April 16, 2008
Posted: 06:00 PM ET

From

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) — Democrat Barack Obama released his 2007 federal tax return Wednesday, just hours before the Illinois senator and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton will take the stage at a debate in Philadelphia.

According to the campaign, the Obama's brought in a total income of $4,238,165, the vast majority of which came from sales of the White House hopeful's bestselling book.

More details provided by the campaign:

Adjusted gross income: $4,139,965
Salaried income: $260,735
Net profit from books: $3,943,378
Federal taxes paid: $1,396,772
Total charitable contributions for 2007: $240,370

Click here to view the Obamas' 2007 federal tax return on the Obama campaign's website.

Filed under: Uncategorized


Phil from Guadalupe, Ca.   April 16th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

I wonder if he was still giving to the same Church as his favorite charity.
Yet it seems not to matter, the more Sen. Obama does something against a sector of America, the more it looks like he is getting popular.

Cyndi   April 16th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

seems bulk of the income was earned from his best selling books. Then again compared to the Clintons, Obama and his wife look like poster children for Working Americans.

Dee, WV   April 16th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Now see how fast he released that? Nothing to hide. Let's see how long it takes Hillary to provide hers.

Chris Banner   April 16th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

I didn't know Obama made that much money, I think I am in the wrong business, after spending six years at University I think I should turn to politics and make 1 million a year or above

dEMABRAT   April 16th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Next year it will be double that after he releases the action figures and video games.

J. Forbes, Texas Independent   April 16th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

So much for Obama being the champion of the poor.

Obama gave only 6% of his income to charity. Even Bush gave 23% of his income (almost 4 times as much as Obama did) to charitable causes.

If Obama is as concerned about the poor as he says he is, why doesn't he put more of his own money where his mouth is and give more to the poor.

J. Forbes, Texas Independent   April 16th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

So much for Obama being the champion of the poor.

He gave only 6% of his income to charity. Even Bush gave 23% of his income (almost 4 times as much as Obama did) to charitable causes.

If Obama is as concerned about the poor as he says he is, why doesn't he put more of his own money where his mouth is and give more to the poor.

lc7196   April 16th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

When will we get to see HRC's 2007 return???

LT for Obama   April 16th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Well Hillary, here you go. Correct me if I am wrong, but Hillary only submitted a summary of her 2007 tax records. Where are the final returns? I guess by going after Obama you would deflect the fact that you still have not disclosed your COMPLETE 2007 returns? Did you finally collect the investments information you needed or are we going to wait until 2009 to finally see where your 2007 funds came from?

Michael in Columbus, Ohio   April 16th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Transperency at its best, hillarys new excuse, "i filed for an extension".
Obama '08

andrew s   April 16th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

now,it time for clinton to release her 2007 tax return

scott   April 16th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

not very giving is he also I wonder who the Donations where given to if it was like the past years. iam sure its mostly the church and other black orgs.

Victor   April 16th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Great, another millionaire presidential candidate. Anyone else feel their chance of getting actual understanding from our highest elected official slowly slipping away?

Julie N,Naperville, IL   April 16th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Good for you Barack…I'm glad to see that you didn't need an extention to hide all your "dirty' money…Release your tax forms Billary……I have faith that America will never see those!!!!!

CARMEN   April 16th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

gross income $4,130,000 and only 240,370 in charitaable contributions. How much went to Pastor Wright ?

Amanda   April 16th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

$ 4 million vs. $109 million….hmmm who's the elitist?

jose marquez   April 16th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

wow, isnt he generous?

C   April 16th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

So making over $4 million dollars last year entitles Mr. Obama to say he is "an average" guy? Last I checked, I didn't make nearly that much money.

Rod In Houston   April 16th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

Ha, this man of the people releases his returns on a day when the news media is pre-occupied with the Pope's visit. Not much coverage of the fact that this poor boy has made over four million dollars in one year.

Oh before you morons go off to talk about President Clinton's 109 million in 10 years….. remember, he is the FORMER President.

