CNN

They will have to turf Geithner (he really should honorably resign) and face the fact that their vetting process was really the" Old Washington " in cya mode.Cut these losses and move forward. Obama needs to read Mark Twain's " The Gilded Age". Not much has changed. Obama must swiftly cut the diseased part of his team away if they will not go. Many exceptional others await his summons.He needs to show the leadership he promised the American people.

There's nothing unusual or wrong with tax evasion is there?

dont worry .. the almighty will just veto veto,,, veto,,, already ... with the vetos,,, this will be the reign of the vetos,,, i am so glad i changed my vote last year,,, first time in 30 years,, i see a fake when one speaks,,, so ,, hope it all happens for you all on the day of infamy,, hope you get what you wished for the next day

How's that for economic recovery? Don't pay your taxes and hire illegal immigrants to work for you-you'll have plenty left over at the end of the day!

You'd think after this DQ'd 2 Clinton nominees in 1993, they'd learn.

Why pick him? He can't figure his taxes. Let's get someone from H&R Block – they got people that can figure taxes.

We need the best and brightest to move the country out of the economic problems. He might be the greatest sweetest man on earth but if he can not catch the details of his own taxes and makes a $43,000 mistake do we want him to be in charge of $1 Trillion in Bailout/Stimulus?

What a JOKE! This is unbelievable to say the least! Shame on Obama and his "vetting" process. How can Obama honestly think that a man who can't take care of his own finances can take care of our withering economy?? Everyday it looks like Obama is more of the same; He is still better than McCain would have been though. Just goes to show there really is no hope for America's future unless there is a total shift of power in Washington to good, pure, unselfish, honest, and intelligent men who aren't motivated by politics but are motivated by the love of our country to better it at any cost even at their own careers. Until that happens I hold no hope. This is just stupid!!

when you work for the IMF you don't need to pay income taxes. once geithner relaized that he hadnt been paying social security payments either, however, he paid back what he owed PLUS INTEREST.

as for the illegal employee: she worked for him LEGALLY for (i think) three years. her green card expired. 3 months later she became a citizen.

yeah, two mistakes. but not the end of the world.

Imagine that ANOTHER corrupt politician. Turn on the lights at the Obama cabinet meeting and they will all scramble under the cabinet.
There is no change here–same old crap. Then you have the Bill and HIlliary show brewing along with the old team of characters from the Clinton administration. I suspect there will be a "buyers remorse" here shortly with this administration.

I have a problem with anyone holding public office that does not pay their income taxes, but especially in his role as Treasury Secretary. He will be in charge of IRS and Social Security. Will he let other people slide, too? Hiring employees is complicated, but there are responsibilities that need to be attended to. I do not need a Saint to be in office, just an experienced taxpayer.

Double standard? I am supposed to pay quarterly taxes. When I can't – I file my income tax and ask for the installment plan. Usually, the IRS is agreeable. However, if a payment is late or missed – they are right on it – if it goes on too long, the threats start coming – liens, bank account seizures – they don't fool around.
So this guy doesn't pay thousands of dollars in income tax for several years and the IRS is clueless? Yeah right. Good pick Obama.

Obama has never been concerned with crime, having come from that hell-hole of Chicago where "everybody does it" - did he, too? So what: a little crime here or a little crime there? This is the best he can come up with?

Is there anybody Obama know that is not a crook! What a mess this is and he has not even gone to Washington yet.

This is much ado about nothing.

Lifetime tax audits for everyone in this discussion thread! Yay!

Just kidding!

OK, it *is* unbecoming for a Treasury Secretary to have not paid taxes for a period of self-employment and for a housekeeper. It's natural to wonder if he'll mess up with details of managing the Treasury Department, too.

On the other hand, I wonder if the pool of people qualified to be a Treasury Secretary includes anyone who hasn't neglected (or intentionally avoided) paying some taxes. Affluent people really seem to have trouble paying taxes for their housekeepers and gardeners! LOL!

Of course they found that it was a complete error. If he can not manage his own finances, how can he be incharge of ours???????????

It's amazing to read the comments from people who voted for Obama that are disappointed in him even before he takes office. I think there will be many more.

I just love watching the Obamabots people start throwing out the excuses and saying that Americans should rally behind him and than blaming republicans in the same sentence. HeHeHe If this were a republican, they'd be calling for his head. Breaking the law is just that, it doesn't matter if you're republican or democrat.

Maybe the immigration certificate of his housekeeper will be found in Hillary's office after the investigation is over on this one as well.

Clinton lost Mike Espey and Henry Cisneros in the early part of his admin as well for stupid stuff. Dems or Repubs...it's all the same.

"Change is relative"...there is no change here.

Another Obama scandal...yikes! First Richardson, now this.
Not to mention the flap over his successor! Barrack...you
should have waited till you got sworn in first before you show
a lack of preparation and maturity.

I am a Democrat. I am proud I voted to get rid of the stupid incompetent crooks that the last Republican administration brought to Washington. I do my own taxes. I pay my taxes. I have always paid my taxes and – one time – I was informed that I had underpaid my taxes, I paid my taxes promptly.

I think that I know at least a dozen CPA's in New Mexico who can pay their taxes correctly. There are probably many, many more competent people who could run the Treasury Dep't without any questions as to whether they had paid their own taxes and the taxes on their employees.

