.
Yes! They need to mind their own business and get after El Cheeto. Unlike Sander & Warren, he was actually the president and when they get there and leave office they can charge whatever they want for their speeches. Until then, they need to get to work.
I think that problem of focus and priorities is part of the problem in the Democratic party. Trumps destroying the country? Let’s take a break from that to go after our past president for doing what all past presidents do…trying to get rich after they are out of office. I think a lot of them do that by sitting on boards, much sketching than a speaking fee since they are peddling influence.
THIS thousand times over. Go for it, Barack. Haters gonna hate.
I agree, he’s no longer POTUS and what he makes as a private citizen not in government anymore shouldn’t be an issue. I admire Sanders and Warren but come on.
Also $2.5 mil of that speech money is going into a summer jobs programme in Chicago so they’re certainly not hoarding that wealth or offshoring it. That’s a positive, is it not?
Sorry – I’m glad Bernie and Elizabeth are speaking out. The optics aren’t good. In normal times, yeah, it would be tacky but I’d be willing to let it slide.
But this is not business as usual in America at the moment. The recently-former president earning millions while, among many other problems, millions of Americans are potentially about to lose their health care feels a bit like the old ‘let them eat cake’ adage.
This reduces my opinion of Obama. He’s in an insanely difficult spot, yes, but it makes me feel like he was more concerned in his final days in the White House with securing his post-presidential gravy train than taking controversial action to address the massive problems with the 2016 election and the very real possibility that one of the candidates committed treason in order to get elected.
He did what he could in light of obstruction by the Republican party.
Only when Clinton and Obama started making big speech $$$ did the “optics” get called into question. Obama can do what he wants and, given that he actually has a decent value system, it’s likely that money will find its way to good deeds.
The “optics” for the Trumps and Kushners and all the Republicans compromised by dark money are the only ones that count.
I’m sorry but those people are about to lose their health care that OBAMA GAVE THEM because they voted to have it taken away. Also it has to go through the senate so those people really worried could stop bashing obama and call their senators and tell them they want them to do a bipartisan fix of the ACA.
But to think less of Obama for living his life and moving forward and doing want he can to take care of earn money for his family because we as citizens are at risk because a lot of arrogant stupid people didn’t listen to HIM during the past 8 years and during the ELECTION and voted for trump. But he spent 8 years working his butt off for this country his family did as well, he warned us about this in election cycle. The fact people didn’t listen is on them, if they lose their healthcare, meals on wheels and a ton of other programs that is on them and to ask the Obamas to give up anything additional because of how people voted is beyond the pale.
Americans did this (I didn’t I voted for Hillary) and now we have to deal with the fall out. Which means calling our reps, marching and voting. But it isn’t demanding more from the Obama family!
@LA Elle, sorry,but do you think if Bernie or Elizabeth were offered this money to make a speech that they would say no? Politicians and celebrities have been doing this for years. Why shouldn’t Obama? Yeah,Americans are in danger of losing health insurance, but the people who are paying Obama for these speeches weren’t planning on using that money to pay for our insurance. Obama is donating millions to charities and that should be a reason for an opinion to rise. He seems concerned about people needing donations and it’s great he’s using lots of this money to help them. Our former president is getting money to donate while our new president is wasting millions of dollars on vacations that put money in his own wallet.
The ones with the “let them eat cake” adage are the Republicans who are taking insurance from us and ruining everything we need.Blame Republicans,Trump, and their sucker supporters for that not Obama
My comment was not intended to let the Republicans off the hook. Not by a long shot. I’m horrified by what’s going on in the U.S. I volunteered and donated to both the Sanders and Clinton campaigns, among other Democratic candidates, and it’s a hard pill to swallow, feeling like all of that effort was for nothing.
I was just expressing my opinion. I know it’s standard practice for politicians to get paid for making speeches, and you’re welcome to disagree with me, but that’s how I feel about this issue.
I like Obama, and I miss him in the White House. I want he and Michelle to have a fabulous post-presidential life, but that doesn’t change my opinion that this is not a good look and that I don’t feel like he did everything he could following Nov. 8.
Like I said, you’re welcome to hold a different opinion. I just ask that you respect that someone else read the same information as you and arrived at a different opinion.
After eight years of disgusting republican and/or racist treatment, which is still going on, I wouldn’t quibble if he got 30 million per speech. He earned it by grace under pressure.
And where is the outrage by Deplorables about trump making millions WHILE IN OFFICE!!
He can go pose for a centerfold, for all I care. As long as he isn’t siphoning us as taxpayers, which is apparently happening at warp speed with the orange grifters.
Agree with everything you said. To add, I don’t get the media’s need to keep reporting on Obama’s activities and how much $$ he makes. I miss the man, but the media needs to stay focused on what drumpf and crew are doing.
Has he also lost some weight or is it just the unbuttoned shirt and not tie that is making him look different to me?
I think it’s the unbuttoned shirt. It’s making him look a little too smooth, I don’t know, It’s making me uneasy, haha.
And his suit doesn’t fit as well as usual?
Get that money Barack. He just donated millions to helping kids in Chicago so I fail to see how an ex-President getting money and starting a foundation and donating is somehow a bad thing. He’s young as hell and not going anywhere for a long time. He won’t just shut up and go away like Bush did.
YES, I was going to post this too!
Yes, thank you—how much money did he and Michelle donate? It was three millions or thereabouts, wasn’t it?
2 million! 🙂
But in Clinton’s case, we all knew she was planning to run again for office, which made her fees a sticking point.
As for Obama, I would think he’s done with public office and is now a private citizen, so if he wants to charge that amount and get paid, then go get your money. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.
I totally agree. Also a speech to a food innovation summit is a little different than a speech to Wall Street bankers. I wasn’t happy with him giving a speech to Wall St last week, but at least he did so as a private citizen.
