Don’t expect to find out unless you attend.
There won’t be any reports of it?
Politicians who take large sums of money for little to no work after leaving office make it appear that they are being rewarded for being compliant while in office. It is hypocritical in that bemoaned greed and income inequality and now is trying to grab as much as he can even though he is already in the top 1% of the top 1%. Being hypocritical is not that big a deal but the impropriety of it should preclude anyone in his position from accepting such a deal. Unfortunately, modern politics seems to be very efficient at weeding out politicians capable of shame or propriety.
Ever attended one of these?
I’m a capitalist, so I don’t mind Obama doing this (although if I worked for Cantor Fitzgerald, I’d probably rather see my share of the $400,000 in the form of a Christmas bonus rather than listen to him drone on for 45 minutes - see, capitalist). I can understand how it doesn’t sit well with the OWS Democrats, but oh well.
ETA: the closest comparable experience I’ve had was attending a Microsoft conference where Bill Clinton gave the keynote. It was not Slick Willy’s best speech, to put it mildly.
As I mentioned during the discussions of Hillary’s speeches, these events are far less about the content of the speech and more about the firm or organization showing off their ability to get high-powered speakers in (and, for the execs, to be able to schmooze with the celebrity over drinks afterwards). The speaker will tailor their message to appear insightful, with a few good jokes scattered therein, but will avoid anything that might make the audience uncomfortable in order to ensure that similar organizations with deep pockets will also want to hire them. This is the way of things.
I’d be very surprised if Obama said anything of any substance in these speeches (or that Clinton had at hers). They’re basically the equivalent of blog posts. Anything really juicy would be said quietly and off the record at the post-event drinks reception, because that’s how business gets done.
It’d be hypocritical if he’s ACTUALLY fought against Wall Street rather than simply giving speeches. As AK84 said
So, in a sense, it’s just a thank you note for helping them so much.
I would phrase it differently, as someone who considers himself part of the “Left.”
We perceived the president as someone who was progressive and as someone who tried to fight to improve the system. He was always in favor of dialog, including with Wall Street. It was one of his strengths, and I’m not bothered one bit by him speaking to a group there now. That’s what uniters do.
Seems like a nothing burger. Obama isn’t president anymore, the man can earn a living in a way he sees fit.
It’s bullshit. Would anyone care if Obama spoke at Proctor & Gamble or General Electric? No. But because big banks are “evil”, apparently speaking at them is not allowed.
Horsepucky. At least in Obamas case.
So Obama, before taxes, walked away from the Presidency with 3.2 million before any book deals, etc. His housing/food/travel were paid for during that time. And that doesn’t include the salary he earns for the rest of his life from the government which is worth 205,700 a year. Plus free health care and Secret Service protection.
Invested wisely he will get ~300,000 a year to without eating the principle, before taxes.
The Obamas book deal is worth 60 million. Invested wisely, he get 6 mil a year before taxes.
This is after the following:
1.9 million advance for ‘The Audacity of Hope’ in 2005.
1.25 million in 2005 from additional book royalties
675,000 in book royalties in 2006
3.3 million in 2007 from book royalties (Total ~7 mill)
There is more, but it gives you an idea…
The idea that Obama needs to go slumming to the bankers for money is silly, unless he spends money like a drunken sailor.
Note, Obama certainly has the right to do this. However, from my perspective, it looks bad.
Obama in 2009:
Obama in 2017:
Yep, I’ll take that 400,000 from the fat cat bankers on Wall Street…
Slee
Where are you investing that gets you a 10% return?
He has retired from politics. There are no longer any ties so this is not an ethical conflict by any stretch of some sick perverted imagination.
I do think back to the president he was.
I also think about who the president now is.
I only regret it isn’t $400 million (for a job well done in comparison).
I think it should be looked into by a special prosecutor… the next time he runs for office.
Secret Service protection for the next 15 years. And the White House wasn’t exactly a free ride.
Some on the 'net are upset that President Obama isn’t promising to Smash The Capitalist State. When did he ever do that?
Ms Warren’s “concern” is noted. Why not use this time to summarize The Donald’s First 100 Days? Or to criticize her colleagues on the Hill? Nope, that’s not news…
Huge speaking fees are the way former high level politicians make money.
I consider it kind of after-the-fact legal corruption, but that sort of thing is US politics.
That President Obama decided to make some money this way is not a surprise nor a disappointment. It is simply the way things are done.
Oh, and Sleestack seems to be forgetting these things called taxes.
Absolutely. Can’t believe this is even a question. He definitely should have held out for $1 million (space bucks)…
Yes, this was made into a huge issue for Hillary and now for Obama- and there’s no reason for it at all.
The GOP does it constantly.