Change means that now its time to do things right. Let's set an example for the Stupid Republicans.

The senate finance committee has know about all of this since Dec. 5th and they are now just bring it up why? If the Transition team and Mr. G eithner were the one who brought it to there attention then and he has paid all the raxes then what is the problem, I want to know who leaked the infro to the Wall St Journal. Any Republican want to step up.

Change?This was Paulsons bagman, or was he Bernachis shoe shine boy?I dont trust this guy as far as I could throw him and I voted for Obama.

bush had many cabinet picks that went sideways...
Miers, Bolten (recess appt), Brown etc.
seems to me that this article should have been posted in Nov or Dec, so I wonder about CNN's timing of a story that is over a month old.

so I guess my "comments awaiting moderation"
if they are posted at all.

Zoe Baird & Kimba Wood discovered the import of a similar (and, possibly, lesser) situation in '93. This is for Treasury Secretary. One would think that all $ dealings involving a nominee would be squeaky clean. What givies with the "vetting?" We need to hear more.

Still waiting for the republican who calls for investigating and enforcing the law against the current president, and I will go on waiting.

If Geithner or Wrangel broke the law with criminal intent jail them, if they did not STFU.

The second any of you idiot anti-obama trolls call for prosecuting any of the THOUSANDS of violations of the law in the last 8 years, then you can preach to us about the technical mistakes of Mr. Obama's appointees.

Bush and Cheney have admitted to authorizing torture, a crime against humanity, but you the propaganda victims here think any picayune non-issue is a stop the world event, as long as its a democrat thats in the cross hairs.

This is disgusting to say the least. Will you explain to me how the IRS can waive penalties for 2003 and 2004; and how this man gets by with not paying self-employment taxes when due and still remains a nominee for Treasury Secretary. One standard for Washington elites and one for the average Joe American. What a joke!

Get him out of there.

Matt (January 13th, 2009 6:23 pm ET):

So I am indeed questioning his competence and not his honesty, so what is your response to me?

I'm a blogger who loves saying CHANGE. I CHANGE into CHANGE and have a cup of CHANGE. Then I sit down on my CHANGE and type useless CHANGE on my CHANGE because it makes me feel like a CHANGE. Once I have spent about 3 CHANGE on my CHANGE, I'll head upstairs, I'll brush my CHANGE, say my nightly CHANGE, and go to CHANGE.

See how annoying that is?

if this CRIMINAL, thats right, CRIMINAL, is allowed to be our treasury secretary than we are going to be much worse off in the coming years. For individuals who say this is a non-issue. wow... you are blinded by your infatuation with stupidity!

I love the irony of an administration that is bent on increasing taxes for the "rich", made of rich people that don't pay taxes.

Ahh well – at least he looks good in a bathing suit and gives good speeches. What more can you ask for, really?

It would nice, if everyone would stop being critical on Obama's new cabinet choices. Obama learned tough politics from being in Chicago.
Our future President did say we all have to work together in order to
re-establish our financial economic tenure. How can the United States
show the world we're a successful country without financial economic failures? Obama said,"Yes we can"! Failure is not an option for our nation!

Obama gets way to much credit for his intelligence. First Richardson and now the Treasury Secretary pick Geithner did not pay his taxes? Wow, I think I would rather take another 8 years of Bush then what has already happened under the so so called "Change" under the Obama administration.

Unreal

This was a routine back taxes issue people. The IRS regularly waives the penalties when someone amends and pays the back taxes. If it was a situation in which you could legitimately claim it shows corrupt behavior he'd have been prosecuted, but he wasn't and isn't going to be. His ability to do the job is certainly put in question based on messing up his taxes, but not his honesty. Read the linked document so you know the facts or STFU.

First Charlie Rangel, the top Democrat who writes our tax laws, doesn't know how to pay his taxes. Now we find out the Democratic nominee to run the Treasury doesn't like to pay his taxes... This must be why Democrats feel the need to increase taxes- to make up for what they don't feel like paying themselves.

I support Obama but this guy should be history. If this was a Republican he would be tarred and feathered.

Joe the Plumber didn't pay his taxes and all it got him was a book deal, fame, and a journalism job. Must be the way to go now I guess.

I love the Republican “watch dogs” who have crawled out of the wood work since November 3 2008. After 8 years of ignoring the absolute malfeasance by GWB and his band of merry thieves; Republicans are now all of a sudden concerned with “governmental improprieties”. Oh the irony.

The fact that Mr Geithner and the Obama team DISCLOSED this information to Congress PRIOR to the hearing indicates they were aware of the issue and chose NOT TO COVER IT UP, unlike some members of a certain political persuasion.

Is it unseemly that he failed to pay taxes ...YES of course...but is it an automatic disqualification for the job...I say NO.

Repubs you really need to pick your battles b/c if this is the best you can come up with consistent basis its gonna be a long 4-8 years.

We need a person who can handle financial matter 1–% by the book, correctly, no mistakes, in charge of the treasury! Pick someone else Obama, so far your change is nothing but the same old stuff. I voted for you and still believe in you. Please don't let us down.

Does this mean that I don't have to pay my taxes. How could this criminal even be considered for Treasury Department leader? We have lost it. All of these politicians are just plain crooks. If this guy had any balls he would take his name out of consideration for the job. I guess CHANGE means keep all the old crooks and hire some more. I am glad that I am 66 years old so I don't have to put up with this much longer.

