CNN South Carolina GOP Debate moderator John King asked each of the Republican presidential candidates Thursday night if they planned to release their tax returns. Gingrich said he already had – which he did Thursday night. Santorum said he would – just as soon as he got home to prepare them as he “does his own taxes.” Ron Paul said probably not; but mostly because he’d be embarrassed to disclose his wealth for comparison with the rest of the field. And Mitt Romney continued to say “maybe” – but only after he wins the nomination – even when King pointed out that the Governor Romney’s father released multiple years when similarly situated.
Here’s the video. Catch me below for a few thoughts on this media-fabricated issue…
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Absent compelling evidence that something criminal or unethical is afoot, I see absolutely no reason why the American People need to see a presidential candidate’s income tax returns. What’s the point? And don’t tell me so we can find out where their money is coming from. If Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, or Rick Santorum were on the take from anyone or any entity that could potentially prove damning, someone could and would find out about it and they wouldn’t need a tax return to do it. This is about shaming politicians for making money and acquiring wealth. Period.
But since it seems “the people” have spoken and releasing returns is inevitable rather than optional; if I were advising any of these candidates, the only thing I’d tell them is to be 100% prepared to defend every single piece of claimed income and every single deduction tenfold. And if we’re talking about Mitt Romney – because I think we all know we’re really talking about Mitt Romney – I’d tell him to prepare himself to be tied to the 1% and the “billionaires” that President Obama has spent the entirety of his time in office whining about. Everyone knows the dude is rich. Releasing the tax returns will do nothing more to prove it.
I’m with you. I simply do not understand the need for any of the candidates to release their tax returns. There is no reason for the media or anyone else to be prowling around in them, just to look for any dirt they may find.
Like I said, if there is compelling evidence that something appears criminal or unethical – and even then – I’m not sure a public airing is really appropriate. I’ve never understood it and probably never will. What’s the point of financial disclosure statements and fed election law?