This is not a bash of Obama or Biden... it's using them, because they are a) politicians who must declare their taxes b) "rich" c) public figures who make decisions about what WE should pay in taxes.

First, despite earning well more than $2.5million, Obama pays less than the top bracket. I realize this is the "marginal" rate, but when you make this much more than $250k, its ALL at the margin. CERTAINLY $2.6million qualifies as rich. He should be paying the absolute highest percentage of his income in taxes... because THAT is exactly what he says in his speeches. Apparently it is do what I say, not what I do. Again... not singling out Obama... I'm certain that Bush and every other wealthy politician pays less than the top bracket... and perhaps even more eggregious than this... in fact I remember Perot paying 19% or something... but that only proves how wrong-headed all of these arguments are. You aren't raising taxes on the rich when you raise taxes on the rich.

Second... it looks like Biden's tax rate is roughly 20% on income of $250k. Once again, taking deductions that most people who make less can't. I know people who make less than 100k who pay more than 20k in taxes.

When the problem is this obvious... WHY don't we as American's get it? Sure, the rich pay more in dollars... but does it really make sense that they should pay a lower PERCENTAGE of their income? I'd be okay with them paying the same amount...

FTR, I've made what Biden makes, and had TONS of deductions... most of which were disallowed via AMT, and never paid less than 28%... while Biden pays 20%??

OH....... You are so ON THE MONEY. I also noticed that Obama took the 6.5% national average for his charitable deduction. With his income, I'd think he would want to donate more. You are exactly right about his ELITIST do as I say, not as I do. Like a parent to a child.

And Biden, he just makes you want to puke.

And the elitist, befuddled, biased MSM does not even cover the discussion of the ObamaMessiah's Hypocrisy. Spare me!!!

Ham, I head on the news that Obama and Biden submitted their income taxes and what their income was for the year. No where did I hear that special deductions taken by Biden were not available to us. Why is the MSM sitting on this?

I don't thinks its so much a "special" deduction... more that as a public figure, he can deduct things that most people can't. He didn't make that much money, but as his office is paid for by the people... most of his travel and many other perks as well... and most of the OTHER things he does are "business expenses". he gets taken to dinner... or "entertains constituents"... while we just have friends over.

Again, not bashing him per se... just trying to wake some people up to the reality versus the rhetoric.