I want my penalties for not paying self-employment taxes waived, TOO!

Seems like Obama does not care about ethics or moral issues when he picks up the Cabinet members. Idiots.

Are you kidding me??!!!

People are coming down on this man for these fairly low level deeds, yet totally blew off Obama and his racist pastor, dealings with the terrorist fellow, connection to corruption galore in Chicago, etc, etc and elect him president! Am I crazy?!!

Obama can leave the shady friends behind. No place for them on the national scene. Keep them in Illinois.

$42,000+!?!?! That's almost as much as the median annual income of American families. Of course, this is just chump change compared to the billions of taxpayer dollars he doled out to his friends on Wall Street.

No wonder Democrats (even the rich ones!) don't mind raising taxes...they don't plan on paying them! Thanks for looking out for the little guy, Dems.

That's #2. How many more are we going to see? I haven't seen any "change" yet. Can't be that a politician fibbed, can it?

This is so stupid. YAWN. WHO CARES

He should still become Sec. of Treasury.

NEXT! We don't need someone like that in the administration. Surely, there are capable, HONEST, people ready to serve.

Dear President-Elect Obama,

A suggestion from the Democrats in Congress...

You might be better off nominating Mr. Geithner's housekeeper for Secretary of the Treasury!

I knew it would happen, but didn't think it would be this soon. Obama is already appointing staffers who are lawbreakers. We all knew this type of behavior would eventually come to the white house under president obama, but he could have waited until he was in office.

Plain and simple–he's out!!!!
No message of change that I see in the works–and to think I voted for this freaking hypocrit...................

You know what's funny, if Bush had appointed someone like this guy who didn't pay taxes for a period of time, people would be outraged, but since it's Obama, who cares....amazing. Strange how we held Bush accountable, but we are starting Obama off by saying who cares what he does, he's apparently too holy to make a mistake.

How can we start off having the TREASURY Secretary not doing his taxes! this is hard to believe that he will still get approved. with all the screw ups over the past few years with the Gov't and the private sector. how can we even think about placing someone in this position that for 4 years forgot to do hi taxes. come on! thats the lamest excuse in the book! find someone who will pay attention to the details. obviously he is not the one.

I find it amusing that liberals want to call this as a "non issue". Just exactly how is the person wanting to be the Secretary of the Treasury being a tax cheat Not a Issue??? Are you stuck on stupid or do you not understand the conflict? I guess Intellegence, Honesty and basic Math skills are too high of a requirement for the Secretary of the Treasury.

Obamabit Koolaid drinkers–If someone cant keep their OWN economic house straight, how on EARTH will they be able to fix the economic problems the USA is facing?

He CANT.

Due to this candidates LACK of credibility, Obama should look for someone else.

OBAMA: LET THEM EAT HOPE

To Matt (January 13th, 2009 5:47 pm ET):

Well I never accused Geithner or corruption. I only said it is a concern because it's his field of expertise, so what is your response to me?

Well, it looks like another Obama Cabinet pick is under investigation for crimes involving taxes, pay-to-play,...etc. I'm sorry, i thought CHANGE was coming to America. Obama is looker pretty corrupt. He's up their with Reagan, Clinton and Bush. As soon as Obama is sworn in, I demand that he submit his resignation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and allow Joe Biden to take the helm as America's 45th president.

I don't see the housekeeper thing as an issue. Sounds like an easy mistake to make. However, not paying self-employment taxes??? How can this guy be Treasury secretary and in charge of the IRS if he can't figure that one out?

To "Poetic"

Non-issue???? You are nothing but a lemming.

Get over your blind allegiance to Obama and the Democrats and start paying attention to what your leaders are actually doing! If you did that, then you would see that your new president is nothing but the same old, same old Washing insider. Change??? Get real!

Hmmmm. . . . this wouldn't bother me except that Obama's economic plan consists of nothing but "spend, spend, spend."

I think the plan is already doomed for immediate and drastic failure, but when even your own Treasury Secretary isn't paying his taxes, I think Obama's plan is going to flop even harder.

Great story though!

34,000 dollars in back taxes from 2001 -2004 , IS NOT AN HONEST MISTAKE, you failed to pay taxes and see what happens to you. This country justice is divided into the have's and have not. Republican and Democrat , they are all same.

This did not take me long to decide, more with the title rather than any talking points. Anyone who doesn't know what is required on his own taxes, or who has been at Treasury for the past 30-40 days looking over people's shoulder's and we still don't know what happened to the first 350B and put that with illegal immigrant doing housekeeping (which is a definite no-no tax law) -
I think team Obama needs to get on with choosing another candidate - he has always appeared the quiet, can't quite look people straight in the eye - at least from any pictures or videos I have see –

If this were a Republican Bush pick, Congress, the media, and bloggers would be burning this guy at the stake. But he was Chosen by The One, so everything is hunkey-dorey....

He will fit right in with the rest of the Democrats. Bet he didn't fill out Obama's form. Time to step down.

Not even in office and obama's political capital is dwindling by the day......I praised obama for his pick....and he still we do a good job....but i am becoming more confident that 2010 will be the year that repubs start returning to power.....and 2012 The White House will be republican

Hey Jimmy Carter,your prodige is going to out do you LOL!!!!!!!!!!

