My op-ed at Real Clear Politics is here. Below are comments, not the text of the column itself
One of life’s great lessons is “never accept moral guidance from the New York Times.” The smug, gray lady proved it once again by wagging a finger at former Pres. Obama.
He is setting a terrible example, they say, by charging $400,000 for speeches to Wall Street and then, gasp, keeping the money. Give it all to charity.
If Pres. Obama wants to donate it, great. But that’s his call, and he is already doing the right thing by giving speeches to other, less well-heeled groups. And he is raising money for his library and foundation.
What the Times really should worry about are politicians whose speaking fees are actually crony capitalism. They are the equivalent of road-construction companies taking politicians out for steak dinners–and then building them a new patio.
That is not why people are paying Barack Obama. They want to hear him because he is a historic figure and a celebrity, not because he is expected to direct government money their way. The difference is crucial.
If the Times ever stumbles upon someone doing such sleazy business, perhaps someone at the very heart of the Democratic Party for the past three decades, they really should let us know.
