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steve2470

(37,457 posts)
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 10:27 AM Apr 2017

The Obamas face the paid-speaking circuit and all the questions that come with it

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-obamas-face-the-paid-speaking-circuit--and-all-the-questions-that-come-with-it/2017/04/27/a723c280-2b65-11e7-b605-33413c691853_story.html

ORLANDO — When Barack and Michelle Obama left the White House, they both spoke longingly of a break from life in the public eye. But following a months-long vacation, they have started to tap into the lucrative paid-speaking circuit that has enriched so many other former presidents and first ladies — with the potential to quickly net millions of dollars.

On Thursday, both made their first appearances as speakers-for-hire.

“Hi, everybody, it’s good to get out of the house,” said Michelle Obama, visibly relaxed, as she sat for a wide-ranging — but free of partisan politics — question-and-answer session before the American Institute of Architecture’s annual conference. Her husband, meanwhile, joined historian Doris Kearns Goodwin in New York for a closed-door address to employees of the A&E cable network.

It was not divulged how much they were paid for these first appearances. But the former president will collect $400,000 for a September speech to a health-care conference sponsored by investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, Fox Business reported this week.

*end of excerpt*

I have no problem with the Obamas making bank. I'm sure it WILL be used for good causes, in addition to helping the daughters. Charity begins at home.
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The Obamas face the paid-speaking circuit and all the questions that come with it (Original Post) steve2470 Apr 2017 OP
He has, and will continue to, earn every penny. Aristus Apr 2017 #1
Seems the only ones who shouldn't be on a paid WhiteTara Apr 2017 #2
Especially when the complaint comes from a person on a book tour comradebillyboy Apr 2017 #4
Both Warren and Sanders have had WhiteTara Apr 2017 #5
I don't recall this being an issue until Hillary Clinton did it and then ran for President. wildeyed Apr 2017 #7
It wasn't an issue anywhere until Hillary WhiteTara Apr 2017 #8
The pearl clutching over paid speeches by a private comradebillyboy Apr 2017 #3
Good for Them!! DaleFromWPB Apr 2017 #6

Aristus

(66,096 posts)
1. He has, and will continue to, earn every penny.
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 10:31 AM
Apr 2017

He's well out of it, and he deserves an active and dynamic post-Presidential career. That takes $$$.

WhiteTara

(29,676 posts)
2. Seems the only ones who shouldn't be on a paid
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 10:36 AM
Apr 2017

speaking circuit are black men and women.

I'm glad he's making money. He's earned every penny of it by living through the past 8 years of abuse at the hands of republicons.

edit to add...and racists (though I realize that those are pretty much the same thing)

comradebillyboy

(10,119 posts)
4. Especially when the complaint comes from a person on a book tour
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 10:41 AM
Apr 2017

promoting her book for which she will make a tidy sum.

WhiteTara

(29,676 posts)
5. Both Warren and Sanders have had
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 11:15 AM
Apr 2017

well paying book tours, so there is hypocrisy there...once upon a time, I might have said I was surprised.

wildeyed

(11,240 posts)
7. I don't recall this being an issue until Hillary Clinton did it and then ran for President.
Sat Apr 29, 2017, 10:36 PM
Apr 2017

If people think it is truly unethical, they should make a law. You know what other law they should make? You can't run for president if you don't show your tax returns. That would be GREAT.

comradebillyboy

(10,119 posts)
3. The pearl clutching over paid speeches by a private
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 10:39 AM
Apr 2017

citizen is what is really concerning. These purity standards are getting pretty absurd and remarkably petty.

 

DaleFromWPB

(76 posts)
6. Good for Them!!
Fri Apr 28, 2017, 11:20 AM
Apr 2017

I fully support them earning whatever someone is willing to pay them.

They both have very unique experiences to speak about and will draw a lot of interest on the circuit.

Couldn't be happier for them.

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