Biden's Charitable Giving Examined
The National Review's Byron York takes a look at Joe and Jill Biden's charitable giving, and the results, well, aren't all that impressive. Think spare change. Total over 10 years: $3,690.
Per the NR, here is a chart of the Bidens’ giving for the years covered by the tax returns:
Adjusted
Gross Income Charity
1998 $215,432 $195
1999 $210,797 $120
2000 $219,953 $360
2001 $220,712 $360
2002 $227,811 $260
2003 $231,375 $260
2004 $234,271 $380
2005 $321,379 $380
2006 $248,459 $380
2007 $319,853 $995
Total $2,450,042 $3,690
A spokesman for Biden, David Wade, tells York that says "the figures on Biden’s tax return do not reflect the true extent of his giving."
Wade: “The charitable contributions claimed by the Bidens on their tax returns are not the sum of their annual contributions to charity,” Wade said in a statement to NRO. “Like most regular churchgoers, they contribute to their church, and they also contribute to their favorite causes with their time as well as their checkbooks, whether it’s [Jill] Biden’s volunteer work with military families or the Biden breast-health initiative, or the way in which the family pitched in driving supplies to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, or the ways Sen. Biden has supported charities that help women, police, and veterans.”
More from Wade: “Like a lot of families that put three kids through college and have an aging parent move in with them, the Bidens aren’t divorced from the realities of everyday life,” Wade says. Still, Wade continues, “finding ways to give back is important to them.”
John McCain's camp has yet to release Palin's tax returns.
I wondered when I saw this figure (and when I see anyone's "charitable giving" on tax stuff). My family is one that never claims the write-off for giving, but always does it. If you looked at our tax returns, you would think we had never given anything ever. The truth is, we just don't keep "receipts" for most charitable donations, and even when we do we don't feel like it's worth noting on our taxes. I mean, it's charity. You're not supposed to get anything out of it.
Yes,
Claiming a tax deduction for charitable giving is either selfish or immodest (as in politicians who want their publicly released tax forms to look "good").
Attempting to discern personal generosity from tax forms for use as a political weapon is disgusting and beyond the pale. That Byron Yorke is inherently a dishonorable person comes as no surprise. That Hotline finds it acceptable is disappointing.
I'll be very interested to see the Palins' charitable contributions.
I think parsimonious is an accurate word for his charitable giving. This is the worst excuse for charity that I've seen since Bill Clinton taking a deduction for his used underwear. I really have a problem with a guy telling me I need to pay more when he gives nothing. Pathetic.
That's some righteous indignation for ya. Yeah, Fly, how dare Joe Biden not claim exemptions on his charitable contributions! How dare he volunteer time and service to a charitable org and his church instead of donating to charity for a tax write-off. The Nerve of that guy!
And really, oh, the poor poor richest 1%. We feel so bad for you. Ya know, it doesn't matter that our country is in a clear and obvious fiscal spiral. We should all pitch in and do what's best for the Rich Whiner Class. That's it! Makes perfect sense!
The Republicans cannot run an economy.
It is the same-old failed trickle-down economy. It's what BUSH has done to the current economy and it's what McCain will continue if elected.
It has failed the American people again, and again, and again.
Let's have an economy that puts our COUNTRY first. Not Lobbyists and Multinational Corporations.
I never claim any charitable donations on my tax return. i am too lazy to keep track. who's to say joe biden isn't in the same boat
It's well-documented that Republicans give a far higher percentage of their personal income to charity than do Democrats. It doesn't take a genius to figure out this Democrats want GOVERNMENT, not individuals, to do the giving.
It's well-documented that Republicans give a far higher percentage of their personal income to charity than do Democrats. It doesn't take a genius to realize that Democrats want GOVERNMENT, not individuals, to do the giving.
It's well-documented that Republicans give a far higher percentage of their personal income to charity than do Democrats. It doesn't take a genius to realize that Democrats want GOVERNMENT, not individuals, to do the giving.
what it shows is a lack of commitment to the concept of charity. He is just like most celebrities who think showing up at events is as good as writing a check. To quote my uncle Tony, "celebrities and politicians throw money around like manhole covers." For liberals, charity begins at somebody else's wallet. Pitiful.