To all our Republican friends ,were you so distraught when it was revealed the McCains didn't pay their property taxes? Doubt it. HYPOCRITS. He made a mistake on his taxes, like most of us do, NO BIG DEAL I hardly think this disqualifies him.

Take th epolitical blinders off GOPers. This is certainly evidence relative to competence, but it's not evidence of corruption. I know you really really want to be able to claim Obama and his administration are corrupt in order to get back at us for all those years of Bush, Cheney, Craig and the entire cast of corrupt go-go dancers you call a party, but you might want to wait until you have something to hang your hat on that's solid...then maybe people will listen...but we've all already learned how to tune out your twisting and spinning.

Does anyone honestly think there are any squeaky clean politicians today anyway? I sure don't. Not that it makes it right.

And on a side note, I have to comment after seeing post after post of haters asking "where's the change" it reminds me of the old lady asking "where's the beef" and is just as annoying.

Who cares he needs to be put to work and NOW.

I'm a democrat! He has to go!!

Change I'll never believe in!!!

Get over it Obamabots . All of you drank the ' CHANGE ' kool-aid and no use crying now ....

Fabulous! Here we go again. What is wrong with these people? There is no reason for these types of "lapses" when it comes to employment issues. Esp. when it is someone who is recognized as having a higher degree of knowledge and understanding on these matters.

I am so tired of being disappointed!!

to all you "perfect" people out there – let him who is without sin throw the first stone. Why do so many insist that only "perfect" people are allowed to run our government – especially if they are from the "other" party.

I know the Republicans aren't going to talk about misappropriate spending, and/or the means of going about that spending. Put a lid on it.

This is frightening news!!

This is such trivial b.s. Who cares about his house keeper? Who checks the immigration status of their housekeeper any way? I don't care if he killed his entire family as long as he's qualified to lead us through this economic mess we're in.

It isn't a big deal in comparison to everything the Bush Administration has done over the last 8 years... this is peanuts compared to all the crap Bush & Co had done.

So all you Republicans can just shut up!! How many people resigned in DISGRACE from the Bush Administration? How many Republican Congressman have resigned over the last eight years (or should have resigned!) in total DISGRACE?

So while you Republicans are salivating over incorrect taxes while the Leader of the Republican Party is guilty of raping the American Constitution... I think we can stop worrying about the little things like who incorrectly paid how much in taxes and worry about who has shredded our Constitution and totally destroyed the state of our great nation.

Remember Dubya?? He's still President?? How convenient that you Republicans have forgotten him in all your blogs and he's still in office!! Remember?? 9/11 happened on his watch??

So let's worry more about who paid what in taxes... is it any wonder why your party was completely decimated in the last election? Losers...

Warm up the Obama bus, another "friend " is about to be thrown under it.

I can't seem to understand how not paying taxes for 2 years is an
honest mistake. If we all forgot to pay taxes some of the years, will
that be OK?

Can we trust this one to lead the country out of this financial trouble if
he even did not pay his share of the taxes.

"The President-elect chose Tim Geithner to be his Treasury Secretary because he's the right person to help lead our economic recovery during these challenging times," Forget he broke the law, he will get the job cause obama says. It is ok to break the law look where obama is so why should'nt Geithner get the job.

I paid my taxes on time and in full every year and I have never hired an illegal worker. I have no experience in anything other than HVAC installation.

Can I be Sec of Treasury? No? Why not? Oh, because I'm not qualified? Ok then, so what matters more, his qualifications or my tax return diligence?

Let's move on folks. We're not hiring him to oversee the dept of domestic help.

He was given a MANUAL on how to PAY the TAXES when he was hired by the IMF! This is not an "honest mistake"!

AMAZING THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS HAVE AN ANSWER FOR HUISSAIN OBAMA NO MATTER WHO HE PICKS OR WHAT HE DOES.

I GUESS WHEN HE COMPLETELY DESTROYS THIS COUNTRY IT WILL BE BUSHS FAULT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
///////////////////////////

I can't believe some of you people out there think it is ok for the man who is to run our Treasury Department to have not paid his own taxes.

If it had been you or I, we would be in deep *^*#% from the IRS. Do you think they would forgive us if we just said "it was a mistake, I didn't know I was supposed to"? Come on. Be real.

Let's not go into the Democrat or Republican situation. This is our country. I for one want an honest person who understands the tax laws to be in charge of such a crucial department.

He may very well be an intelligent man, but honesty is part of the change I want.

The one thing apparently Bush gave Americans is FEAR and lots of it!
It seems now every little thing immediately becomes a Giant Thing.
This issue consists of Two Little Things. People need to take better care of their blood pressure by refusing to hyperventilate over trivial issues ! Geithner corrected his errors as soon as he was aware of them. Case Closed.

Integrity,integrity,integrity...need I say more.The American People deserve Government officials with no doubts what so ever about their character.How else will confidence be restored so people will feel secure to invest,again, with faith,in the American way of life.Lets get back to the simple premise our founding fathers set for our wonderful country:a government of the people,by the people,and for the people.What a novel idea! Why is this concept so hard for washington to understand?...and then apply...Please,lets just get back to the basics.The rest will then fall into place.

I love the double-standard from liberals. If a Republican had "overlooked" paying taxes, Sen. Schumer would already have denounced him. And remember Vice President-elect Biden's proclamation: paying taxes is patriotic. Ergo, Mr. Geithner is unpatriotic.