It wasn’t like he waltzed up and spoke to a Wall Street bankers private board. It was a health care event sponsored by Cantor. I’m meh on the enormous speaking fees that presidents receive, but I find it outrageous that the media is getting so worked up when there are so many more serious issues and the fact that every single damn president has done this without nearly the same amount of drama.
*Yes, Hillary got flack (and a lot of it was overblown and unfair) but as you said she was running for office again.
Fair point about Clinton. She was not finished with elections, so her choice was very problematic.
I want Obama to speak to Wall Street. They need to hear sensible things from sensible people. Why anybody is worried about rich people paying big fees for speakers is completely beyond me.
Money isn’t the root of all evil. It’s the love of money that is the problem. The Obamas are already sharing the wealth bigly, so go for it, Barack!
I saw the transcript for Hillary’s speech to the Wall Streeters and she was basically telling them that they had to clean up their own act or else the government was going to do it for them. That’s a good message for them to hear from someone potentially able to do just that.
We only restrict people from such paid speeches when they are actually occupying certain offices, not just because they will in future run for election. There is never any guarantee that they will even win future elections. When they are private citizens, there is no limit on them making big bucks because they are in demand. The sponsors benefit just from the prestige, that’s why the market value of such speeches is higher than I could get for giving a speech locally. I’m just not much of a draw and have near zero prestige value to them…
It is far more likely that a corrupt person will peddle influence in ways other than actually giving speeches and taking normal fees. And yes, what Hillary got was in the low normal range for her speakers bureau. Obama can get more now but that is likely to drift downward over time.
No, these people do not have to stuggle to survive. In what universe do they need an extra mill or so? If you work for the good of the people then that is what you do. Grandiosity gets to them all. In the 80s I lived in New Zealand and one prime minister defied the USA ( David Lange) . Quite truculent for the times.(worth a Google)
Spent the rest of his life bitching how he couldn’t make a living. He could of course . Every last politician everywhere, if they serve their time gets a pension. Obama, Lange, same fish , different ponds… But same payday.
So he should do it for free? As you said, in what universe? The man is young, why in hell should he live on his pension (which isn’t exactly outrageous) after everything he’s done? So you work for the good of the people and that means you can’t make money? I understand none of that.
No he should make it clear that he donates the money. He was the leader of the free world. Don’t you think he has a responsibility to maintain that integrity?
Actually yeah if you work for the good of the people then your agenda is not to make money. And if you immediately go out getting over the top paying gigs you’ve lost all credibility. Obama is just the same as the rest of them. Pretty sure he and the fam can survive on the book royalties and the pension.
Sorry, but we don’t know what this money is going to go towards yet and frankly it isn’t our business. He is a private citizen and can do whatever he chooses. He could spend it on hookers and blow for all I care.
As I said below, he owes this country NOTHING. I’m not sure I understand how he is obligated to keep giving to a country and constituency that gave him so little credit and support during his presidency.
Integrity of what? Not accepting money for work ever again? No. I do not think that former presidents should have to adhere to the rules they held while serving.
LOL at this entitlement. He’s not a public servant anymore – the whole “working for the people” thing ended when he left the White House. He’s a private citizen, and he doesn’t owe you or anyone else an “austerity” pledge. He doesn’t have to live within YOUR income guidelines.
No. He has no responsibility. He’s a private citizen and earning money for WORK doesn’t take away from the years he gave to the public. And this is not a binary choice you have to make. You can “do good” and earn money. I don’t understand since when that concept is no longer valid. Do you think NGOs don’t pay their employees? They do. Otherwise they wouldn’t attract anyone remotely qualified.
And he owes nobody anything. I still don’t understand how you arrive at that conclusion. He was elected. He served. With dignity. He left office. He’s no longer working for the American people so again, why does he have to work for free?
He shouldn’t HAVE to donate a single red cent. No one else is being asked to work for free, why should he? Every single former president has been paid for speeches. You have the grifter in the oval office squeezing the country’s coffers dry with his and his family’s trips and security, all while promoting his hotels and his children’s books and business, but THAT is okay, I suppose.
Kali, you alone do not determine his credibility.
Working for the “good of the people” and setting up your family is not mutually exclusive. The man is making a speech not defrauding people. Let’s put this in perspective. The man is capitalizing on his worth in our capitalistic society and then in turn does something that is “for the good of the people.” He and his wife donated $2 million to create summer jobs in a city which desperately needs it.
First of all, Obama donated $2 million dollars to a jobs program in Chicago, so he’s not keeping all that money for himself. And secondly, even if he was, who are you or anyone else to judge him for that? He spent 8 years doing the hardest job in the world, all while dealing with racists saying horrible things about him and his family and a Republican party who lost their damn minds because we had a non-white president, so if he wants to cash in now, good for him. Is he supposed to go broke because he spent years as a public servant? That’s non-sense, and a standard that’s never been applied to any former president before.
Keep slaying, Barry. Dollar dollar bill, y’all.
Yea, all politicians do it – and he’s gotta make his money some how.
BUT, I can’t help but this this is quite out of the character he built while in office (like you say, expect tacky from the Clinton’s, not the Obama’s), and given the enormous payday from the book deal, I don’t buy the ‘he has bills to pay’ argument. It’s disappointing, given that he is giving republicans so much ammo. Personally, I think it is selfish and I expected better.
The all politicians do it argument doesn’t wash – Obama is revered unlike almost everyone else, except Beyonce.
” I don’t buy the ‘he has bills to pay’ argument”
Many presidents go into debt during office because they don’t get paid that much in grand scheme of things and legal bills are very high.
So the man is supposed to give up all his worldly possessions and become a Monk, why? To prove what? He isn’t doing anything wrong or illegal, and he does give a LOT back to charity. As much as some people may “revere” the man, plenty of people did/do still despise him and his family because he dared to be a black leader. It is unfair to expect to play saint while every other (white) Politian is ten times worse then he was or ever will be when it comes to greed.