Hey Flyover. Why doesn't Palin release her taxes?
Could it be b/c she has claimed thousands of dollars in expenses? Could it be that Palin is cheating the USA out of YOUR & MY MONEY, if this is true.
From the uber-Liberal Wall Street Journal:
she claimed about $43,000 in travel expenses for family members who accompanied her on official trips and billed taxpayers for about $17,000 in per-diem travel fees for herself, though she spent much of that time at her home. Under Internal Revenue Service rules, such payments would likely be considered taxable income.
Hmm?
So why doesn't she release them? Hmm?
Spare us your fake outrage.
As a McCain supporter, I personally believe this is a non-issue. However, I do think Biden tried to pull a cute little trick and got caught being really, really cheap.
As far as the screamers from the Obama camp demanding Palin's tax records --
Haven't the Democrats learned yet that this governor has done nothing but "burn, baby, burn" the Democrats ever since she arrived on the scene!
Be careful what you wish for.
My outrage is not fake and I am not being paid to post here like you.
I was raised to belieeve we should help those who are in need. It is part of our American vaule system. I do it. I do not do it for personal fame and I do not do it at the expense of the recipient. (I do take the tax deduction, where allowed--I am not stupid). All candidates should release their tax returns for the ten year period prior to the election.
My problem is that the whole BHO program is that the wealthy should be "neighborly" (interview with Bill O'Reilley) and help those who need it with higher taxes. Here's his VP who has no plan for personal giving. It points out the attitude of these people that our job is to extract money from other people, not give our own. Not to brag but I give that much to my church a week. He's out bragging about being a catholic and when the plate comes by he's putting in less than ten bucks a week. Or, maybe he's like Obama and doesn't go often (I went to church about twice a month," interview with O'Reilley).
Your trying to compare income taxes with charitable giving is about as fake as your outrage.
Your whole argument about giving money to church -- as if giving MORE makes you a better Catholic -- is so completely ludicrous that I'm really starting to wonder where you are accumulating these high IQ points of yours. Just another of Flyover's Disingenuous Me Me Me posts.
How about we have an Economy that works for AMERICA.
Let's put our COUNTRY first and not the Wealthiest 1%.
Let's bring back a robust Economy like the 22 million jobs and the budget surpluses created under Bill Clinton.
Only Barack Obama will bring CHANGE from Bush/Cheney/McCain/Gramm Rip-Off Economy.
PS, for the record, Fly, I'm not paid, never have been, never will be. I am proudly one of 2.5 million donors to the Obama campaign.
Nice try Ethan.
Cover blown, plants on blogs are commonly used on both sides. They rarely see anothers point of view, often disrespectful of others, name calling people who have their own point view and build that mind set that if you are not with them you are not normal, not American and/or there must be something wrong with them.
A.I.G. is a supporter. You are obviously campaigning for someone. I don't hold it against you, but call it what it is, don't be ashmed of what you are Ethan.
If the Bidens don't deduct charitable donations, then why bother list $300 a year? Why not list $0? The argument that they just don't list them is fallacious.
BTW, the Obama's also give surpisingly little. Until this year when he was campaigning, they gave less than 1%.
And quit with the "they give time" argument. Why not both? My family certainly does. Romney's family does. McCain's family does. The Bush families did. I started watching this statistic when Bill Weld ran against John Kerry in Massachusetts. John Kerry gave almost nothing. Bill Weld gave 10%+.
If a person truly believes in his heart that so many organizations need money from the government to help the poor and needy, then why not share some of that $2.5million income? Mr. Obama? Or do you only want money that passes through the government with government workers taking a piece of it each step of the way?
What's wrong with taking a tax deduction for charitable giving? You're getting about 15% back on every dollar you give . It's called tax avoidance - nothing wrong with that. Giving is its own reward and nothing wrong with government encouraging good deeds.
I really think that Webster's Dictionary needs to redefine patriotism and neighborliness (Bidden's and Obama's new words to help explain why they will raise taxes). Next to both of those words the dictionary needs to say: "See Increased Taxes and Redistribution of Wealth."
