can we re-frame the talking point "clipping coupons"?

[CTyankee]

It was once helpful as shorthand for "people who get their incomes from all their invested wealth." The first time I heard it (so many years ago) I had to find out what it meant (no Google in those days).

We could suggest this to Joe and his team (he said it today on the Morning Joe interview). I know it is usually translated as "unearned income" but I don't know if that is completely more understandable.

This is no slam against Joe, just a suggested tweak of language for the man who has an excellent chance of becoming our standard bearer in this upcoming election.

The interview with Biden left me in tears. I think Joe Scarborough (for once) was nearly speechless as was Mika. It's called giving credit where credit is due and I thank them for giving this to all of us here at DU and across the electorate.

[IronLionZion]

1. ???

Is there more context to this?

It can be called capital gains or investment income and is taxed at much lower rates than earned income

The 3 Types of Income and How They're Taxed
https://www.fool.com/taxes/2018/09/21/the-3-types-of-income-and-how-theyre-taxed.aspx

It's one of many reasons why our country currently has record high stock market profits and high deficits. A lot of good things can be done with that revenue.

Our candidates should talk about how people who push money around without adding any value to anything pay lower tax rates than the rest of us who work to earn income.

[CTyankee]

2. Sorry not to be clearer. You are correct and your last paragraph explains it beautifully.

Joe was talking about a candidate who serves all the people of this country, not just those who "clip coupons." I thought that might puzzle lots of people.

[CrispyQ]

3. I asked my right wing nut job cousin

"Why does a man whose money works for him while he plays golf pay less in taxes than a man who exchanges his life's hours for a paycheck?" My cousin is the second man, not the first. He had no answer. Logic doesn't work with these people. They either go silent or they plead, "Can't we just agree to disagree?"

[IronLionZion]

4. Because wealthy golfers are considered "job creators"

even if they don't create any jobs at all. It's assumed that their investments are creating jobs, even if the companies are using automation or overseas factories to reduce American jobs or worse like buying up distressed companies cheaply to liquidate their assets through managed bankruptcies.

Most Americans are 3 bad months away from becoming homeless but will never be 3 good months away from becoming a millionaire.