So you would turn down 3 mil to give a speech? No you wouldn’t. Why should he? You don’t have to be poor to be a good person.
Except this is completely consistent with his character. He’s a complete narcissist and he’s just as tacky now as he was when he was president.
If he’s a narcissist and tacky, then what is Trump?
So true. I love how all the comments are making it seem like he’s just doing what he has to do to pay the bills and that there is no suggestion of influence peddling going on here. He isn’t being paid all that money without there being an expectation of quid pro quo in return. He just seems smart enough not to set up a foundation to launder his money through.
Mimi – and exactly what influence does he have to peddle? He wants to work on destroying gerrymandering, making any redrawing of district lines non-partisan. Doesn’t sound like something people will be wanting to pay money under or over the table for.
There is simply nothing tacky about taking speakers fees at market value, and it’s baffling to me that people are even casting this in such terms. He’s not defrauding poor people of their puny savings. He’s not charging a local community center millions. He’s getting paid by large organizations willing and able to pay such fees because it’s good for them to be able to snag famous speakers. Nothing nefarious about it at all. The fees are high because the organizations are competing with each other for the speaker’s limited time, and they can afford it.
We’ve seen the Obamas’ tax returns. We know they recycle a lot of money into worthwhile projects and charities. Why the fuss?
I ain’t mad. Go out there and make that money Mr.Obama. He’s a private citizen and cannot run again unless this current clown regime overturns the 22nd amendment which in itself is a horrifying thought.
He’s a private citizen and no longer running for office. And we know how much he was paid and by whom and where it’s going. Do we have reason to believe he’s being paid by Russian oligarchs? No? Then what’s the effing problem? Complaints about this story is the perfect example of how Democrats are truly their own worst enemy. They’ll still be in a snit about a paid speech by Obama, about how he isn’t pure for some reason, and Trump will get reelected.
Not surprising. This was one of the attractions to the job for him, I’m sure.
Okay, Mimi. We get it. You don’t like Obama and never have. So you are assigning the worst motivations to everything he has ever done.
After 8 years of “Obummer” and “Obozo” and the birther nonsense, I think he’s allowed to become a high paid celebrity speaker. At least he knows how to give a speech.
IDGAF, Make your money dad, Get a Book, A Movie, A Network A Scholarship 2 Libraries, A Photo book, An endorsement for ANYTHING , And Double it up then Let Mom Get All The Athletic deals JUST BE-F*CKING-CAUSE, Do It Like they all did it before you and no one had a problem with it, BE EXCELLENT, BE BLESSED, Live Long, Prosper, COOK King, COOK!! (CONTINUE LOOSING BUTTONS AND LOOKING LIKE STEEZY CINNAMON CAKE TOO!)
Exactly all of this. Exactly this. And I’m a Bernie supporter!
I don’t even know why I bother posting before you do. WORD.
Yep. There’s no problem to see here. It’s been done before, will be done again, and it’s less problematic than a certain Orange Facist Fizza making personal bank from being a corrupt President. So get money Baz and enjoy every cent.
YAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSS!
Yes! This whole Obama-must-behave-like-a-saint nonsense is disgusting and incredibly racist. He is young. He is smart. He is a private citizen. If he was sitting at home, they’d bitch. When he’s on vacation, they bitch. When he works, they bitch. Anyone else notice a pattern?
Yeah, he has to act like a saint out of office, but nobody bitching about Obama says anything trump does IN office. Maybe obama is just a great businessman, like trump. Lmao
This completely. So effin tired of this subject in general. Let the man make money and leave him the eff alone.
I could kiss this comment. THANK YOU!!!
You write such truths!
“Do It Like they all did it before you and no one had a problem with it”
YES!!!
Honestly the man can shill fit tea and waist trainers for all I care. He’s a bad person now because he’s making money? How? Like he doesn’t have a family to support. Ridiculous!
with all the crap that is going on currently in Washington and the world, it is wasted energy to worry about how much money a private citizen is making and what he is spending it on.
He should be only measured on what happened during his 8 years in the WH.
And he fails that measurement, as well as failing now.
Okay, Robin, you don’t like Obama. How do you feel about Trump?
Tell that to people who are about to lose the healthcare that they have had while Obama was in office.
Say that to a lot of prisoners who were either saved from mandatory minimum sentences for minor drug offenses.
It is easy to write that he failed when you have no clue what he actually did.
A foundation or non-profit of some sort is imminent, so I can’t complain. Better to give it to the Obamas than most political families. Their empathy is genuine and they will surely put some of it back into their community.
They already have. Michelle and Barack have given 2 million dollars to fund a summer job program for young people in Chicago.
They set up a foundation a few month’s back. obama.org
They’re just warming up.
I’d like to know what dollar amount people think he’s entitled
to for each speech. Bet it’s less than a white ex-president
would be “entitled” to. Seriously, where is that line drawn?
Get money, b*tch!
As I have said before, Obama owes this country and the Democrats NOTHING. He put in 8 long years of service, most of it thankless even by his own party, and he has every right to take whatever fee someone is willing to pay him.
The hypocrisy is vomit inducing, and I think Elizabeth Warren needs to re-prioritize her concerns instead of commenting on this and so does Bernie Sanders.
*my Standing Ovation is here*
I wonder if they think their holier than thou attitude actually helps the cause? I’m not mad at Bernie (he’s never cashed in during all those years he’s been in Washington), but there is such a thing as learning when to be quiet. This is one of those times.
Warren’s comments turned me off. It’s not like she never sold a book and earned royalties.
Every past president in my lifetime has done this and he is charging the going rate.
It gives me such joy to think that Jason Chaffetz is probably flipping out over it.
