In Doocy's “real world” $250K/year is “not rich”

Making the case that the Bush tax cuts for the rich should be extended can be a difficult task, given that a strong majority of Americans consistently supports raising taxes on the wealthy. This isn't too surprising considering that only around 2 of every 100 U.S. households earn more than $250,000 per year.

But that won't stop Fox & Friends from trying. While discussing the January 2011 expiration of the Bush tax cuts for upper-income earners, host Steve Doocy asked: “What do they consider rich in Washington, DC? Because what they consider rich, not necessarily part of the real world.” And by “real world,” Doocy means New York City:

DOOCY: First of all, you know, they talk about soaking the rich, and they're going to -- tax hikes for the rich. What do they consider rich in Washington DC? Because what they consider rich, not necessarily part of the real world.

VARNEY: I guess it's that $250,000 a year cut off that the president has always mentioned. If you're above that, you're taxes go up. If you're below that, he will never raise taxes on you. I guess he makes the cut off point at $250,000.

DOOCY: But you know, living in the New York City area, there are firemen who have wives that are in the teachers' union and they make about that much, and they are not rich.

VARNEY: No they're not.

According to Census Bureau data, the median household income in New York City was $48,631 in 2007. Yet Fox & Friends believes that you can earn five times this amount, and you're still “not rich.”

Now, it's true that New York City is home to a high number of uber-rich people. But that doesn't change the fact that even those who don't seem rich to the absurdly rich make a lot more money than the vast majority of the city's - and the nation's -- residents.