If Clinton has cashed in on his former status, then Obama is cashing in on his potential status.

Give me a break. This guy and his wife have nothing in common with the average black family in America. They will use us to get ahead and deliver nothing to us.

Hillary Clinton is head and shoulders a better bet for the Democratic party in 2008!

YMC   April 16th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

I AM WAITING TO SEE WHAT HILLARY CAMPAIGN WILL SAY WHY HER TAX RETURN WILL NOT BE RELEASED BY APRIL 22ND, I SPELL IT IN THE AIR.

Peter   April 16th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

dude, you are in my tax bracket.

you have my vote.

YMC   April 16th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

HILLARY WHERE IS YOUR 2007 TAX RETURNS. PA VOTERS WHAT IS SHE HIDING? CATHOLIC VOTERS DONT BE FOOL BY HILLARY, SHE HAS NO JESUS IN HER, SHE LIES, DISHONEST, CAN'T REMEMBER LAST TIME SHE WENT TO CHURCH AND SHE IS PLAYING AND MANIPULATING YOUR MINDS TO WIN. HILLARY DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE, SHE IS WORKING FOR THE DEVIL. HILLARY WILL HAVE AN EXCUSE WHY HER TAX RETURNS FOR 2007 WILL NOT BE READY BY APRIL 22ND, SHE IS SLICK, DONT BE PLAYED CATHOLIC VOTERS

Ilona Proud Canadian   April 16th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

Since I cannot respond to the previous article about the 9 point lead that Sen Obama has over Sen. Clinton Nationally, I thought that I would take the opportunity here.

The Poll of Polls state that the time period within which this poll was taken was four days into the "bitter" issue, why then does CNN's newscasters keep saying on TV that these polls were conducted prior to this distorted issue. Please get the facts straight it was either before, during or after. I would really appreciate CNN clearing up this issue.

lombardi   April 16th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

where are those other taxes mr.ob from 1996-1998 ob .

Joshua College Station Texas   April 16th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Great! Thanks Barack for your transparency and quickness. It looks like a good way to make a whole lot of honest money is to write a good book!

tina   April 16th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

he is already making milions and he is not even president yet. Just imagine how much dough he will be raking if he becomes president even for 4 years. Clinton income is going to look like petty change.

rezagui1@hotmail.com   April 16th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Good thing he made some money on a couple of brilliant books, or he would be called out as too poor to compete politically with the elitists. For every hundred the Clintonas and McCain has, he has 4. Wait doesn't that mean the others are elitists? Yes, of course, unless they do a shot and a beer, or claim to be a regular guy. Give. Me. A. Break.

Gary   April 16th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Polls? What polls? You listed four polls showing Obama ahead. Who did they poll, Obama supporters? I think the news media makes these polls up. I'm almost 60 years old and no one has ever asked me to participate in any poll in my entire life. Obama verses McCain? I probably won't vote at all, why bother?

Nate P   April 16th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

I don't see the point in candidate tax returns. What does that have to do with politics? I admit I don't follow politics, but what good does a tax return do? What does it prove? That Obama only donated 5% of his income to charity? Don't churches say 10% ? How about the religion aspect. I don't care what the Bible says, why should other people question the religion of a candidate anyway? I have so many questions.

I looked on Clinton's and Obama's websites. They have basically the same point of view for most of the issues. Issues are what's important, not someone's tax return, religion, what they said 4 years ago….. There is so much hatred.

This year is the first year I've actually followed politics somewhat. I read the CNN ticker daily. I'm a gay 27yo male in Minneapolis. To me, politics don't seem like it should be such a chore. I wish the posters on here would grow up.

Christian, Tampa FL   April 16th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Well, now the Clintons and the McCains are only about $96 million more elitist than Obama.

Peter Damoah-Afari   April 16th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Good boy!!!! You are the honest one.