Bidden gave .15% to charities over 10 years; Obama 6% over 7 years. I'm no saint, but I do adhere to MY definition of patriotism, neighborliness and Christianity - I gave over 12% last year alone; MORE than Joe Bidden in 10 years! YOU are a fool if you don't think that Bidden would have deducted his givings if he had given more. He KNOWS that his charity giving would be scrutinized as a public official. If he didn't think of this, OH, should he be VP????? Joe Bidden is NOT a smart man.
So Biden *may* have given more, but was too lazy to keep up with the receipts? That is a ringing endorsement for him to be VP. It doesn't make much sense either as most churches mail out an end-of-year giving statement to anyone who has tithed or donated money.
Not claiming charitable giving on your taxes is wasteful. I can understand not wanting contributions to look like you are seeking personal gain, but by taking the deduction, you are freeing up more money that you can then give to another charity.
A few years ago, liberals threw around the phrase "You can't legislate morality." I think it's laughable that they now are going to try to legislate "neighborliness".
So Biden *may* have given more, but was too lazy to keep up with the receipts? That is a ringing endorsement for him to be VP. It doesn't make much sense either as most churches mail out an end-of-year giving statement to anyone who has tithed or donated money.
Not claiming charitable giving on your taxes is wasteful. I can understand not wanting contributions to look like you are seeking personal gain, but by taking the deduction, you are freeing up more money that you can then give to another charity.
A few years ago, liberals threw around the phrase "You can't legislate morality." I think it's laughable that they now are going to try to legislate "neighborliness".
Joe Biden says to the rich to give pay more taxes. It would be patriotic. I see Joe does not pay more taxes. He has some nerve. He has lots of money.Just look at his home and where he lives.
Just heard today that some of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac problems are due to some of the Obama Democratic's who are key players in his campaign made millions of dollars in the past years. Also on Capital Hill, Schumer, Pelosi, Biden, Dodd, Charlie Rengal also pushed to give more loans out to people with risky credit. That is the real problem. Greedy people!!
When you make that kind of money, you deduct your charitable contributions and keep records through your checks. Maybe you don't keep records of cash contributions but those are small. I make a fraction of what Biden does but give as much (and in some years a lot more). Those posts trying to rationalize his small level of contributions are simply partisans. A recent study has shown Republicans tend to give more money proportionate to their income than Democrats. I don't remember the conclusion, if any, of those who did the study, but I think it has some part to do with the differences in world view: Dems tend to see things as the "government's" responsibility whereas Republicans see things as their individual responsibility and duty.
The claim that Biden gave more than he deducted won't work. Several commentors pointed out correctly that if that were the case, he wouldn't have deducted his paltry $369.
I am Joe Biden's age. He has made more money than I have every year of our lives except for one. Based on his last 10 years, I have given more to charity every single year. If he is a role model, I should cut back.
I think it is patriotic to give to charity, and I now understand that Biden doesn't know what the meaning of the word patriot is. Shame on me for almost voting for him.
I am so tired of hearing how the wealthy need to stop whining and do their share. This usually comes from people that don't have a clue what they are talking about. I didn't come from a wealthy family, I paid my own school bill and because I have worked my tail off, been frugal and invested wisely I am now in that 1%. So you are telling me because I did what so many others are not willing to do I should give half of what I EARN and that makes me patriotic? Give me a break I give ten times what he has given over ten years, in one year. Give me a break!
Several posters used the excuse that Biden is so generous that he just didn't claim his giving on his taxes. Very noble. Why then, did he claim any amount? If "Big Hearted Joe" is just modest and oh so humble, why bother claiming the 0.15% that he gave over the past ten years?