I care very little about the speeches. Bill & W do it all the time and I don’t remember the media ever breathlessly reporting on it….hm, wonder what’s the difference (sarcasm)? Yeah, Bill got some blowback (although the foundation got more) but it was nothing like Barack has received for two speeches. I actually do find the enormous fees for speaking tours to be kind of meh, but ALL public figures charge, many Presidents leave the WH in debt, and there are 500 more important things in the political arena than a retired politician giving speeches. One also has to be blind to not see the racial element in play at the coverage because I can tell you all of us black folks have picked up on it. We have to do everything twice as good or live up to the racist magical negro trope or white folks flip their shit on us.
HOWEVER, has a more legit outlet confirmed this? Because I thought the Daily Express was seen as kind of the Daily Mail lite and not particularly legit? It seems strange that a food conference would spend 5x the amount of a health conference sponsored by a wealthy backer, even if the food conference had a Q & A. I suspect he was paid far less and the news might just be throwing out a high number to try and get people to freak.
This is so dumb, and spurred on by nothing more than mostly racist malice and utterly un-genuine concern trolling.
There is a valid, reasonable and extremely rational argument to be made that the wealth inequality in the U.S. is utterly unsustainable. That the wealthy’s ever increasing share of the country’s total financial worth, facilitated with government assistance, creates two very distinct Americas. I would make that argument myself. But, in doing so, you would also have to note that almost all “real” wealth in the United States is INHERITED. It’s not the movie stars, athletes or former politicians that are the primary, or even secondary, reason the system is tilted. That people like Barack Obama, coming from a solid middle to lower class background, becoming a multimillionaire, is actually a wildly improbable and infinitely rare success story. That most wealth in this world is simply earned FROM wealth, via passive accumulation and manipulation, not by one’s own actions (e.g. the entire Trump family, the Kushner family, etc.).
But the argument that it’s OK for OTHER rich people to get richer by earning outrageous sums for little or no work, but not this PARTICULAR (oh shocker, non-white) person, is bogus on its face. Every president in the modern era that survived to become an ex-president has made speeches, and was paid handsomely to do so. I do not begrudge ANY of them those windfalls, any more than I begrudge professional athletes or movie stars their grotesquely large salaries. (Which is to sigh and say, ‘Must be nice,’ and then move on to far bigger issues.)
Unless President Obama is engaging in political quid pro quo for his, yes, obscenely large paychecks, spending or investing them in an illegal manner or failing to pay the taxes on that income, this is a big, fat NON-STORY.
Is it ridiculous for Tom Cruise to make $100 million on a single Mission Impossible movie and give a big chunk of that to his cult-like religion, as it was rumored he did? Absolutely! Does that make it illegal or immoral? Not so much. And it is also true that if Tom Cruise made that much on an MI film, then think how much the studio, investors and whatnot made on top of that astronomical sum? The same way that LeBron James salary to “just play a game” seems grotesque to someone making $40k/year and struggling to survive, but doesn’t even scratch the surface of the amount of money the NBA owners are making on their franchises. It’s the, ‘Ignore what’s behind that curtain,’ argument of wealth inequality. A false equivalence that doesn’t stand up to even a few minutes of rational, logical argument.
^^^ Bravo! You nailed every point that’s been crossing my mind.
Trevor Noah said everything about this that needed to be said, as far as I’m concerned. And it seems like the Obamas are donating money as fast as they make it. But even if they weren’t, I’d be fine with them cleaning up.
When you’re one of the best public speakers in the world, why wouldn’t you charge people to hear you speak? He knows his worth. What he’s doing is work and he charges a fee for it. George W. Bush said he needed to ‘replenish the coffers’ after he left office and got paid to give speeches, and his family is rich. Bush charged Vets to hear his speak! There was mild outrage but the black man does it and now it’s the worst thing in the world? People are so transparent. If I did a job that only about 40 other people had done, and had been the most powerful person in the world, you better believe I would charge a fee to speak. BO is supposed to provide a service for free? He’s not Jesus, he’s an ex-politician. He’s not obligated to live his black life to please other people. He’s been a public servant for much of his life and now as a private citizen (Who has a charity foundation which just gave $2 million towards jobs for Chicago youth), knows his worth and is getting paid. And again, he’s the First. Black. President. He and his family had to endure death threats, insults, and he dealt with outrageous obstruction from Rs because of the color of his skin. He’s earned every single penny. I hope he continues to charge the fees and that people keep crying about it while his pockets flourish.
This x1000.
*wild applause*
One of the best public speakers in the world? LOL! He’s a total failure as a public speaker when he doesn’t have a teleprompter to read. And the “obstructionism” had FAR more to do with his shitty policies than with his race.
So which Presidents do you actually like, Robin? We know Obama is off your list.
If he wasn’t an excellent speaker, why would he even be getting offered to speak anywhere?
Awesome. He deserves every penny he gets for this. Can anybody who is against him being paid for this name someone who would always do this for free? Politicians, celebrities, and anybody else people want to hear speak, always get paid big bucks for speeches. Wish we still had you, Obama!
The ONLY thing that’s bad about this is that it means he’ll never hold public office again. When he was president he held his administration to a very high ethics standard, so there’s no way he would ever run for office or accept a political appointment after accepting million dollar paydays from the media, finance, and food industries.
I just miss him and am having a hard time accepting that he’s really done with politics…
Yeah, okay. Imma be checking for Warren and Sanders after retirement to see them doing speeches for hugs and alfalfa sprouts! 😑
Bwahaha exactly!!
LMMFAO4EVA @ HUGS AND ALFALFA SPROUTS
I’d be perfectly happy to never hear another word from Warren or Sanders.
Nah. Bernie and Warren have interesting things to say most of the time. I don’t know why they feel so offended about speaker’s fees. They must both know these are normal for someone with his background and that they don’t imply anything shady going on.
I think they are both limited because they are in the Senate, but if they were private citizens I imagine many organizations would be paying well to have them as speakers. The free speaking they do helps them financially in their election campaigns, brings in donations because they become better known.
