We’ve heard rants for months about the Clinton’s tax returns, even while Obama had not released his.  Okay, Obama finally released his, less his 2007 returns, to minimal fanfare March 25th and now Clinton has release hers, including 2007 estimates.  So, where are we at?

1. The Obamas needs to release his 2007 estimates or returns.
2. The Clintons have made a lot of money over the past several years.
3. The Obamas have cashed in upon arriving in the U.S. Senate.
4. The Clintons have a sustained record of high charitable giving.
5. The Obamas have a paltry record for charitable giving.

I’m sure folks will want to read every single line of each tax return for something controversial—maybe the Clinton’s foreign investments, maybe Obama’s not-so-blind trusts, maybe Michelle’s ties to Treehouse Foods, who’s primary customer is Wal-Mart, maybe her nearly 300% raise from her employer once Obama won his senate seat, maybe the money Obama’s give to Trinity or lack of on other years, maybe Clinton’s donations to his presidential library… 

For me, I figure that at least for the Clinton’s they have around 30 years of tax returns in the public domain and likely have some of the best accountants and attorneys preparing and scrutinizing them on their behalf.  I seriously doubt there is an error or controversy in them.  Obama’s history, by comparison, is very, very short.  I have no reason to suspect his returns and I am sure his latest ones are as equally well prepared as are the Clinton’s returns.  In the end, the returns of both candidates is a non-issue, just as with McCain’s.

The returns do allow some reflection.  First, both candidates make more money than me.  I need to work harder and smarter.  Importantly, I need to finish my books that I’ve been writing for several years.  Second, regarding charitable contributions, I can stand proud that we give more percentage wise that Obama and on a few years, even the Clintons.  In absolute dollars, I’m actually surprised that except for the last two years, even with lower income, we have given far more to charity in actual dollars than have the Obamas.  Yes, the only real walk away from reviewing the tax returns is that Obama apparently doesn’t walk the talk.  Until joining the senate, he’s never given back to the community.

So, where are Obama’s 2007 returns or data?

Matthew
http://www.TheProblemWithObama.com