You quick-to-defend-any-liberal-no-matter-what-folks need to take a deep breath and admit that Biden makes a lot of money (which I don't begrudge) and barely does anything PERSONALLY to support THE ARTS, THE HOMELESS, and valid organizations that help the sick - like the Alzheimer's Association, Cancer Society, Medical Research associated charities, RED CROSS, Cultural Institutions - like Art Museums. YES - if you want and desire these institutions, then you need to dig into YOUR WALLET. SO if you say that you are for a better society, then THIS is a measurement. PEOPLE fund these things, NOT the government. I'm dissapointed in Biden and I'm dissapointed in the commenters above who say that you make contributions to worthy charitable organizations and yet don't deduct them on your taxes. Liar, liar, liar. If you wrote checks over $20, $100 or more - I'm sure you could find them at tax filing time. Maybe YOU and BIDEN should both start being thankful for the organizations that make YOUR town and country a better place to live and start opening YOUR wallet for charities. NO EXCUSES. These numbers show the REALITY of Biden's real respect for charitable giving - and it's about ACTING like you care when you give big speeches, but not willing to personally sacrifice more than the cost of a nice dinner out to make a difference in the world. I call that typical political hypocrisy.
When I am making a decision on who to vote for that will run my country, I look at the whole man/woman. As a person of faith you are to tithe, which means a tenth, in obediance to God. Joe Biden, being a Catholic, should be doing this, he's not. So now I begin to wonder just how much a man of faith he is. So is he being honest with the American people about his faith? And if he is not being honest about that then what else? Also as a Catholic how does he justify other positions, ones that he is clearly in opposition with the church. All legitimate questions. And one more point, there is nothing wrong with declaring your charitable donations, that are allowed by law.
It amazes me that people can be SO committed to their candidate that they close their eyes and mind to reality (it happens on both the left and right). How could ANYONE look at a ten year record like Biden's and not conclude that he isn't generous with his financial resources for charitable causes? That's his choice. He can choose to write a check - or not write a check for any cause as his heart leads him. I imagine that for many liberals, they see taxes as their contribution to social needs. Bigger government is the solution to addressing poverty, homelessness, and the like. Jesus summed it up well when He said "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".
Cindy McCain stole drugs from her own charity. What's it called to actually steal from your own charity when you are worth over $100 million dollars?
LOL
And all that money you give to charity...how much of it actually reaches the people? I mean, donations to the church the last several years probably went to pay off victims of child molestation when priests were shuffled from parish to parish. Give me a freaking break!
We make assumptions and then condemn/praise based on our own belief system.
Did anyone ask Joe Biden?
Wow...blame religion for Biden not giving.....blame modesty for Biden not reporting giving.....blame the top 1% for Biden not giving......blame child molesters for Biden not giving....blame Cindy's drug habit for Biden not giving....blame reporters for not asking him for Biden not giving...blame failure to keep receipts for Biden not giving....blame volunteering time for Biden not giving....blame laziness for Biden not giving....blame Bush for Biden not giving....blame Cheney for Biden not giving....blame Gramm for Biden not giving....blame McCain for Biden not giving....the democrats always BLAME BLAME BLAME BLAME....so let me blame something for Biden not giving....and I use Barack Hussain Obama, and Joe Biden's own words....I BLAME BIDENS LACK OF NEIGHBORLYNESS AND LACK OF PATRIOTISM.....
Wow...blame religion for Biden not giving.....blame modesty for Biden not reporting giving.....blame the top 1% for Biden not giving......blame child molesters for Biden not giving....blame Cindy's drug habit for Biden not giving....blame reporters for not asking him for Biden not giving...blame failure to keep receipts for Biden not giving....blame volunteering time for Biden not giving....blame laziness for Biden not giving....blame Bush for Biden not giving....blame Cheney for Biden not giving....blame Gramm for Biden not giving....blame McCain for Biden not giving....the democrats always BLAME BLAME BLAME BLAME....so let me blame something for Biden not giving....and I use Barack Hussain Obama, and Joe Biden's own words....I BLAME BIDENS LACK OF NEIGHBORLYNESS AND LACK OF PATRIOTISM.....
Wow...blame religion for Biden not giving.....blame modesty for Biden not reporting giving.....blame the top 1% for Biden not giving......blame child molesters for Biden not giving....blame Cindy's drug habit for Biden not giving....blame reporters for not asking him for Biden not giving...blame failure to keep receipts for Biden not giving....blame volunteering time for Biden not giving....blame laziness for Biden not giving....blame Bush for Biden not giving....blame Cheney for Biden not giving....blame Gramm for Biden not giving....blame McCain for Biden not giving....the democrats always BLAME BLAME BLAME BLAME....so let me blame something for Biden not giving....and I use Barack Hussain Obama, and Joe Biden's own words....I BLAME BIDENS LACK OF NEIGHBORLYNESS AND LACK OF PATRIOTISM.....
