WASHINGTON (CNN) – Former Sen. Tom Daschle has asked President Obama to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services, according to a written statement from the White House.
“This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services," President Obama said in the statement. "I accept his decision with sadness and regret."
In his own statement, Daschle said he did not want to be a "distraction."
"If 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction," Daschle said.
Watch: Robert Gibbs answer questions about Daschle
Full Obama and Daschle statements after the jump
Statement from Tom Daschle:
“I have just informed the President that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
To be chosen by President Obama to run the Department of Health and Human Services and to lead the reform of America’s health care system is one of the signal honors of an improbable career.
But if 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction.
Right now, I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction. The focus of Congress should be on the urgent business of moving the President’s economic agenda forward, including affordable health care for every American.
We need the best care in America to be available to all Americans. We need this effort to succeed. Lives and livelihoods are at stake.
I will not be the architect of America’s health system reform, but I remain one of its most fervent supporters. Thank you.”
Statement from President Obama
“This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. I accept his decision with sadness and regret.
Tom Daschle has devoted his life to public service and health care reform, so that every American has access to health care they can afford. I had hoped that he could bring this passion and expertise to bear to finally achieve that goal, which is so essential to the progress of our economy and the well-being of businesses and families across our nation.
Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I.
But that mistake, and this decision, cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country, from his years in the military to his decades of public service.
Now we must move forward, with our plan to lift this economy and put people back to work.”
From CNN Politics
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Now we know whos running the IRS.Looks like big Pharma payed someone to sink Toms bid to clean their clock and uncover their dirty deeds.
Now that Daschle's out, how about Howard Dean for this post?
Thanks for being an adult about it, Tom. Seriously, though, is this how the rich make all of their money?? I knew there was a trick to it! Don't pay taxes! Why didn't I think of this?
Now the rest of these non-tax paying can follow your lead into the sunset and never return to the public spotlight.
There is an economy that needs rescued and we can't have a bunch of crooks leading the way!
Am I the only one that feels the IRS should, by default, audit every political official? This just seems like common sense stuff.
I am saddened by this news. I felt confident that Senator Daschle would be able to effect a plan for all Americans. Now that hope is lost.
sometimes there's too many skeletons..
What a waste for a Good recourse to solve problem so we are gong to be looking for St.
We gave the benefit of doubt to other for 8 years and we can not just can not do the same for the one coming to rescue us what sad day.
Obama, you are the best statesman this country has ever had.
We must beat down the left & right wingnuts
Thank you Mr. Daschle. This is the best thing for you to have done. Now I hope the IRS go back and audit you for the last 7 years!.
Now he can go back to continue scamming the government as a private citizen. Crook!
A TRULY SAD DAY FOR AMERICA
Next...............
Obama should have withdrawn the nomination if he wants to appear to be 'fixing Washington'. Americans will become more and more cynical if these types of issues continue to come to light. It doesn't matter whether the cause is due to mistake or intent – people don't like that the rich and powerful use such means to remain rich and powerful, while pointing fingers at average Americans for our troubles. It will also give the extreme right more ammunition to divide America...
Can we hire someone to screen all these cheats please?
Now this is change I can believe in
Honestly,do any democrat nominees to the Obama adminstration ACTUALLY pay taxes!!
Democrats dont care how much they raise taxes...they're not going to be paying them anyway!
Prosecute the scumbag just as they would prosecute any other tax evader.
Maybe Obama can tap Blago for the job.I hear he is looking for work.
Great, maybe a new outcome for every lib who stands by the Democrat motto of do as I say not as I do.
Next up Byrd for Racism, Teddy for murder, Studds for child molestation ETC.........
The republicans have completely destroyed our economy and hope that everyone forgets the sins of the past 8 years. Investigate the republican congressman and senators, i am convinced you will find the same tax issues with them.
Tom Daschle's failed bid to become HHS secretary speaks volumes about the 'best and brightest' that allegedly surround our new President.
Bill Richardson, a man labeled "Judas" by an unapologetic CNN political contributor betrayed Hillary Clinton during the 2008 Presidential Primaries. Daschle was there in the cadre of once-Clinton supporting Democrats who suddenly and tactically abandoned her to hop on the bandwagon.
It is still early and kinks and hiccups plague new administrations, but a pattern is emerging with President Obama and those who aligned so closely with him. A pattern of willing betrayal in exchange for the political equivalent of three magic beans, followed by a sudden fall from grace predicated by political expediency.
If President Obama meant his campaign promises to change politics as usual in Washington D.C., that is a promise unkept. If Richardson and Daschle were best suited to bring about the promised change, then the swift distancing by the Obama team from nominees facing these sorts of challenges betrays that promise.
So far the Obama Presidency is literally all style and no substance. That has to change.
SAD, He would have been a very qualified one.
good i hope geitner does the same
"sean in santa rosa"
Change brings its casualties.
Daschle put the American people first – that's a first. I think he should stay in as Secy of HHS.
As as someone who voted for change and integrity, all I can say is THANK GOD!!!