It's amazing that this has nothing to do with Obama as some of you said but yet he was chosen by Obama,, DUH!

Where is the same outcry that you had over Joe the Reporters alleged tax situation????

Little hypocritical isn't it?

Isn't tis the same man who is part of the Bush decision making already and it was him that took a major part in the decision to let Lehman Borthers fail and has a hand in the 350B bailout already? Now he has a housekeeper whose papers are no longer valid and he forgets to pay his taxes until he needs to just before he is announced as a candidate? If he wasn't announced would he have still paid the taxes he owed – I doubt it! Sorry, but Dems howled over Bernie Kerick and his problems and now want the world to forget that this guy didn't play by the rules until he needed to? Who wants to hand over the control of the purse strings to someone who has already failed in his business capacity and his private life as well. No thanks!

CHANGE!

you idiots have no clue.

Yeah so he made a mistake but I can't believe he didn't know what was what. Anyhow is that what will happen if he is put in that position and "mistakes" happen and go unnoticed. that is the issue – integrity and ethics. I don't think many politicians know what those words mean.

Whether he's capable of the job or not, he should still be paying his taxes. There's no excuse for that! Sorry Barack, but I can't back you on this one. The Treasure Secretary is the last person who shouldn't be paying his/her taxes...especially when we're in a recession we need a T.S. we can trust.

Everyone saying this isn't a big deal:

My response to you is that it wouldn't be a big deal to me if the designate for Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense were to have tax mistakes made. They are supposed to be experts on foreign affairs on defense respectively, so an issue on taxes is unrelated.

But the Secretary of the Treasury is supposed to be the one guy who knows better than everyone else on financial matters and has a keen eye for detail on it. It's related to taxes, so that's why it IS a big deal.

And as for the guy who said some people clean houses but have a cluttered home themselves–that analogy doesn't work. A person who cleans houses but has a cluttered home did not make a mistake, and thus is not showing lack of competence. A person who made a mistake on taxes DID make a mistake, and thus that shows lack of competence. BIG difference.

What an outrage, a nominee for Secretary of the Treasury–who oversees the IRS–failed to pay thousands in taxes. I am self-employed and sit down every three months and write a big fat check to the Treasury. It is beyond incredulity that he didn't know that taxes were not being withheld from his salary. How long after he was notified did it take to pay them? He paid just when he had to. What a role model for tax payers like me!

If this were any other position, maybe I would give you Dems saying "why does this matter" some wiggle room. But the Treasury Secretary sure better know that he has to pay SS and Medicare when you are self-employed. The IRS sure knew it, when they got the 1099 from the business contracting him. I doubt he was preparing his own taxes, so his accountant should have let him know how much he owed.

Change? transparency?

the only change I see is change the democrats diaper this thing stinks
if this was a Mc cain choice they would be wheeling in the cross
Nothing is going to change except politicans paychecks

What the man didn't pay were "self-employment taxes", that is, the part of Medicare and Social Security that is normally paid by employers. Did any of you haters even know this existed? He paid part of it some time ago and the rest when it was brought to his attention by Obama's vetting team. He also paid the penalties and interest.

This is not an issue. It DOES happen all the time when people are not accustomed to being self-employed.

AMAZING THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS HAVE AN ANSWER FOR HUISSAIN OBAMA NO MATTER WHO HE PICKS OR WHAT HE DOES.

I GUESS WHEN HE COMPLETELY DESTROYS THIS COUNTRY IT WILL BE BUSHS FAULT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

If Obama let's this go through then I want my vote back! It's all about trust and "walk your talk". Change indeed, it's starting to look like the same old politics that got us where we are today. If this is an indication of his presidency then we are in trouble.

Who cares??? Many of us who pay our taxes every year and keep our noses clean. We care Rachel F!
For crying out loud...He's applying to be Secretary of Treasury, I don't think so!!!! Go down the road that Richardson went...see ya later...

I support you Obama, I promise, but that seems like a big mistake for the TREASURY SECRETARY to make! Oh Lord, Obama-haters are going to have a field day with this. I mean, until last year I got my dad to help me with my taxes, but at least I made sure they were filed correctly. But then again, my every move isn't under the type of scrutiny this guy's is...

PERFECT FIT FOR OBAMA!!!!!!!!!......................

Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change.

Add in this guy who can't keep his lies straight, Bill "who vetted me?" Richardson, Eric "let the terrorists and Marc Rich go" Holder and the totally unqualified Panetta as head of the CIA and this is CHANGE?

Come on sheep, we ALL know Bush made bad picks and we ALL hammered him for it, but you sheep are going to just explain away the messiahs mistakes?

Please don't just have your heads in the sand for the next four years and bleat "Obambi is so great and everythingn he does is gold"..........

We don't NEED anymore unqualified buddies and cronys in high level jobs (see Brownie – FEMA).

Realistically, it's relevant to question his competency considering his failure to get his taxes right on the first go around (he since filed amended returns and paid the back taxes)....but this is not a big "To Do" in terms of corruption, so keep your pants on GOPers.

Are we supposed to be paying self employment taxes for the help? I thought since they were self employed they were supposed to pay those themselves. Oops! I guess I'll never be able to get a job in government now.