I hope that he continues to take ALL of the money. He earned every cent. One should aspire to handle the gross indignations he suffered with such grace and class.
I’m really confused as to why it’s tacky for any ex-politician, Obama or Clinton, to get paid lots of money for their speeches? Organizations and companies, are willing to pay to hear from a person who has been the most powerful person in the world for almost a decade. In the Clinton’s case, they’ve seen the underbelly of politics and yeah, I would want to hear from them. Yes, if he’s charging the Boys and Girls club millions of dollars, then yes, it’s tacky. There is a market for this out there. The Obama’s, like the Clinton’s, are building generational wealth for their children and future generations. I would rather them make their money this way than defrauding struggling people with stupid colleges and tacky gold buildings.
P.S. Totally agree about the botton. Just one button, Barry
Those people complaining would ttake the money in a heartbeat. Just jealous
Anybody listen to Pod Save America? The recent episode that was live from Seattle, the guys (former Obama administration members) were asked what their best memory from working for him was and Tommy Vietor referenced Iowa 2007.
Summarizing here but basically Tommy was new to the job and was tasked with getting the Des Moines Gazette endorsement for Obama (a very sought after and powerful endorsement) and unfortunately, failed to get their support.
He was scared shitless to tell Obama but O was chill AF about it, telling him that it’s ok and not to worry.
There are countless stories on that podcast about Obama’s gentle and calm temperament, his kindness, his generosity, his humor. It is a MUST-LISTEN for anyone who loves Obama.
I miss him so f*cking much.
Love their Podcast. Lovett or Leave is good too.
Lovett or Leave It is really fun. I love all those guys and rely on them to get me through this dumpster fire of an administration.
I am LOVING their little media empire – you just reminded me I need to subscribe to Pod Save the People, too. And Lovett or Leave It is fantastic!
These guys were arguably some of the closest to Obama and they speak of him with such reverence.
I’m PUMPED about Pod Save The People and thanks for reminding me to subscribe.
I just subscribed literally at 7 am while watching the news with intent to catch up some today
I think you’ll enjoy it, QQ. Start with Obama’s last interview!
And subscribe to Pod Save The People (DeRay McKesson’s podcast) if you haven’t already.
Jesus, they’re still going on and on about this? They’re no longer in the White House, they’re not running or going to run for office, they’re donating tons of money, they’re committed to continue working to help people.
With everything happening, it kind of baffles me that the media keeps focusing on this, not going to lie. I don’t know why, when the NYT is running a “Normalizing Fascism 101” column now.
And anyway, he deserves waaaaay more than that for dealing with the GOP for two terms… and counting. So does Michelle for that matter.
Plus, they’re both incredibly gifted orators with important things to say. I ain’t mad at all.
I don’t have an issue with him making ALL the money one bit! He’s a private citizen and is allowed to make an income as he sees fit. He doesn’t owe any of us anything and honestly after the bs he endured for 8 years, he deserves it. Also he and Michelle donate millions to different charities and organizations.
“Personally I don’t care”
And this is exactly how Wall Street keeps control of the US, how they keep their giant tax breaks and the reason the poor keep getting poorer…. cause people don’t care that their politicians are all bought and sold. the growing poverty in America is directly related to our politicians being bought by Wall Street and other corporations.
I’ll always find Former President Jimmy Carter, who rarely accepts these kinds of things and has since the end of his administration work tirelessly to cure diseases, more respectable then recent Presidents who immediately cash in proving what their true goal was all along.
Hey, there. Hi! So, Barack Obama has left the White House. Yeah, you can’t call him a politician that’s been “bought and sold.” Because he’s not actually a politician?
FYI: Former President Jimmy Carter charges 50-75k for speaking engagements. He usually puts the money back into his charitable foundation. Obama recently donated 2 million to fund a youth job program in Chicago–maybe he was inspired by good ole Jimmy?
I totally agree. I find the dualism interesting. I find it with the recent strain of presidents. This is why inequality exist in America. Go example, government regulators are afraid to go after crooks on Wall Street because they know that after stint they will get a job on Wall Street. This behaviour is call the pipeline to Wall Street or lobbying. In addition, many members , from both parties, are allow to bid on Wall Street even though they usually have insider information. This give an unfair advantage and they should be banned from Wall Street during their tenure. This why it is called public service. It is the insidious nature of the White House that inequality and political corruption have n both sides to thrive in the United States. Hopefully, people raise up request better arrive from third government. Remember the decline started with President Reagan.
I would much rather have politicians accept speaking fees than accept cushy gigs on Wall Street, get partnerships in big DC law firms, or go on the payroll of industry lobbyists, which is where a lot of senators and congresspeople end up after they leave office.
@anon, it’s been a few decades now, but I – and a few thousand others – paid good money to attend a speech given by former President Carter. I’m pretty sure he didn’t appear free of charge. His accomplishments aren’t diminished because he accepted a fee to appear, and I don’t think any less of him for doing it.
LOL people really thought the Obamas were gonna go back to their pre-White House existence. Why would they? And why the hell SHOULD they?
The best quote I heard about this–so the first black president should also be the first one to forego making any money after his presidency?? Riiiight.
Couldn’t remember who said this–Trevor Noah, of course!
This.
Plus, all the hubbub about really rich people paying other rich, but slightly less so, people outrageous sums is, notably, focused on the lower rung on the ladder. If the mob outrage is all on the gargantuan salaries of actors, athletes and other public figures, maybe no one will notice the Koch brothers, et al, who are hiding in the shadows and paying 3% income tax on their investment income, which totals more than a whole team of LaBron’s will earn in their lifetime.
Best president of my lifetime.
woulda want to see him guest judge on Shark Tank or something. i know he is not a businessman or entrepreneur, and even the Tank now is different than it first started (too much sob stories now for one), and he probably wouldn’t (shouldn’t) invest in a business (unless it’s with another shark), but i think it’ll be so dope if he did. small business america, and a past president with a big heart and empathy.