Obama 2008

Sarah   April 16th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Congratulations on your book Obama. OBAMA 08′ Good luck in your debate, and send her packing.

Sarah   April 16th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

This is such a non-issue. More Clinton BS. Look how long Clinton took to release hers. OBAMA 08′

Bob   April 16th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

6% of his income to charity. The Clintons gave 40% of theirs.

What's the matter, Rezko didn't give him enough cash?

underdog   April 16th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

This true blue democrat always sides with the underdog.

In this campaign, with all its bias and rigging, that person was never Obama. He had the full support of wealthy celebrities and Democratic leaders and the DNC and the Media, the caucus format and the discounted votes.

Clinton, on the other hand was always slammed and criticized and ridiculed and demeaned and mocked and slandered. She is never praised for her poised responses- like the Faith forum.

On the underdog meter, she is the one everyone loved to hate and loved to throttle and bash.

I think the gender hurdle to the presidency is understated and the racial hurdle has been overstated. Again giving an unfair advantage to one over the other.

silly taxes   April 16th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

They are both filthy rich okay.

Obama at a younger age than Clinton.

So what? I do not begrudge people their success and prosperity. I want more Americans to be able to share in that.

My concern is that cocky, arrogant, dismissive, swaggering and bragging did not work for me with Bush- and I like it even less in a democrat.

Obama has dissapointed me with his jeering, mocking of other candidates, and with his attitude of superiority.

I thought he was a thoughtful and honest man.

Obama DOES NOT get my vote.

Charlotte   April 16th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Why is it if anyone mentions Rev. Wright some Obama-bot says,Rev. Wright is not running for President? I was always taught, your were judged by the company you keep. If you don't do drugs, you don't hang with those that do. If you like to play tennis, you don't hang with golfers. If you want to be President you don't hang with Anti-Americans. Especially for 20 years. I'll take Hillary anyday of the week, over Obamanation.

A.M. Saqib   April 16th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

WOW! Way to go 'Obama'. Excellent idea to release the income tax return, and what an income from the sale of the book.

Go 'Obama' go …. 08.

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

JW   April 16th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Hillary 08

Roderick   April 16th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Obama for change!

Shawn - GA   April 16th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

5.88% to Charity??? This is your guy who understands and cares for the little guy? Folks you need to realize what this guy is about for real not what he says.

Enow Richard   April 16th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

As the campaigns gets more complicated, it is very necessary that he shows the American people that he too is a powerful guy, You are not doing bad, that is so much money that you have made, in am very impressed with these figures,

hypocrit   April 16th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Honestly, tax returns are not my main concern…
But pompous hypocracy is.

How can Obama believe that living in a foreign country as a child gives him an advantage in Foreign Policy experience?

First- the Islam of Indonesia of his youth in nothing like radical Islam of today ( more than 30 yrs later)

second- I was born in Italy and came to the USA at age 7- and I would not presume to know how Italians think and feel. Even Italian Americans can not be lumped into one pot. And how is Italy today, the same as Italy in a small poor town of 40 years ago?

Third- even then, teachers say he wanted to be #1, first in line, take charge. Sounds like the same snobby, holier-than thou Obama of today.

Basanti   April 16th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Clintons paid 10% of their income to charities. but i guess the fluff is more saleable than substance. IF barck is nominee, McCain has my vote. i just hope MCain picks good VP. barack would fail miserably at international level also. dont like to say it, but nationally, his lead seems to be because of higher turn out of african americans, which, by all means is great for the democracy, but doesnt reflect the complete population of the country. Yes, people across all races vote for all candidates, but its the African American vote thats taking barck over the line. It tells you, Ferraro was right on the money on her comment.