Oh please! I think people should be much more concerned that the outgoing administration engaged in tyranny, torture and treason. Where is the outrage over that?

The Republicans put us in the financial mess and they are worried about some outstanding personal taxes?

He will pay the TAXES - hire the man and let him get us out of this mess. We can talk about the $700 billion and no transparency Bush asked for later. Let's do the mah ($700 billion + Obama's 800 billion = TO MUCH MONEY WASTED)

APPROVE THE MAN AND MOVE ON!

What about Rangel? He failed to pay taxes. What about Clinton? He won't disclose sources of funds. What about 99.9% of Congress, who are corrupt.

I would prefer misdomeaners like Geithner's to the shamelessness of Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Schumer, Dodd, Rangel, Frank, Kerry, Kennedy, Byrd, Waxman, etc.

Just a simple mistake guys move along.

I find the Democrat's response to this issue quite humerous! It was about three short months ago they wanted "Joe the Plumber" hanged in the public square because he owed something like $1,200 to the state of Ohio.

Jack. All Bush should say it "GOOD BY" that is if he could say that without lieing.

This has nothing to do with Obama. The Treasure Secretary designee needs to get "his" act together. Barack wants change, but can't be hindered by nonsense. Get it together Geithner, for your sake and the country.

If this was a Bush pick for anything it would receive around the clock media play. At best our new Treasury Secretary can't figure out his own taxes. That is scary. At worst he is a crook who cheated on his taxes and figured he could beat the system. Either way I think this disqualifies him.

The nanny issue is a non-issue. The facts that he neglected to pay taxes AND CLAIMED CHILD CARE CREDIT for sending his child to sleep-a-way camp are the issue.
If he's too stupid to know whether or not taxes have been withheld,..we don't need him.
If he's too dishonest to pay his fair share of taxes ....we don't want him.
Like too many other politicians he is a dishonest man trying to scam "we the public"!
Let's find a Treasury Secretary that pays his taxes and doesn't abuse tax credits to which he isn't entitled.
Let's find an honest man!!!!

That's a standard "vetting' question for anyone in a political position. Appears that the transition team may have gotten in front of their headlights on this one.

It's clearly the republicans are trying to discredit Obama in everything he do, they're very unhappy that they got whopped and he's AA, yall so mad get over it. And i know who the main ones leaving stupid messages he's not here to please you people he's here to please us.

Can we all take a breath for a minute here, gosh the folks on the right can't wait to have this guy hung, drawn and quartered!!!!
Let’s wait and see what is true here before we all go jumping off the deep end....I know they can't wait for it to be "big deal", anything to keep focus on Obama!!! So sad, never mind you will all get over it.....eventually!!!!

Rachel F:

Why do you think he's the best for the job?

I can understand not knowing that housekeeper's work authorization expired. But the taxes part seems inexcusable for someone designated as the next Treasury Secretary. The Treasury Secretary is LITERALLY the last person in American who should be making a "common mistake" on their taxes.

Well if Joe the Plumber can do it...

I just care if this man is competent. This is NOT the end of the world. It's ALMOST as bad as a politician who fires her former brother-in-law out of spite for a custody battle with her sister OR a politician who solicits gay sex while married OR a politician who fudges CIA intelligence to wage an unjust war killing hundreds of thousands, etc.

Let's not overreact.

Forget to report that he filed amended returns and paid it all? This is just GOP rabble-rousing and will go nowhere. Moving on...

PERFECT FIT FOR OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is totally insignificant in light of what this man brings to the table. So he pays the back payroll taxes and we move forward. Probably half the people in the confirmation hearing have not reported all the wages paid to their in-house help.

These morons who created the mess we're in are concerned about his personal taxes and housekeeper? They should be screaming about the $350,000,000,000 bailout that has limited accoountability and has shown little improvement in the economy. Fiddling while it all burns–despicable.

how is it that almost every single Obama pick has some illegitimacy issue? Has the guy never heard of background checks? He's in charge of putting people in some of the most important positions of the world, surely he could pick eight or so people that DON'T have legality problems. If he can't even do that, I'm going to seriously question his judgement.

Change Wi Kin Believe N!
Yas We Kan!

Same old. Same old. Republican, Democrat, NO CHANGE

These morons who created the mess we're in are concerned about his personal taxes and housekeeper? They should be screaming about the $350,000,000 bailout that has limited accoountability and has shown little improvement in the economy. Fiddling while it all burns–despicable.

well lets put it this way – some people clean houses for a living but their own home is cluttered,

If someone doesn't threaten anothers life or outright be mean and uncivil – whats the real problem??

the rest of you complaining and moaning and deriding (as usual) – please "cast the first stone" I'm sure you are all picture perfect....

I prefer someone "human" as compared to some squeeky clean robot - at least I can Identify with this person and that person may have a little mercy on me when I don't do everything perfectly right....everyone needs a break....

may be Americans want to be ruled by angels! who has never sinned, sign here.

If this were a Republican confirmation Dems would be howling so loud it would be heard on Mars.

We need a person with "INTEGRITY" as treasury secretary. This guy clearly doesn't have it. How can we trust the bailout money to a guy who got 4 notices to pay his taxes but didn't until he got nominated????