(suddenly thought of this because my youtube randomly showed me the segment with the Tree Tepee guy; i’ve never cried watching reality tv with their contrived small violins, but ye bet i did when Tree guy showed–he cared so much, and his big heart floors me).
eh sorry for the tangent. but yeah. my two cents.
The last thing we need is another president on, or from, D-list reality TV.
A reporter was arrested in WV for asking HHS Sec price a question. What do you think is next: food rationing? deputizing children to spy on parents? forced labor of intellectuals? The destruction of the Cobstitution marches on.
http://www.newsweek.com/tom-price-reporter-arrested-us-capitol-dan-heyman-606510
Get yours ‘bama!!!
Also Kaiser, “Also: I’m going to need Barry to button at least one more button on his shirt. Seeing him without a tie and with the extra button undone is… unsettling.” made me laugh out so loud in office. I was thinking the exact thing while looking at the photos but was saying “let down your hair Obama!!!
Ok I haven’t commented in a while because, you know, Life but…
I’m with Trevor Noah on this, Why does the FIRST black President have to be the FIRST President to not make money on speeches, etc after they leave office? WHY? Why DOES HE have to be the pure one? WHY? F**K THAT!! Make that money Barry. Michelle too if she wants.
Yes, Obama is proof positive of the ridiculous, nonsensical double standard that is very much still in play in America. For a black man to do the same job/get the same respect, he has to be 10x as good as his white equivalent. Lord knows what the scale is for women of color. 100x?
The Obamas have spent a life dedicated to, and sacrificing for, public service. He will never again run for public office, and Michelle has said she has no interest in doing so. If they wanted to cash in and check out, especially given the electoral college’s middle finger to his legacy that is currently watching CNN with spittle coming out of his mouth in the Oval Office, who could blame them?
But they’re not. They’re already donating to charity, lending their fame, expertise AND PERSONAL MONEY to countless charitable endeavors.
No matter how you try to smear them, the Obamas remain the most decent, above board and beloved First Family in modern history.
I don’t think it is about his “blackness”. Obama called people to a higher standard. Everyone thought that he also lived to a higher standard then those that came before him. He was not one of the wealthy elite that really couldn’t care less about the average person and exploited the wealth and paydays that everyone knows they are not worth. Is it his right to use the the corrupt system that past presidents have used to accumulate wealth beyond must people’s dreams? For sure it is. And does it make him just the same as past presidents. For sure it does. He is just the same as the rest. No higher standard, not a better man – just like the rest. That is what has people upset. Unfortunately this pulls him down and tarnishes his reputation. Is he donating any of this to charity – or is it all for himself? Just wondering.
“Is he donating any of this to charity – or is it all for himself? Just wondering.”
Yes, he and Michelle have already donated 2 million to a Chicago summer jobs program.
https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/05/03/barack-michelle-obama-donate-2-million-summer-jobs-programs-chicago/22067779/
the fact that they’re already donating was mentioned in the comment that you replied to.
Not sure why his accepting speaking fees is actually tarnishing his reputation, unless people want to allow it to.
I’ll just leave this here
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/05/08/michelle-obama-college-signing-day-message-good-morning-america/101426130/
@ Cheryl, he has a right to make money from his speeches-end of. Doing so is not corrupt in any way shape or form. If he donates every cent to charity, or decides to go shopping is none of our concern-he’s a law abiding private citizen. I don’t equate money with corruption, I equate greed with corruption and if there’s anyone I can trust with a s-tload of cash, it’s Barack and Michelle Obama.
Unless you want to live in a socialist, communist or totalitarian system, then please remember there is nothing wrong with making money within ethical boundaries.
Obama getting a zillion per speech as a private citizen is completely within ethical boundaries.
What do people expect him to do, live in sackcloth and ashes? Is it really that much of an outrage to see a man be wealthy while being black? Is the problem is that it’s a reminder of his power and intellect, not an NBA star?
Sheesh. First he gets called a socialist for thinking health care is a right and trying to enforce some market regulation. Now he gets called a crony capitalist for charging what the market will bear. Make up your minds, people.
Good. He doesn’t work for anyone other than himself anymore. His bank account is his business, and his business alone.
Yes he does need an extra button or tie. His neck looks oddly vulnerable somehow. Re speeches for $$$$ …. well, he’s out of office now so no conflict ultimately? I would hope he’d do some charitable talks for free but he wants to make a living so I guess it’s the rubber chicken circuit!
When I see Obama I’m like Ralphie’s little brother Randy when he’s laying on the ground crying, don’t leave me, come back, come baaaaaaaaaaaaaack…..:(
What’s the fuss. He’s no longer in office, he’s a private citizen. He’s being offered the money by private entities who are willing and able to pay him that much – why is he not supposed to take it? Perhaps a better question to investigate is how some of these organizations have so much money lying around to pay him for speaking. It’s their dough.
He and MO struggled for years earlier in their marriage with bills while he was building his political and public service career; as a Harvard LS grad he was foregoing tons of income he would have otherwise earned as a corporate attorney or aspiring partner at a large firm. He has a right to play catch up financially. He (like Bill Clinton) was not born to comfort like the Bushes were; he doesn’t have a trust fund waiting for him post-presidency to fall back on.
Get money as they say. These initial huge fees he and Michelle are commanding will eventually drop as time goes on and we draw further from the Obama WH years. They are front-loading as they should.
He did amazing work in a largely thankless job for 8 years. Get that cash, Mr. President.
Never ever count a black man’s money. Go Barack; you should be one of the highest paid people in this country. He gave you over 15 years of free speeches, now it’s time to be adequately compensated.
Oh well, if someone is willing to pay so much for a speech, why not? As long as he’s not selling political access or other such things, he has right to do what he wants and charge as much as people are willing to pay.