Lee   April 16th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

I'm not surprized that theClinton's race baiting and slash and burn campaign is failing. It's transparent to anyone with half a brain. I was flabbergasted to hear Hillary compare Gore to Obama indicating that he was not electable.. Gore lost mostly because of Clinton fatigue and everyone acknowledged it at the time. The problem is Americans have short memories. Do we really want to revisit the scandals of the Clinton's in office again? I can't even believe we are considering it accept Bush has been such a miserable failure that we are desperate for any change right about now.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   April 16th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

looks like Obama's charitable giving is close to 20% compared to the clintons at 10% with about 3 times the annual income of Obama…. says a lot about elitist millionairess Hillary and her claims to blue collar

T   April 16th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

In my view, the size of Hillary's head should make the voters be in total
consternaton as the size of Karl Roves and Bill O'Reilly heads.

jp   April 16th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

i'm glad so many people read his books. they are personal, inspirational, and honest. he is going to be a great president.

Godson   April 16th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Can someone please call Lou Dobbs to order, he said on his show today that the Clintons had beat Obamas to releasing their tax return, that's gross misinformation, if he has any disliking for the Obamas, there are correct information that could still help him project that, I am an independent and can't afford to make a fool of myself by arguing wrongly with a piece of misinformation from Dobbs, it's unCNN

Val   April 16th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Gosh! Obama is the real deal! I'm impressed… Let's do away with the liars (aka Clintons) !!!

HH   April 16th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Looks like Obama is the elitist. HAHAHA. Eat crow Billary.

Brian   April 16th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Wow the Clinton's made a TON more money!

Pam.   April 16th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

I posted a comment, CNN will only post Clinton haters, i guess my post was not posted

laura, CA   April 16th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

And the rest of the returns?
They demanded ten years of returns from the Clintons, which of course took time to compile.
The Obama's refuse to release theirs. I hate double-standards from supposedly high and mighty public servants.
I'm tired of his two-stepping.

camarata   April 16th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

and people had the nerve to criticize clinton?

Pam.   April 16th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

So what, obama did not open them all up, Why, does he have something to hide?

Ilona Proud Canadian   April 16th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

CNN,

I give up! You Win!

FEDUP   April 16th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Released at 18:00 hrs. Hummmm. Didn't Hillary catch flak for 14:00 hrs.?

Steve TX.   April 16th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Hillary Clinton has released her income tax records, and the first detail to come spilling out is the fact that she’s a lot more charitable than Barack Obama:
The average American gives about 3.1% of his/her income to charity annually. So Obama, up until he decided to run for national office, contributed far less than the national average. Hillary, however, gave a great deal more than the national average on a regular basis, over 10%

Dave   April 16th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Should be "the Obamas brought in…" not Obama's.

David D Kollie   April 16th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

At least non came from speeches made esle where as HRC consider Obama to be making speeches on the campaign trail. So what is his total income from 200 to 2007 as compared to the Clintons' income?

Does the Clintons' income quadraple-tripple Obama. If so who is the elist-out of touch?

It is good that he released.

FEDUP   April 16th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Well, guess who made over 4 million in just one year. This is only the beginning, maybe he can buy the rest of that lot from Rezko, I'm sure Rezko will need the money for his attorneys. He gave less then 5% to charity and that is probably to Trinity church. At least Hillary gave 10% of hers to charity. Wonder if that includes the money he took from Rezko that he donated? Bet he can't wait 'til he can give speeches for money. If elected, he could start writing them as soon as he takes office, like he started running for president as soon as he was elected to the US Senate

Sure   April 16th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

So Obama is a millionaire too!!

Danley Philip   April 16th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

I would like to comment on all this mis-characterization of Obama's statement in regards to the people who are deeply affected by the ever worsening economic conditions being bitter.
First of all, I think CNN is mainly responsible for making this matter so widely misunderstood. CNN is very much aware of the type of damage that the media can do with this sort of information. I view CNN behavior as ingenuine and pretentious as they spin this demon from reporter to reporter, from newscaster to newscaster, and from Dobbs to Larry King. Now the problem is not "bitter" anymore, but 'cling'. When things are not going too well for me, I hold on to my faith in God. When times are difficult I cling to the support of my friends and family. Words do not have meaning by themselves. They take on the meaning of the context in which they were spoken and by whom. Now Obama never said that people run to religion. He used the word cling, another word for hold. This attack about elitism and out of touch is nothing but "grab straw politics by the Clintons and mischievous reporting by the media.

