Barack Obama Faces Criticism Over Charitable-Giving Record

Barack Obama, the Illinois senator and Democratic presidential contender, has pumped up his charitable giving in recent years, yet before that his donations as a percentage of income lagged behind the national average, reports the Chicago Tribune.

The national average for charitable giving has remained for years at 2.2 percent of household income, according to the Giving USA Foundation, which tracks philanthropy trends. Tax returns for Mr. Obama show he fell well below that mark on charitable giving for years prior to 2005.

Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, reported taxable income of $983,626 on their 2006 tax return and claimed deductions of $60,307 in charitable donations (roughly 6.1 percent of their income).

The Obamas declined to comment for the article.

Public attention to charitable gifts has led to unpleasant moments for many prominent political figures. Al Gore was mocked in 1998 when he was Vice President for having reported charitable deductions of only $353 on his tax form, while then-President Bill Clinton drew criticism for claiming deductions on donated underwear and socks.

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