News-Record.com

When a prospective Republican cabinet member fails to pay taxes, I believe that was Linda Chavez and the nanny tax she failed to pay, it becomes a character issue that derails the confirmation.

When it's a Democrat who fails to pay taxes, it's a "just forgot" issue.

Interesting how in many situations character applies to Republicans and not to Democrats.

Hey Doug, so another prominent Demo-Rat is a tax cheat. Where is the news here? But he apologized so everything is right in the world of corrupt D-Rats.

At least we're discovering why the D-Rats are so fond of hiking taxes. They don't pay them! Biden the buffon needs to send his "paying taxes is patriotic" speech to all propsective cabinet. And these guys always scream when anyone questions their patriotism!

Of course he's a patriot. He's going to sacrifice his multimillion-dollar income to serve his country (remembering, of course, that his previous service is what opened the revolving door to those multimillion-dollar opportunities).

After he spends a few years reforming health care, he can go back to work for the health care industry as a consultant.

Washington politicians of both parties believe in change you can profit from.

Jon, on target, Ann Coulter got more bad press from a off the wall comment, than everyone of the tax cheats together. Daschle never seen a tax he did not like, except for paying them.

Doug:

I am getting this sinking feeling that the folks in Washington really do believe we are stupid. If President Obama promised anything it was "change we can believe in" and the most transparent administration in history. He keeps nominating folks who support higher taxes but don't pay them themselves. No one but the most partisan hack can take the position that failing to pay more than $100,000 in taxes was a "mistake". Moreover, only a well-connected politician would get a pass - you and I would be spending time at Club Fed.

Best regards,

Paul Daniels

Thanks, Paul. Just remember, Daschle was never a REGISTERED lobbyist, although he worked for a law firm that did big-time lobbying.

So he's OK.

For all you folks (Conservatives/Republicans) who vociferously criticize Obama for his appointments and the lack of integrity that some of them have, I hope you criticized Bush as well. Otherwise, you have no credibility and should remain silent. Although I support Obama, I do not consider myself a Dem or a Repub. I would much rather be an American that is alligned to the rule, law, and justice. Those of you that supported the misdeeds of Scooter Libby/Cheney and said, "show me proof that they did something wrong." And now you're talking about ethics or lack there of with the current appointments...you are the problem with America. You (if that description fits you) are what is wrong with America and are extremely hypocritical. I, on the other hand, feel liberated because I can unequivically support the Clinton impeachment and feel incredulous about the Rose law firm records showing up on Clinton's secretary's desk...just as I feel incredulous about Bush and Cheney destroying years of emails as well as their other misdeeds. The long and short is....if you voiced your opinion loudly when Bush did his shenanigans, then feel free to do it now. Otherwise, shut your mouth and go back to your cave.

Crawl back to your own sanctimonious cave Dave. I am glad you have a high opinion of yourself though. Makes life easy dont it?

I am not an Obama supporter but kinda like the guy. However, he has recently missed two very real opportunities to show true leadership. Geitner (sp) and Daschle should have both been told to withdraw. I dont know if these issues were innocent mistakes or not and I dont care. Obama should have told em both "Sorry guys, you no longer fit the bill". But nope. Same ol Same ol. Sure would have impressed me and shown real change I could believe in! Missed oppotunities #1 and #2. Too bad.

Oh and same goes for bacon laden stimulus package. I am almost as disgusted with it as I was the 911/Pork crap. "Change" what change?

David Ward, thanks for your comment. There's no call, mick, for attacking someone for expressing a legitimate opinion.

I don't blame Obama for Daschle's tax issues, which I doubt Obama had any knowledge of until after his selection of Daschle. However, I think Obama raised expectations so high for integrity, and by his no-lobbyists rule, that it's impossible not to fall short of meeting them in all cases.

I'm very much in favor of bipartisanship and applaud Obama for reaching across the aisle (see my latest post about his appointment of Judd Gregg).

Doug,

I agree but what did you expect after.... "Otherwise, shut your mouth and go back to your cave." Aint exactly playin nice now is it?

I dont blame Obama for other's tax issues either. "not to fall short ..... in all cases" ?????
A Treasurey Sec with tax issues? Do you think that situation was handled well? I just think Obama would have made more friends than enemies by withdrawing that nomination. After allowing Geithner to proceed Obama had little choice with Daschle. What was all that hullaballoo about adequately vetting candidates back during the election. Hmmmmm. Where are all those folks now?

You're right, mick. I should not have come down harder on you. My apologies, and thanks for adding to the conversation.

Daschle should have been vetted before his nomination was announced. I suspect that didn't happen. I will say in defense of the Obama team that they launched into the most active transition that I can remember. As a result, they didn't cover all the bases they should have.

Obama could have withdrawn Daschle. I wonder if he worried about offending Daschle's friends in the Senate.

Daschle solves the problem. Good for him and good for us.

No worries. Never were any.