Not a fan of his look there. If I were paying someone a couple of millions for a public appearance, I’d expect them to at least not look like they just woke up from a nap during the lunch hour.
It’s not about the money or tackiness. It’s the fact that western leaders (Tony Blair, etc) are now guaranteed huge personal wealth from the private sector when they leave office.
The HUGE QUESTION to ask is this: will this impact their impartiality while in office????? Doesn’t matter if they’re totally impartial. The damage is already done. Glenn Greenwald’s commentary on this is ON POINT.
This seems like a late arrival concern considering we’ve essentially set up a system that requires enormous personal wealth just to make it to office. We’re just being intentionally obtuse to pretend it wasn’t a common practice for all the years before Obama started it.
The naivety argument is giving up, in my opinion. You comprise a little bit with each year that goes by and eventually you end up like Russia.
Also, post-presidency wealth has nothing to do with election spending. It’s controversial because it’s about how POTUS might be motivated to develop close ties with the private sector while in office because it’s now established practice after serving as a leader in western countries to get paid insane amounts for a few hours’ of “work.” How that works on the serving president’s mind no one knows, which is why it shouldn’t be a acceptable practice.
It’s not that enormous personal wealth is required to make it either; it’s the ability to raise a lot of money for one’s campaign coffers – staggering amounts thanks to Citizens United, and in turn a right-wing SC that opened the way for unlimited election spending. True it all encourages closer ties with the private sector as in businesses, rather than $10 donors who are likely students and average households.
Thank you, Apple. This is a concern of mine as well. I like Obama, but I sometimes wondered if he backed off going hard after Wall Street and health insurers, among others, partially because he wanted to ensure a lucrative post-White House life – to say nothing of ensuring fundraising for Dems.
Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t make it OK.
People often forget that Obama was one of the first candidates in modern memory to not use the presidential campaign fund, which one of the very small ways to lessen the influence of money in elections.
Yes, this.
The huge wealth from the private sector is not coming from speaker’s fees but from paying positions. The “revolving door” is a problem in many areas such as Defense Department/military industry shifting.
But getting paid for speeches is not really the problem at all. It’s often an excellent way to build up funds for good projects. That money for good causes doesn’t come from nowhere. The salary given to the President is a pittance. For example, in the Obamas’ case, they were basically giving up the potential income from two professional adults under circumstances where their personal expenses were far higher than normal. This includes book and speech income.
Trump probably justifies all his profiteering from the Presidency in his own mind because he otherwise is losing money by being President with its limitations. But usually the White House residents just make the sacrifice while in office. They also have to ordinarily lose income from other sources during the Presidency due to conflict of interest concerns, Trump is an anomaly.
Jimmy Carter received lower fees only because when he left office, the fees were lower in general. The fees for my work were much lower also. I doubt that Carter would have turned down higher fees from organizations that could well afford to pay them, that money makes it easy for him to help fund projects like Habitat for Humanity that are near and dear to his heart. It is very common for such suxh speakers to have a sliding scale from zero in up, depending on the organiation’s ability to pay. It is also not uncommon for speakers to return much or all of the money to a non-profit organization in line with their own beliefs.
Money is not the problem. Greed is the problem. An ethical person doesn’t turn evil just because he or she can earn a lot of money in a short time. It’s all about what you end up doing with the money.
Who cares? If someone wanted to pay me millions of dollars to speak, I certainly would not say no. It is not like he was being paid to do this while he was in office.
+100
He certainly has the right to work for a living and if someone wants to pay him that much money, so be it. Why does anyone care what he is being paid for a speech? He is entitled to do what he wants once he leaves office.
No speech is worth anything close to a million, it takes just a couple of hours and is written by speech writers.
The speeches by politicians are a form of pay off and legalized corruption, that is why people have issues with this, not because they are against people making a lot of money.
This money is being paid for influence and future favors, the speech is just the cover.
Thanks. Great comment. People are nostalgic for Obama – not surprisingly – but this $5,000 per minute speech stuff is bad news for democracy.
Anon, future favors doing what? He holds no political office at this time. What is your exact point?
Apply, as for bad news for democracy…the current administration is bad for democracy, but hey priorities, right? No wonder this country is in the toilet. Let’s focus on someone who is it out of office and not currently making policy that affects our lives and democracy. Sounds productive to me.
Diane, if you look up my posts in this thread, you’ll see my point is about the POTUS office and big-money-post-presidency becoming established practice. As I said above, since it’s become such an ingrained practice, it’s about current serving heads of states knowing they’ll have the opportunity to make massive cash after they get out. (On the other hand, the Orange isn’t even bothering to wait until he gets out of office to leverage it for big $$$.)
The natural question arising from this is does this affect the serving president’s impartiality and conflict of interest issues? I agree with Glenn Greenwald’s take on this and why former presidents giving speeches for money impacts the cred of Democrats as a party, and recommend his interviews for more info if you’re interested. This is relevant to someone like Trump being able to get elected.
@Apple I’m with Natalie S. on this. You are accusing Obama of doing something with little to no evidence to support your claim, like at all. You have no idea what he is saying in his speeches, so why are you assuming he is corrupt.
It is only a natural question if you assume the worst out of every government official who leaves office, which you clearly do. Just like your hero Glenn Greenwald, assuming someone is guilty of something and then trying your damnest to prove that you are right is wrong-headed and shows that you are not as unbiased as you think you are.
Racism is a huge reason as to why Trump was elected. Actually it is a lot bigger than a former president giving speeches.
The fact is that interesting and world-famous people who can speak coherently are not a dime a dozen. So they can get high speaker fees from organizations that simply want the publicity and prestige and find that membership/donations/other non-political money-generators more than compensate for those fees. They wouldn’t pay the fees if it were otherwise. No influence peddling required. Assuming corruption automatically is not a good idea. Many times the explanation has nothing to do with corruption just because a politician is involved. I imagine a former astronaut can get a nice chunk of change as a public speaker also. Same for Olympic athletes – Caitlyn Jenner took that path to wealth.