BL   April 16th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Good for him.
I am watching the debate and I will NEVER vote for him. If Clinton is not nominated, I bail…
He is just not ready… To many excuses, to many speeches…

tell the truth   April 16th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

Is the news. I did not care about Clintion returns. I do not care about Obama or McCain returns. I care about problems Gas price, money in the my bank account, tax breaks. Please focus on the issues not this other stuff. Obama and Clintion supports should stop the fighting. Do not vote out of anger. Vote for you and your children.

I'm voting for Obama but would vote Hilliary. I think Hilliary support should support Obama.

Please think do you really wanted McCain

JP SW   April 16th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Gee, Michelle. I can see why you feel it's hard you make ends meet. It's tough with that kind of income. Well, at least you got your taxes out …in time. Guess you two had no choice after criticizing Hillary for months.

No Obama…never!

Go Hillary! His speeches and excuses are wearing veeeery thin.

CHERYL FOR HILLARY   April 16th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

THE OPENING STATEMENTS OF THE DEBATE CLEARLY SHOW WHO IS MORE INTELLIGENT!!!!!!

OBAMA LOOKS SCARED TO DEATH!

AND HE SHOULD BE!!!!

HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!

v.ananthan   April 16th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

OBAMA IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE:………

GOD SAVE AMERICA…..

FB   April 16th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

I need to write a book.

chris isner   April 16th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

I wouldn't mind giving Obama a few more bucks for books. Can't say the same about the Clintons for one reason: Obama wrote his own books; the Clintons hired professional ghostwriters to write theirs. If this primary season has highlighted any real difference between these two candidates, it is a difference of authenticity.

Brian from NYC   April 16th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

OH Hillary OH Hillary - Where are yours? Also EARMARKS and the Clinton Library donation list please!!!! Or go away - you and your husband have done enough to ruin this country!

Mary O'Bryan   April 16th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

St. "Snob-ama", according to the MSM and himself, is turning out to be quite the liar! Oh but, he is the candidate who is not divisive and is going to change everything, [W]right???? Careful America what you wish for or we may end up with 4 more years of Bush- McBush III. Vote Hillary, the only hope of defeating McCain in November.

Bridgette- PA   April 16th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

CNN, thanks for sharing. While we are discussing OBAMA, why don't you ask Lou Dobb's to shut his trap! My husband and I always watch his show but for some reason, over the past few weeks (more this week than ever), every night he bashes OBAMA. I'd rather have LOU just come out and say he hates OBAMA than this crap he's been getting away with through the hour of his show all week. I honestly think that he needs to move on. Whatever his personal issues are with OBAMA, he doesn't share any of this hate for Hillary, just "Illegal Aliens". Why is he the only one on CNN living, breathing, eating and sleeping Baracks so called bitter and gun remarks from over a week ago? It's disgusting. No other CNN staff seems to target any of the candidates in a good or bad way but LOU DOBBS is out of control. He has a big mouth and he needs to shut it already! And by the way, Lou loves to challenge people who don't agree with his views or when he doesn't agree with theirs, it is sad the way he acts as though he is all the world needs. He's an Independent, not GOD!

Hillary supporter   April 16th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

and the media had things to say about the clintons making 10 million plus in 6 or 7 years???

Kenny   April 16th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Oh I forgot something, Say hello to Lou Dobbs. He is the only one that we can trust in the media. You got that Cafferty! you better follow his footstep, if you want to have a follower. If you are lucky?

Carol   April 16th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

I really think Hillary is Bi-Polar and should be on meds.

Glory   April 16th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

When is his next book coming out? I will be on the line the day it is released. Obama the new JK Rowling?

Eric in Lincolnton, NC   April 16th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Not much Charity Huh?

female grad student NYC   April 16th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

haha - who's poor now?