Sorry, no idea why my post was posted 3 times...but must be cuz its that good!
What does he mean he doesn't deduct because it's "charity"? nComm?? I understand not deducting clothes to Goodwill, or 50 cents in a jar by a doorway, etc, but each time I write a check for over $500 to a charity I deduct it. It would be foolish not to.
This is typical Democratic logic, through government assistance, the individual does not HAVE to be charitable. Check Obama's charitable giving , he's less than 1% as well...BUT that figure rose dramatically AFTER he started running for President.
Not reporting charitable donations on your tax return is foolish because it cheats the charity. Donations are tax deductible so you can give MORE, Joe - WAKE UP! Let's say I give $100 donation to charity and I'm in the 25% tax bracket, that donation only costs me $75 because I saved $25 in taxes by reporting the gift on my tax return. So if I really had $100 to give, I could actually give $125 to the charity and after taxes it would only cost me $100! Old Joe could have increased his charitable giving by at least 25% for NOTHING if he'd just reported ALL his giving. Biden or anyone else not reporting their gifts on their tax returns are idiots. Maximizing charitable giving requires at least being a little smart about it. JOE = NOT SMART
Are you friggin' kidding me? $3,600 over ten years? I agree that old Joe wants to spend MY MONEY but he's pretty frugal - and petty - with his own.
Are you friggin' kidding me? $3,600 over ten years? I agree that old Joe wants to spend MY MONEY but he's pretty frugal - and petty - with his own.
Joe Biden = "grabber"
These folks only care about themselves and any selfless action they may take is only to serve their own ego or goals.
We make a fraction of what Biden makes and we donate $1500 to $3000 per year and of course we put it on our income tax. Yeah if you donate almost nothing then you probably wouldn't include it. Obama and Biden want to spread our wealth around, but they don't even donate theirs. Obama hasn't done anything for his aunt and father who live in poverty. What kind of person is this? And you want to vote for them? Obama is not someone who should be the leader of this country.
I donate nearly 100 times that figure (no that isn't a typo) on a percentage of income basis, and I'm happy to do it. By claiming these on my taxes, I have more to give--and how is this wrong?
And so far as wealth redistribution is concerned, it's simply theft: You take my money and give it to someone else. Just because Uncle Sam is the midddleman doesn't change the facts. I get to be a slave for those who refuse to better themselves--and no I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I WORKED FOR IT.
It is anold adage and I'm not sure I have exactly correct, but when a liberalsees a problemthey are willing to give the shirt off your back to fix it.
As someone who participates in charitable (running and cycling) events to benefit Cancer, MS, Diabetes, and other causes, I'm proud to admit that my tax returns do not reflect the donations that I sucessfully solicit, let alone the contributions of the other fund raising volunteers that I recruit in the process. It is the far easier path to simply write a check. Getting off the couch to join me on that MS 150 (mile) cycling event, etc, and becoming yet another fund raiser yourself? That takes real heart. I already knew that the devil is always in the first pew, but now it would appear that he will also have a (tax) receipt to prove his piety. How sad.
I can't help but respond to this one. The assumption is made that those of us who donate money, only donate money. For years I was in the parking lot every week directing traffic for cars (this included those fine new england winter days), and hauled heavy equipment for a store front church.
I'm sure you probably bicycle for fun anyway, so it's not that big a sacrifice. Heck, when I was younger I did a couple of centuries on my mountain bike just for the fun of it.
So, Dollar Bill, are you suggesting that Senator Biden is out spending massive amounts of time volunteering all of his free time?
And by the way, it is nice that you donate your time. Some people actually manage to do both though.
If you would like to ride your bike by Central Virginia and visit our Mission Trip, you can drop off your donation monetary donation there at the Christian Outreach and Pregnancy Center. Nice copy out.
joe biden is not the patriot that he says he is--he wants the avarage person to give money for him-he is just plain cheap (but has a lovely home and takes very nice vacations)-he is just a hotdog with no real character anyway-that is pretty obvious.