For the same reasons, athletes and actors can get huge salaries if they are on teams or involved in tv or movie projects where their work brings in gobs of money for the owners. Surgeons also get paid more than store clerks. The market value of any work definitely depends on the scarcity of people who can do that work. It’s not that their time is intrinsically worth more than anyone else’s time. There are just fewer people able to do the job. This is a good argument for a proper minimum wage, so everybody can get enough money to pay expenses and plan for the future. But there are still going to be large differences in real $/hour in a market-driven society.
Aiobhan, if you read my posts carefully, you’ll know I didn’t accuse Obama of any wrongdoing or corruption. I’m sure what he’s done is perfectly legal. I’m saying the formalised practice of big-moneys speeches means there are always naturally questions about impartiality with CURRENTLY SITTING politicians.
Let’s put it this way: Did Donald Trump fire Comey because FBI is investing Russian ties to the Trump campaign? NO ONE BUT TRUMP knows. We can’t infer state of mind without actual evidence. But what he did is frowned upon (not too sure about the legalities of pure act in absence of evidence about mental state) precisely because it encourages conflict of interest, and because we usually can’t find out what’s motivating said decision.
Wow, that is a straight up accusation. Any proof? We can all make up conspiracy theories but anyone coming forward with receipts about Obama being corrupt?
Amazing how this wasn’t an issue for all the white male presidents who did this for years before Clinton and Obama, yeah?
Sanders can kiss my ass. Distasteful is complaining about a private citizen making his money legally while you own three properties and your wife is up for FBI investigation for a university’s fraud case. I am not fooled by your populist rhetoric, Mr. “Abortion Rights are Optional in a Democratic Candidate.”
To be fair, exorbitant speaking fees and uber-cushy lobbying jobs are a relatively new facet of American democracy. I’ve seen and read criticism about both practices before Obama as well.
Sanders stays mediocre and keeps picking away at people who have actually accomplished things instead of giving the same speech for the thousandth time.
I miss him soooooo much!
I’m with you on the button, Kaiser. For some reason, noooo!
That is an obscene amount to pay anyone for a speech. If he is so for the people as he claimed during his presidency, he should donate a chunk to feeding the poor, alternative energy development and education.
He has already started doing this.
He is not now, and never has been, for the people. He’s for himself.
You might be confused. This about Obama, not Trump. Obama is for the people. Trump is for nothing but himself
Are you for the people? What have you donated? Seriously, this is ridiculous. If I claim to be a Christian, do I have to build a church to be a proper Christian? This is just more criticism from people who don’t like Obama.
That is what I think too.
He claimed to be all for the less fortunate, the working class people,etc and here is he checking almost 3 mill per speech and he and Michelle have done nothing expect hang around billionaires and celebrities since he came out of office.
It also disappointing me that Malia got a internship at a movie studio too. Like. why could the studio give the opportunity to a kid who isn’t as well off as her? It makes me angry.
Gonna take a bit more than a paid speech to make me dislike him
I’m uncomfortable with policing Obama’s behavior like this especially considering what’s going on in the other party including George W’s Caymman Islands speeches once he left office. We’re shooting ourselves in the foot by treating Democrats like they should be auditioning for sainthood.
Obama donated 2 million just recently. We know that’s he going to spend his time doing good works. We don’t own him and he doesn’t owe us anything. There’s nothing wrong with making a lot of money. The problem is when we sharply reduce someone else’s quality of life to get that money.
The Republicans focus on the Democrats and the Democrats focus on the Democrats and then we look up and wonder why we’re losing elections.
Being able to make huge gobs of money for a single
speech is actually quite liberating. It means you don’t have to work much for pay, meaning you can work for free or a token amount on projects you support. Or you can donate as much as you wish. My brother would love being able to do that – he’s always been too generous for his own good, and should have been born rich so he wouldn’t always be on the verge of eviction as a result…
Obama should and can do what he likes in his personal life. But the big-ticket speeches are a symptom of super close ties between government and big business and the fact we treat our politicians now as celebrities, which means they can command such huge fees – on the celeb cachet glitter they give off. While in office: they should be plain spoken, not personality focused, avoid selfies and cuteness, and be as dry as Noam Chomsky when giving speeches.
I’m 75% sure you’re not serious.
Natalie, I’m totally serious (except maybe the Noam Chomsky dryness point) and I take the fact that you can’t tell I’m serious as proof of my point on celebrity culture infecting politics . They’re not celebs; they’re public servants with serious duties.
Barry Obama…Love it!
It doesn’t matter if its Trump or a Clinton or an Obama, that is an absurd amount of money for a speech.
And I am disappointing that the Obamas have done nothing except hang around billionaires and celebrities since he came out of office. It also irks me how Malia Obama also got a fancy internship at Weinstien company without any proper work either. That is pure nepotism.
The Obamas are liberal elitists.
I agree. Like Hillary and Bill, he’s believes in a meritocratic system, which isn’t really capitalistic or egalitarian, and it’s certainly a long way away from Roosevelt, the New Deal, and the heydays of the Democratic Party. I think this speech thing is linked directly to why Trump got elected: Democrats going for the cultural wars (already won) instead of addressing income inequality. Mega-price speeches are a symptom of elitism among Democrats who’ve lost touch with the middle class.
I loathe Trump and his ilk, but the Democrats have indeed lost touch with the common folk. This is part of the reason of why they lost the election and why lots of lost faith in them.
I am am a Democrat but I was not pleased with how the Clintons and the Obamas frequently hung around billionaires, Hollywood stars and musicians. How can you be the party of the working class man when you mainly appeal to celebrities and rich folks? I don’t get it.
+1 Obama is just as into celebs as the Clintons are.