DON'T THINK FOR ONE MINUTE OBAMA'S DEMOCRAT APPOINTEES ARE THE ONLY ONES BEING INVESTIGATED. THE REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO FALL LIKE A HOUSE OF CARDS, THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING. JAMES CARVILLE SAID IT BEST.
Daschle should have known better from the get go. I question his and the presidents judgment knowing he would be drug through the mud by the right wing media.
Where is the investigation into Bush and his accomplices? This is extremely petty and the Republicans still don't get it! Americans spoke on November 4th get on with it!
So what.. He still was the right man for the job.. to bad.. I'd rather have a person who make a mistake and admited to it ( before he had to) than someone like in the pube party that has got away with it and just keeping hush hush.
That is transparent.. people.. he admited it. stepped up to the plate..
if this was the Bush years you wouldn't have found out about it till 2012
America should demand him to step back up to the plate.. and do this job.. for us.. and don't forget to say please
Sad
President Obama set a very high bar to make changes on how Washington works; therefore Tom Daschle did the right thing to step down.
Tom Daschle is a good man and has great skills. I am very disappointed of all people he screwed up on his taxes!
President Obama should do an IRS background search with the next HHS appointee.
So when are they going to prosecute Tom Daschle for tax evasion? That's what happens to the American public.
I am so glad Tom Daschle recognized that, due to not paying his taxes ("mistake" or otherwise,) he is not in the correct position to lead. Plain and simple.
Thank you to all those who own up to their shortcomings and move aside.
Good!
And Geithner should folow suit.
These people have only tainted President Obama's pledge to have a transparent and able cabinet, free of corruption and/or lobbysts.
Daschle's tax issues are only part of the story (as it was only part of Caroline Kennedy's story too). There is more to it than simply "making a mistake on taxes".
His quasi-lobbying activities should have disqualified him from the start and it is unfortunate that only after the media brought his activities to light, he chose to withdraw.
The message that Daschle and Geithner are sending is not "innocent until proven guilty" but rather, "innocent until getting caught".
I hope that idiotic terms such as "innocent" and "honest mistake" stop being used to justify botched appointments and that the administraation focuses on the full picture (one that includes not only ability, but also integrity and ethics).
With Daschle gone, I wish that Howard Dean, MD is considered for the position. After all, whether President Obama admits it or not, he owes Dr. Dean the 50-State strategy launched for the campaign.
Besides, Dr. Dean may very well be the best qualified Democrat for this post.
It was tough but the right thing to do. He may be the best person to lead health care reform for this country, but as a U.S. citizen, he and everybody else must pay their taxes; especially millionaires who have become millionaires because of the opportunity they had to work in federal government. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Working in such a high profile position for the people of this country is still a privilege – a privilege that shouldn't be given to people who knowingly don't pay their taxes. I'm a big Obama supporter but integrity means something; it's an American value and not having integrity is why the Republicans lost!
it is sad to see tom withdrew. he is a good man. well i wise him well. i hope they audit all the senator. both rupublicans and democrate.
Very honorable in my opinion. It doesn't justify anything...but an honorable withdraw indeed.
It was exactly because Daschle could get through Congress that he should not. We call know that Congress protects their own irregardless of the what is best for the American people. Obama did not set the bar to high; it is why we elected him and he must keep his promises to stay successful. Geitner and number 2 at Defense are more than enough and they should probably go too.
Now on to fixing the Dems high spending stimulus package.
Quextion for Gibbs-–is it absolutely necesssary that all this spending be in the stimulus; can there not be a short term and longer term approach?????
Mr. President, oh, Mr. President, if you want change, do you 'have to have' the same crooks that's been running this country for decades. Lesson number one, Mr. President, if it acts like a crook, talks like a crook, walks like a crook, then you know, must be a crook. Advice number one, if you seriously want change Mr. President, then stop trying to put crooks in your adminstration.
Is it too late to vote for McCain-Palin ?
There will be no saints. What are people thinking?
IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN YOU HAVE TAX PROBLEMS
If lawmakers are requiring perfection and a clean record, they will ALL need to resign.
It seems every "public servant" in Washington has tax problems (in other words, every high-level officer is a cheater who owes taxes). EVERYBODY, REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT SERVING IN THE GOVERNMENT (ALL SENATORS, ALL REPRESENTATIVES, THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF AND HIS CABINET) SHOULD BE AUDITED RIGHT AWAY. If Obama is really for change, honesty and transparency, he should order that. also, past government officers should be audited also (former presidents, their cabinets, congresspeople, etc.). THANKS TO OBAMA, THIS HAS COME TO LIGHT. (How public servants are cheaters, just like anybody else). The load of money collected from all cheaters in Washington should be used to create new jobs, for unemployment benefits and to help people having mortgage troubles.
Will Caroline Kennedy be Obama's pick for HHS? She is more than qualified. Let's see... she is a Mom, she has written some books, and like Harvey Levin, she's a lawyer. Probably over qualified but that's ok. I think it was be wise for Obama to make sure his 'pay for play' schemes actually reward someone for backing him to become president.
The writing was on the wall. People are getting fed up with politicians in general, but the old guard in particular. Isn't it time to revisit term limits?