Obama only made $5million a year while the Clinton's made $10million.

Splitting hairs.

Not a Millionaire, NC   April 16th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

I guess we don't have to feel sorry for him, anymore.

Craig in Texas Democrat and supporter for Obama   April 16th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Dont look too elitists too me compared to the 108.2 million the clintons made. oh yea and that 800 grand from nafta…….

In oregon and want change   April 16th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

By comparison, Clinton and her husband, the former president, reported $20.4 million in income for 2007.

Who is the elitist???

Gosh I wish I had a quarter of what the Clinton's earned in 2007

mark from PA   April 16th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

clinton and mcbush call this guy elitist. theyare out of touch

Bubba   April 16th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

geez…I gotta become a public servant ! ! !

tigerakabj   April 16th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Way to go Obama!!!

Kevin   April 16th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

And he was telling Clintons to release their tax returns? What a hypocrite.

Patrick   April 16th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Obama '08

Yes We Can!

Chris   April 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Hillary 2007 returns was $20+ million plus her offshore accounts right?

Lets talk about elitism…

or robbing from the poor…

or hypocracy…

Colin   April 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

So they are all muti-millionaires, this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

D   April 16th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Just $ 4 Million?

Looks so less when you think of $109 Million..even though $4 Million is a lot of money for me…

Susan In PA   April 16th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Good for them!

I am so pleased so many took the time to read the Senator's books. Well informed voters make better decisions in the booth.

Debbie N Cali   April 16th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Wonderful. Full disclosure. Your turn Hillary.

vince - Phoenix - (forgive me cnn, for I have sinned)   April 16th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

cheapshot artists…… START YOUR ENGINES !

Hard left !!!!   April 16th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!! YOU ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE!!!!!

Middle-aged American   April 16th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

See? Ask & ye shall receive. Now if only Hillary could follow that rule.

Where are them taxes, girl?

Phoenician   April 16th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

It's time to finish it. Hillary should go or be kicked out.

Trev   April 16th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Yes, he is so poor and grounded (not). Then he releases the info right before the debate. What was he trying to hide?

Now for Obama   April 16th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Okay look at his salary then look at his charity contributions!

I love Obama!!!!

Molly   April 16th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

GO HILLARY !!!

My, my - so much for the POOR ME Candidate
I guess now Ms. Michelle can afford 5 spoons!
They are both such FAKES! AND ARROGANT!

sandy   April 16th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Great! now the billary team can go home and sleep until it's time to answer that phone at 3 am. and try to come up with their 109 mil explanation

Gillis   April 16th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

I am gona write me a book tomorrow. No today!

Fred   April 16th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Not even close to wht the Clintons raked in. Looks more like honest living to me. Not taking millons for NAFTA. Where do you get 109 million.

Cyp, NJ   April 16th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

CNN, What is in my message [ posted at 7;00 ] that it needs to await moderation ?

Nando, Florida   April 16th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

A Honest Man will have no other!!!

HILLARY your turn and GRANDPA we are still waiting on yours for the last 6yrs

Dan Moru   April 16th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

WOW!! Thats nothing compare to Hillary's 109 million.

Obama 08

Noah   April 16th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

So, Obama not as poor as we thought….

B in Fl   April 16th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

Interesting. He didn't file jointly with Michelle? Even if Obama were the best qualified candidate, I would never trust that racist, controlling wife of his near the White House. Let us see her income…..

Rob   April 16th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Go Obama,you are the hope of America

Allages for OBAMA, I love u

mattD   April 16th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Obama made 4.2 million in 2007 and only donated 0.5% of his income to charity. And he calls himself the candidate that cares about the people?

kathy   April 16th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

where did his charitable contributions go to his CHURCH

Wallace   April 16th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

He's keeping it real.

