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Don’t feel so smug if you belong to that tiny percentage of Americans who earn $400,000 a year (or more); to astonishingly wealthy plutocrats like Mayor Bloomberg, you’re still just small potatoes. Asked about the manufactured Republican outcry over Barack Obama’s allegedly extravagant date night in New York, Bloomberg defended the First Couple’s getaway, telling reporters, “The president does not get paid that much. He is on a budget, too.” Well, from Bloomberg’s rarefied perch atop Mount Moneypiles, we probably all look like Dickensian waifs struggling to sell our hair to the wig maker for halfpence, but to the average American, Obama’s hardly “on a budget.” City Room breaks down Obama’s current income: $400,000 a year salary, a $50,000 expense account, a $100,000 nontaxable travel account and a $19,000 entertainment budget. His total compensation package, $569,000 a year, is 11 times the median household income in the U.S., which is around $50,000. Of course, when you've got two private jets; homes in Bermuda, Florida, Colorado and London; and $16 billion in walking around money, you must wonder how poor souls like the President make do on half a million.
Bloomberg: Obama's Basically On a Fixed Income
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SLICE has opened in the former home of Monster Sushi, Hudson Street near Charles...
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I want to be that out of touch one day!!
Not for nothing, if he's good the President deserves way more than that. I sure as hell wouldn't want that job.
I wish I was not paid that much.
actually, you can't quantify the presidential perks in a monetary value. The dude can order a nuclear strike anytime he wants and eradicate all of humankind at his whim. To me, that's priceless.
Depends on the target: N. Korea, $3-5 billion; China, $8-10 trillion; Europe, $40-60 trillion ( give or take the Vatican ). But the feeling would most definitely be priceless.
who cares? is this a case of rich hating or obama bashing? I cant tell. leave the spin opinions to the ny post.. they take the cake on this kind of stuff
City Room breaks down Obama’s current worth: $400,000 a year salary, a $50,000 expense account, a $100,000 nontaxable travel account and a $19,000 entertainment budget.
Income is not the same thing as wealth.
You are correct; I changed it.
" and a $19,000 entertainment budget."
My entertainment budget is bigger than that.
Grow up. People make money. Our society values certain qualities and certain jobs. Bloomberg had an idea that was highly valued. He got paid. It is what it is. Suck it.
While this comment sounds out of touch and he probably shouldn't have made it, Bloomberg said it in defense of the Obamas in reaction to the GOP crying wolf about them doing anything.
No, defending the Obamas shouldn't mean you get off the hook, but when you're defending them in the face of baseless GOP slander, then at least you're sticking up for the right team, albeit with the wrong words.
Bloomberg's words were probably poorly chosen, but given the amount of stress that is required for being President, a nice date night once and a while is way more than deserved.
Seems like New Yorkers want LeBron James more...
Wait, John, I can't tell how you feel on this issue. Nice fair and balanced post. It's not like Mike stole his money - the dude worked hard and built his business from the ground up. What's wrong with that? I actually respect him greatly for doing so.
Dear [8] and [12] -- thinking that these unarguably out of touch statements are out of touch means you resent Bloomberg and OMGZEZ Hates teh Capitalisms!!!?
You're not making tons of sense, boys.
@John Del Signore
"Well, from Bloomberg’s rarefied view on top of Mount Moneypiles"
Very funny line. I'm hoping to get a summer job working the concession stand at Mt. Moneypiles.
Behind...or underneath the counter?
"poor souls like the president MAKE do on $400k"
- Grammar Gestapo
Compared to most of the rich people who fly private jets to New York to have dinner at Blue Hill, catch a show and spend the night at the Waldorf, Bloomberg is right...Obama is not very rich.
Barry is rich by his own definition. He makes more than $250,000.
He didnt say he was 'rich', he said he 'does not get paid that much'. Barry is rich, by his own definition, $250K.
Mr. B - Can I please have just 1% of your overall wealth! You'd be supporting my family of 3 (would hope to make it 4) for the rest of our lives...
Thanks,
ABC
so now the gothamist has taken to bashing hard work and dedication...which is how bloomberg got his "moneypiles." what would you prefer...that he stayed home on welfare? then who would you get to pay for your social programs?
this del signore guy is, hands down, the worst "journalist" (if we can even call him that) i have ever encountered
Here's the video of Bloomberg's comments about Obama:
http://www.gotchamediablog.com/2009/06/bloomberg-says-obama-doesnt-get-paid.html
So if Bloomberg thinks Obama's income is limited then why is he charging the homelessness for their shelter?
Bloomberg really is an out of touch douchebag!
Remember - do NOT give this goon a third term - vote for the Democrat, no matter who wins the primary (even if it's Hulk Hogan, Zippy the Pinhead or Betty Boop)!