Though the details of these taxes – how they were discovered and then paid – are unsettling, seems we're disqualifying people for reasons not related to the job they're seeking. I mean, Geithner got confirmed for Treasury with his tax problem, but Daschle feels he can't serve as HHS Sec because of his???
Lynch him for ties to health insurance companies and lobbies, but no candidate is going to be perfect. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Let's continue to look for perfect people, who have never made any mistake in their lives, have perfect tax record, you know we have never cheated on our taxes one bit , right? Let's fill the administration with angelic no-nothings, do-nothings, like us right?
howard dean will be perfect for this position !
Taxes? We don't pay no stinking taxes! Maybe we should audit everyone in public service. It seems that tax problems seem to be rampant from the very people who should know better. And when it matters they magically come up with the cash. Gimmee a break.....they're crooks pure and simple!
it is sad...Tom Daschle was a great candidate...I got news for America..these are politicians...not preist.................I would rather deal with an experienced person for the that that finally did pay up his taxes than one that lied to us for 8 years... about everything including sending our sons and daughters to be slaughtered for no reason...
I'm a huge Obama supporter. But I think Daschle had to go. If he didn't, then we might as well be a Bush 3rd term.
Wouldn't it be interesting if all of the politicians on both sides were audited ? I bet there would be some juicy tidbits on the Republican side too. Remember the saying, "Those who cast the first stone". Mr. Daschle would have been an outstanding Secretary of Health. Your loss. I hope there will now be close scrutiny on politicians on both sides of the aisle.
And another one bites the dust.............
Good luck finding a Democrat that isn't a criminal!
Too bad he isn't spending the Jail time you and I would be!
Please. If there was anyone the GOP was going to attack hardcore it was Daschle. For one, he made a lot of GOPer enemies when he was in congress. For another, they don't want universal health care...healthy minorities and poor people scare the crap out of the GOP.
I wonder how many more crooks Hussain Obama is going to try to drag into the government, guess you have to give him credit as crooks is all he knows.
Let's think about this , if Mr. Bush forgot to pay his taxes, would Daschel be forgiving? Kerry? Clinton? Pelosi? What weak minded leaders we have, it's a shame.
Obama's lack of judgement again. Oh boy. Thanks America. A rough start for mr "change"
Well America, hope everybody is happy now!
OH boy now CNN has somethiing else to beat into the ground for the next week........I bet if you let loose the investiagors on the whole Senate and House members you'd find out they are all guilty of cheating the IRS......most americans at one time or another have screwed the IRS (maybe not to the same amount as Daschle and then again maybe some even more)........let the innocent be the first to throw the first stone..........the rest of you sit back and shut your mouth.
Two points come out of this.
1. I remember the flak McCain got when it was questioned how much Palin was vetted. I have to question Obama's vetting process. This is 3 major positions with tax problems, though eithner survived. Then there was the Richardson fiasco. The inexperience of never having been in an actual executive position is really beginning to show.
2. Maybe this is a wake up call for some real simplification of the tax system. Very few of us actually pay our taxes without having to pay someone so we can pay our taxes. And apparently, even that's not enough, even for those who would seem smart enough to know better.
I'm sorry to see him go
I think he would have done a great job
Funny how Bush and Cheney can screw the American people out of BILLIONS for eight years
Kill thousands of our kids
And nobody says a word
Yet a good man like Daschle gets beat up over the most common of tax violations
THEY are all DOING IT ... Give me a break
There is no true justice in this country
All these silly, silly "distracting" felonies...
Between Rangel, Geithner, and now Daschle all getting snared in the web of hideously-complicated tax codes, maybe the Obama Administration might want to take a closer look at that Fair Tax Act. It would sure make getting cabinet nominations into position a lot easier...
Obama New Speak 2009 instead of 1984.
transparency: I will act all concerned after the media exposes something
change: same old DC and Chicago scheming and politics
responsibility: I wasn't there – blame the person and not my vetting process
Now we must move forward and ask for his resignation. Mr. Change.
God help America! We expect everyone to be perfect! We are doomed to fail
when a person is nominated, it is up to to the person to tell Obama the truth , pay off all the debts, clean their and their spouses houses. .
Otherwise, we are going to loose time & energy, not to mention a good candidate.
NYT 's bias cost a good candidate for this post.
We don't need distraction- so it is better to let Richardson, Dashle & Nancy go.
I am sure Obama will come up with best candidates for these jobs.
A door closes and a window opens.
Jan- Obama did NOT set a high bar. Don't you get it? He now has had 3 of his nominees step down because of their inability to follow the law we are all held to. He has had several other nominees who were annointed despite also having huge issues in their past (Geithner and Holder). The problem is not that Obama has set the bar high. He wanted these people to be in his cabinet but he clearly did not vet them nearly enough. The real problem is with his picks. Obama is proving that he is nothing more than a regular politician despite what his devout followers want to convince themselves of
Shame on all of you; the White House, the vetting process and the Democrats in the Senate, even though I am USUALLY a supporter of the Democratic Party.
We need some one like Dsschle,health care is more importent hope he will change is mind fight back