Go Obama 08′

Independent from VA   April 16th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

For someone who claims deep spirituality, he sure doesn't donate much to charity. In the Bible I read it says to tithe 10% but he only gave a total of 5%

why   April 16th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

An elitist knows making money, but small town's people get bitter clinging on guns.

Cowboy Jack   April 16th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Obama donated $200,000 to charity before an election year???? (less than 5% of income)…. HOW PATHETIC!!!!

Josh, Los Angeles   April 16th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

This is peanut compared to Billary's wealth.

Jack, Texas   April 16th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Oh, and $4.2 Million is chump change that the average American earns? Another example of Obama's lies and hypocrisy.

Enoch, Nashville TN   April 16th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Still waiting on the Clintons

Jennifer   April 16th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

So, how is Obama an Elitist?

He made no where near what the Clinton's made. and none of it came from shady deals like the Clinton's.

Omaba '08

CJ   April 16th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Ok, for all of you that bashed the Clinton's for the money they've earned; let's hear the Obama bashing. Oh wait, you can't because that would be racist!

Mark   April 16th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Is the $109,000,000 princess really accusing Obama of being an elitist? Get real.

Vince Los Angeles, CA   April 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

ROTFL……now doesn't Hillary (and you supporters) feel PETTY??

Celia Ann in Michigan   April 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Where are the Library Donors? (Especially since we see that Bill Clinton is running for President Again)?

How much have his Saudi Friends donated to the Library? I have heard numbers in the range of $150-175 Million Dollars. I would sure would like to know.

Brett   April 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Haha. So much for being the anti-establishment candidate. Looks like he's a multimillionaire politician after all :) By the way, the Clinton's gave away much more money to charity than the Obamas!

Zeka-jones - Ontario,Canada   April 16th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Now that's transparency, GOOD FOR YOU Obama

sandy   April 16th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

This is good news! Open and honest Obama for President!

Jim   April 16th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

No charitable contributions to anything but causes for his race. Is that the type of President he'll be?

James, PA   April 16th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Nothing much to see, which compares to the Clintons. 109M.

Mike   April 16th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

I'm sure some of those contributions went to the Church of Rev. Wright, so that he can continue to speak his HATRED!!!

Go Hillary!!!!!!!

Taylor   April 16th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Now, I doubt that people will comment on the fact that Obama is far from poor or needy now. Probably not.

rodney   April 16th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

SOME WAYS FROM 109 MILLION. HONESTLY, I THOUGHT HE MADE MORE THAN THAT.

Ardnuas   April 16th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Why hasn't Annie Oakley and McSame released their 2007 tax returns?
Obama/Edwards08 Si Se Puede

Kevin   April 16th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

I'm an Obama fan. But still have to say I would have expected more then $240, 000 in charitable contributions. Like 10% of his total income is more like it. Bible say's so. :-) So should be like $400,000 for the year. :-)

Just had to say it. Don't change my vote. Oh wait I can't vote I'm Canadian. :-( lol

Kevin

Tracey, Los Angeles   April 16th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Looks like book writing is pretty lucrative. Is this a so much for the "I'm just like you" argument?

Ugh… politicians.

Good for him. Good for Hillary. Money's awesome… either one of you… go out and figure out how to make our country prosperous.

Scott C   April 16th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

It embodies the American as far as I am concerned.

3 years ago he had little money and student loan debt, today he is a millionaire due to the proceeds of a book he wrote.

Good for him.

vanchava   April 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Making money the CLEAN way

Not by businesses in Dubai

steve   April 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

So simple, so clean.
Sweet.

Wang LI   April 16th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Go Obama !

In oregon and want change   April 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Where's Billary's ???????

Huh?

Fact check Lawrence KS   April 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

This is what transparency is all about. Now I hope the Clintons will reveal the list of all donors to the Bill Clinton Library.

Sue   April 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Okay Hillary- he is truly vetted-What baout you? How much and from whom did Bill earn all that money, besides the money he took for promoting columbia Free Trade?