Wow! This is one reason that We Republicans lost the election! Something as small as this is consuming the Republican Party. This man I am sure corrected his tax situation. As far as the illegal worker, what about the illegals that are crossing our borders, working in industries and businesses that regular Americans can't get and nothing is being said about that. What about the Republicans that have and have had illegals working for them and nothing has been, are still or was working for them, said about that. We took our eyes off the prize dealing with petty stuff and being petty and divisive sometimes down right evil. WE NEED TO GET ON THE BALL AND CORRECT THE MISTAKES THAT WE'VE MADE THUS FAR.

CNN I KNOW THAT YOU-ALL WON'T PRINT THIS OR LET IT BE VIEWED BUT, I'VE WRITTEN IT ANYWAY.

Oh dear!!!

I can see the employee situation slipping by for a few months but not that other stuff for a few years.

I don't know about this one Barack.

Please, give me a break. A "common mistake?" How can we have any faith in his ability as Treasury Secretary if can't even take responsibility for his personal finaces to know that he had to pay self-employment taxes when he worked for the International Monetary Fund over a three year period? He is not that stupid and had to know all along exactly what he was doing. Why otherwise would he miraculously pay his taxes days before Obama announced his nomination? This is the CHANGE this country has to look forward to…..more of the same corrupt politics.

Yeah, I forgot I had to pay taxes on my income too. I thought as long as they gave me the money under the table then everything was OK. Silly me. Honest mistake.

I think these picks need to be beyond reproach...

I thought the transition team had all candidates fill out a multiple page questionaire that included questions about paying taxes on your hired help. Where was the "vetting' process there? Or was all that talk about the questionaire another lie?

Apparently, change doesn't matter if the people bringing it don't have a perfectly clean record on every single issue.

He's busted. Obama, move on, let him join the other "Nanny-gate" losers in the unemployment line. Don't squander your political capital on this stuff. Even though you might think you have an unlimited supply of it, believe me, the honeymoon ends fast in Washington, DC.

Who cares? He had since rectified the situation. The housekeeper's work authorization was only expired for 3 and 1/2 months. He is the best man for the job, the GOP is just trying to stir up much ado about nothing.

I like the way CNN sugarcoats this whole issue.
" Housekeeper problems for gaither". I though it had to do with Taxes not paid. CNN like always nice job.

"In his statement, Gibbs said Geithner made a "common mistake on his taxes, and was unaware that his part-time housekeeper's work authorization expired for the last three months of her employment."

Well, tell him to stop being lazy and pay them. He ain't us, for the most part. But I have to say, either he was too lazy for not paying or not just lazy at all. The IRS have a record on him, this ain't no mistake. I'm sure the transition knew about it because quite frankly, this gets out and it is under record. And I'm sure Geithner is probably telling the truth but he wasn't hired to explain his taxes problems, if he was, he'll be where Joe the Plumber is. He was hired for this and he has to man up. Plus, we are laughing over here because Congress is acting they know the answers. Please, there's more lobbyists over there than your local neighborhood drug dealers...

You know, I am already so tired of hearing/reading people say "What happened to the message of change?" What happened is – change is slow. The PE is not even President yet. ALL people have skeletons in the closet, even me. We have all said or done something that we wish we could redo. Why do we expect the appointees to be any different. I really wish people would lighten up, let the man take office, and the UNDERSTAND that real and lasting change will take time.

Maybe he should be on the Oversight committee

Just how can the american people trust him now?

CHANGE FROM GEORGE BUSH. IAN, CHANGE FROM BUSH

Lacks transparency, if you rubber stamp your policy with it, then these things should be right up front. your traveling down a slippery slope.
Most Americans are unbelivers at the slightest hint of something that
smells and you'll belost before you know it.

He who is without sin cast the first stone. I am sure many people, even those on the federal payroll have not paid or reported taxable income. If he has paid all that is owed there shouldn't be a problem.

how could he make a "common" mistake? does not he have an accountant?

I think is good that the American people get to know what is going on with these appointments... the fact is that they released his records; he admits to making a mistake. I don't see the problem here if the guy is qualified. move on!

You people at CNN are a joke

You can find anything, if you look for long enough! Let's find some dirt or another among everyone of us and reject them for ever. Let's look for saints to fill in all the government and then public jobs! I wish there is some reasonableness in accusing people. At this rate, I am sure a future President will be denounced for snatching a candy from another child when he was two year old and as proof we will be given a You Tube video!

I think we are just Changing Faces....

Why are you letting these negative posts of the Obama administration on this board?

He is the most qualified man for the job. Obstructionist Republicans need to confirm him so that we can get to work on repairing our economy from the damage Bush has done.

Until someone is purposely embezzling significant amounts of money for personal gain in the Obama administration, then I'll care. This type of thing seems to happen often and it usually always turns out the same...which is nothing.

Well the housekeeper thing is an onest mistake, I can't say the same for the tax issue.

The Obama Team is above the law. They shouldn't be held to the same standards as the rest of us.

THE CAMPAIGN IS OVER-–> NOBODY CARES.

THIS IS WEAK.

So what? Is he right for the job? Can he get us out of this mess? Then confirm him.

So what.

Oops!

Am I missing something or are you guys not publishing all of the comments??

If we could just find a few perfect people to fill these jobs.

Please CNN, keep Mike Galanos from giving us his opinion in regards to the stories he's reporting? It's extremely unprofessional.

The words 'disgusting' in regards to the story and then 'thankfully' in regards to the outcome were unnecessary.

