BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Well, it seems that it pays to be president, not so much while in office, but the benefits that extend beyond the term can create great wealth.  Of course, some would say that $109 Million in income over a 7 year period isn’t all that much.  But, we aren’t talking to Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.

It is reported in the NYT that Bill Clinton earned about half the reported income from speeches.  Not bad!  And, several million was earned from book deals.  The Clinton’s paid almost $34 million in taxes and contributed a nice 10% to charities.

All in all, without much more to go on, it appears that the Clinton family is doing rather well for itself.  No one should be surprised by the income.

However, there was one little bit of the report that I found interesting. 

According to a summary of the seven years provided by the campaign, the former president’s speech income since he left the White House totals $51.85 million and his income from his two books — ”My Life ” and ”Giving” — totals $29.6 million. Bill Clinton has traveled the world, giving paid speeches to multinational corporations, investment banks and motivational groups.  [emphasis added]

Does that create any possible links between the Clinton family and Wall Street?  Immediately the Bear Stearns situation came to mind.  Of course, I am not so naive as to think that people of influence do not associate with other people of power and influence.  I’m just leery of lobbyists.

All in all, I find it most commendable that the candidates are charitable.  At least, they seem to practice what they preach on some levels.