Vig   April 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

We should all write books about ourselves and our unique histories and become millionaires.

chris   April 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Hillary 2007 returns was $20+ million right?

Lets talk about elitism…

or robbing from the poor…

or hypocracy…

johnny boy   April 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

looks like he is well on his way to making "clinton" money.

Avis, Richton Park, IL   April 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Okay Hillary, where's your 2007 tax return?

AnnaMarie   April 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Oh Yea… I for one bought both your books.. So count my hard earned dime in your tax return.. I don't mind..

A good investment in my mind………

YES WE CAN……… IN 2008

gerard morei   April 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

5% for charity and they talk about the Clintons. Cheap MOMO!!!!!!

M Diouf   April 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

$260,735? No way…I am sure there is one of us in this blog who made more than Obama…This man is a rock.

Demo Craxy   April 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

who is the elistist??

now who do you t hink will want to serve the people of this country?
someone who makes 109 million
or someone who makes Salaried income: $260,735 a year?

even a blind, deaf, and mute would see, hear and speak the answer………..

James   April 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Wow… Thanks for doing the right thing Obama ,… i'll go and get your books,….

Angela   April 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

By the time he is Hillary's age, he should have at least 109 million

Who is the elitist???

mel   April 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Yeah……….real regular folk!!!!!! Hypocrites all of you.From Clinton to Obama to MCain.

bigben   April 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

What a lame donation

Kenny   April 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Ya Ya Ya!!! CNN you are SAD. This media is a waist of time. We all know that you are such a BHO fan. But we are going to vote for HILLARY or Mc Cain in November!!!!!!! Got it! Get it! Goooooood.

Soupy   April 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Good to see his book did so well and he gave so much to charity.

Pooh496   April 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Where is 1997, 98 and 99? Let's see them. You wanted Hillary's pretty bad

Steve from San Diego   April 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Wow. That's a LOT LESS than Hillary Clinton. I can't believe she's trying to get away with calling Senator Obama "elitist." If anyone is that, it's HER!

Get out of the race Hillary. You're ruining the Democratic Party!

Carolina Voter   April 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Elitist!

Jacqueline, NY   April 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Where's Hillary's? I heard she filed an extension. I smell a rat!

Grif   April 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Fiction!

AZM   April 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I love this…
I'd call that elite… at least compared to me… they all are.

Interesting how so many say the rich don't pay taxes… but here is an example of him paying over 30%….

1.4 Million in Taxes… but people still think the rich don't pay taxes… unreal…

Elisabeth   April 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Obama’s tax returns from 1997, 1998 and 1999……….?
Hiding something?

CHERYL FOR HILLARY   April 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

HILLARY LEADS IN THE POLLS!!!!!!

CNN WOULD LIKE YOU TO THINK OTHERWISE!!!!

DO NOT FALL FOR IT!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY GO!!!!!!!!

Oh Bummer   April 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Wow. From a few hundred thousand to a Million and now to 4 Million. At this rate he will be a billionaire in 7 years compared to the 109 M the clinton made.

America=Obama'08
America=Oh Bummer'12

Chris   April 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Great move Obama!

4 million compared to 109 millions, and you can him elitist ???

Joe Green   April 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Hillary goes negative with snarky ads and Obama goes AHEAD in the Polls.

Interesting. People are sick of the old school politics.

Listen up, McCain. Don't make the same mistake…

jake   April 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

. . .Why is Hillary trying to be so nice now, before the debate?

Nelson, MD   April 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Good, now where is the Clinton Library Donor List? Where is it, did it get lost in China?

Obama 08

Susan MO   April 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Finally. Oh, and just in time.

Pennsylvania……….vote for Hillary.

Obama slammed the people of Pennsylvania, then to top it off, he 'made light of it'……….basically laughing in their faces.

America does not need a president who insults the people.

Hillary Clinton :)

April in Texas   April 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Gee Hillary how about you release yours as well as the missing transcripts from the whitehouse and all those donors for the Clinton Foundation.

Obama 08

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