Obama has never cared about the amount of tax revenue generated. His actions show he is unconcerned about the budget deficit and the national debt. As a socialist, his concern is wealth distribution. As a Democrat, his concern is with buying votes and pandering to his base.
I don't think distribution is the true focus. Sure he wants to transfer money out of the hands of those that make it but the real goal is even more sinister.
The real goal is to prevent the accumulation of wealth to any significant degree. Poor people are dependent and easily controlled.
I am fond of asking this rhetorical question.
What do rich people do?
The answer to this question is "anything they want". Simply stated if you have enough wealth you make your own rules and can't be controlled. You drive whatever car you want, you travel to anywhere you want, you own whatever you want, etc. This is the real reason leftists love taxes. It keeps people from accumulating wealth. Redistribution has the same effect and the ultimate goal is the same.