'Just the facts, ma'am.' - Make him write that 200 times on the board or something.

Sheesh!

I'm self employed, yet, I remember to pay my taxes every year.

And yet even more democrat corruption.

I really have to comment on this one. I'll tell you what happened to change. Its hanging. Hanging because Obama has set a precedent of winning elections on technicalities since running for the Illinoi Senate right up to the presidency. So birds of a feather all flock together. I'm surprised no-one has challenged the Kennedy's on this one. They seem to have supported Obama from day one. Are we missing something here? Which one is it? Marilyn Munroe or the face in the back of a car ditched in water? Someone has alot of explaining to do because what has taken place in changing the face of America seems personal. Caroline Kennedy should not be treated like an egg in politics. She should be ready to stomach it just like Palin.

Hmmm... This guy will be over the IRS??? I'm sure he'll be confirmed anyway and all this will just be an oversight on his part. Wonder if I could get buy not paying any taxes an a stock sale I had in 2008? Might give it a try. If I get caught I'm sure it will be just a silly oversight on my part!

Once I jay-walked in a big city.

I've seen cops exceed the speed limit.

My wife tears the tags off of matresses and I'm horrified. LOL

Are people hyperventilating yet?

do not confirm this boob

Ian...you are fixing to get "change" alright. It's just getting started.

By all means, let's put a guy who cheated on his taxes in charge of the Treasury. Just like putting a lobbyist in as depsecdef. MIght as well THEN put Bill Clinton in charge of White House interns.

America look at what you've done. All because you wanted to get even with the Republicans over Bush.

I guess we are left with HOPE that JImmy Carter won't look THAT good compared with BHO.

This happened twice under Clinton, and both nominees withdrew. He should, also.

Ian,

It is a change that problems are being dealt with out in the open, instead of in some secret bunker where the lives, rights, and futures of your sons and daughters were sold to the highest lowest bidder under the current administration. Whether you've been Hannitized or not, or whether you choose to face reality or not, the current administration has flushed this country down the toilet.

You probably don't get it though. You probably backed Palin! That says it all.

He doesn't pay his taxes, and we're supposed to trust him!! I would hardly call it an "honest" mistake.

It happened years ago and he corrected it and then notified the committee instead of waiting for them to find it.

He made an honest mistake, corrected it and owned up to it.

Sounds like the guy is good to me.

Is this the worse this man has done? Wall Street bankers have robbed investors, taxpayers and companies of billions of dollars. They have walked away with billions and not a question is being asked of them, especially by Congress. Confirm him!!!!

Executive Order: Disband the Federal Reserve. Return to Constitutional Principals.

I'm not too sure I would want someone who makes "common mistakes". This position is too important to make any mistake.

let's see here... Potentially in charge of the treasury but failed to pay taxes? You want to take care of government money but can't or didn't take care of your own? Who is vetting these people, Peewee Herman? First Richardson (Commerce) and now Geithner (Treasury). Who's next?

Ian

What happened to the message of "Change"?

---------------------–

Ian, is that the only line some of you can regurgitate?

What took CNN.com so long to post this story. I see Obamo and company still supports him. Typical of democrats.... Jefferson....Rangel....etc..etc...etc

For God sakes, at this rate no one will ever get confirmed. It is a wonder that anyone even wants these jobs.
This is NOT a big deal and should not keep a qualified person from serving his country.
I have a housekeeper too and she has a green card. I pay her directly to a small business she formed.

The topics taught in Higher Academia are really not practical to the situation in which the Nation is facing. How can you or anyone ask someone to lead a department of several hundred people that are trying to live and implement policy that is out dated, and no longer viable (practical) to the financial problems that the country faces today.

If he's fit for the job then confirm him. Yet... a possible treasury secretary can't get his taxes right for multiple years? C'mon, taxes are complicated, but I'm not buying this one.

This is so disturbing on so many levels. The fact that Baucus has said no big deal is almost as upsetting that Obama knew about this and had Geithner pay up and thought it would all go away.

So President-Elect Obama, what are we supposed to be hoping for?

I was wondering the Same thing.... ! Nothing Has changed if You ask Me and Obama and The Transition team Have lost all thier support from Me. Shame on them ... !!

Ian shut up lol.. this is a non issue..

Just curious, Did Geithner actually do his own taxes and payroll?
Most requirements for both of these reports and respective payments are carefully spelled out in the instructions. And if he had a paid prepairer, that person does need to be held accountable.

If he was careless (or arrogant) enough to not pay his taxes, I don't think he should be given the job. Obama promised change and this stinks of the same old, same old Washington.

Didn't pay medicare or social security taxes? I'm sure this is going to go over well with the public. Guess he kept the 'change' for himself.

Another one tries to slip under the fence. I am really tired of so many of the 'haves' (those in power or high profile positions in our society) doing what many average 'Joe's do – cheat on their taxes and in the case of the 'haves' it seems it is ok.

If he is guilty, he certianly should not be Treasury Secretary!!!!!

I guess were going to get the same old same old, with his changes already I'm starting to believe that Americans will never get an honest government. But then why expect somthing that has never happened.

Wow a Treasury Secretary who can't figure out his own taxes correctly, what a concept.

It is that unwavering attention to detail that will make him sure to run the economy straight into the ground.

What happened to the message of "Change"?