The Clintons’ Tax Return

By Brigitte L. Nacos
The numbers in Hillary and Bill Clinton’s tax returns for the last 8 years are breathtaking—a total of $109.2 million since 2000 and $20.4 million in income last year alone. Most of this wealth was brought in by the former president on account of his fees for speeches all around the world. His and her book advances were not shabby either. According to a list of the Bill Clinton’s speeches from 2001 through 2005, he collected between $28,100 (London School of Economics) to $400,000 (Mito City Political Research Group, Japan) per speech for a total of $31 million during that period. But Bill Clinton is not unique among former presidents. After leaving the White House, Ronald Reagan collected $2 million for two speeches in Japan. George Herbert Walker Bush, too, made more than some change on the lecture circle—although he, unlike Clinton and Reagan, was never known as a great communicator. His son, the current president, told author Robert Draper, that he too wants “to hop on the lecture circle when he leaves office” and “replenish the ol’ coffers.” He guessed that his Dad made about 50,000, 75,000 dollars a speech.

To be sure, Bill Clinton does not only love to talk—he does it well, often and for eye-popping fees. Yet, I found it hilarious when NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reported this morning with great seriousness on the high income of the Clintons and the yet unknown implications for her presidential campaign. After all, Mitchell’s husband, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, has used his retirement to give many speeches here and abroad for a reported $150,000 per speech. Since neither Greenspan nor Mitchell run for public office, they do not have to reveal their tax returns. But it is entirely possible that the former Fed chair earns as much for his speeches as Bill Clinton—or comes at least close to the former president. The $8 million advance for his book authored after his departure from the Fed is major league as well.
The Clintons are not an exception. Ex-presidents as others who leave high offices use their name recognition or notoriety or both to make money—big style.
And sitting and former first ladies and first sons and daughters collect hefty sums as well as authors or in other endeavors.
Whether we like it or not, that’s the reality.

Comments

[Mary O'Bryan]

Andrea, I used to think you were on top of the real issues in this country. I guess MSNBC has bought you off like the rest of the jerks on this channel. All of you slobber all over Obama and it makes me sick. Hillary Clinton has more grit and promise for America, in her little finger, than all the nasty folks insisting on her withdrawal combined. God help "US" all if Obama does get the nomination. I am truly fearful for our country, for the first time in my adult life, because of the shape we are in at this time in America. The task is far too great for a rookie senator to successfully address all the tough challenges we face. He, my fellow Americans, is not up to the task. Hillary on the other hand is the only candidate left in the Presidential campaign who is up to this daunting challenge. I suggest we all step back and look at where we are in this country and proceed onward with this nominating process. I am ashamed of women like you who have deserted your own gender over jealousy. Hillary will have her day with the MSM. Remember, paybacks are hell.

[Brigitte]

Mary:
I hope very much that you are right and that Hillary will have a chance to get even with those who throw dirt at her. Unfortunately, the so-called progressives in her own party are far worse than those at the extreme right. In my book, much has to do with male chauvinism--gender discrimination.
And, as you know, some women--including unfortunately many in the media--want to join the boys club on this.

[wayne]

Andrea, I guess in this gender prejudiced world women who have gotten in your age range can't resist the temptation to take a job with a low ratings cable network that is bascically an Obama Campaign Headquarters. I used to think that you where a mature thoughtful and fair journalist but now I realize that you have sold-out your credentials to the highest bidder and now you too are in the tank for Obama. Maybe you recent Senator Clinton because even at 60 she looks fabulous. Unfortunately...I can't say the same about you.

[wayne]

Andrea, I guess in this gender prejudiced world women who have gotten in your age range can't resist the temptation to take a job with a low ratings cable network that is bascically an Obama Campaign Headquarters. I used to think that you where a mature thoughtful and fair journalist but now I realize that you have sold-out your credentials to the highest bidder and now you too are in the tank for Obama. Maybe you recent Senator Clinton because even at 60 she looks fabulous. Unfortunately...I can't say the same about you.

[Brigitte]

Wayne: I had the same thoughts...