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Don't you just love how the Republican trolls (nick) on these blogs are spouting off about ethical behavior? PU-LEEZE. I'd rather have someone trying to avoid income taxes than someone who basically wipes their GOP behinds with the Constitution.

That said, we really needed someone like Daschle in that office.

Note to potential cabinet members: mental checklist: PAY YOUR TAXES... or 'fess up and stop being the news.

Why must I be awaiting moderation since I said nothing any worse than your own countrymen? I am confused about this.

Poor Lil Tommy Daschle – booted out as a thievin' senator and now he's booted from committing fraud at HHS!

Perhaps he could now start a "Global Cooling" scam!

Algore's ""Global Warming" scam made Al over 100 million $$!

Sweet!

This is an amazing country, but this Obama must be more careful. First, he supports this man, Daschle, then he says he made a mistake after he decides he doesn't want to go on the griddle with buddies from the Senate. It is still much better than Italian politics, but then it should be because this is AMERICA!

KUDOS TO OBAMA!! He said he made a mistake and now he's amending it. I've never heard a republican say that. Not even that repugnican looking for anal sex in an airport bathroom. LOL!!!

Soon to be former Republican (Ya right)........

The first President to give a no bid contract to Halliburton was none other than your hero Bill Clinton.

Facts are tricky things..............

For you sheep applauding Daschle for withdrawing, are you people that BLINDED by stupidity?

HE CHOSE TO NOT PAY HIS TAXES and you applaud him?

Oh Ya, Obama nominated him so he is the greatest thing and Barry is the greatest thing.

01/22/2013, bahhhhhh, sheep.

Now the others who had a history of not paying their taxes, should step down.....It's the only honest & right thing to do...

Daschle is gone.
Sorry for the trouble Mr. former Senator.
Let us move on.
We have a crisis to confront.

Looks like the democrats read Leona Helmsley's book - only the little people pay taxes.

tom would have done a great job but as usual,, people, nit-pick things like this to no end,,, he backed out with grace,, leave him alone,,, are you perfect???? ummmm

These nominations and appointments are NOT judgment you can trust. It is NOT change you can believe in. We have a tax evader as US Treasurer–compliments of the Democratic congress–and now 2 nominees selected by the Obama administration who have had to withdraw because of tax evasion issues. Let's not forget Kennedy either, who just might have had something good to do in Congress withdrawing because of tax issues as well. Anyone see a pattern here?

I sure hate this happened. I think we needed Daschle. I am concerned though, with the number of folks in Washington who haven't handled their taxes on the up and up. Folks in Hollywood and music industry sure don't get away with mishandling their taxes and I won't even go there about the little people like me and my friends.

I think it may be a real challenge to find good people without tax issues in Washington. At least that's how things are starting to shape up.

Good Luck, Mr. President...

President Obama has just come out and accepted blame for this situation.

Very presidential; not like the clown he succeeded who couldn't accept blame for anything he could blame on someone else. Pappy taught him well!!!

Daschle should have been approved! After the corruption in the Bush administration with the full support of the Republican congress has no reason to point fingers at anyone!

Rush Limbaugh is no doubt having a field day with this one!

Morgan,would you be saying the same thing if Daschle were the nominee in a McCain Administration?

When told of Daschle:

"I'm in shock. I didn't know that. I don't know what happened," said California Sen. Diane Feinstein. "I talked to him the night before last, and he showed no signs of withdrawing."

I can only hope she was referring to the cabinet post......

At least he understands integrity which should be an indication to Obama who doesnt show integrity rather than listen to his total bull. Obama please stick to your promises rather than exceptions to the rules........

obama is not walking the walk, he preached for 2 years to us, now we placed him in the whitehouse he is not walking the walk and is disspointing our great country....if obama was the right man for the job, he would not have made so many mistakes like choosing Tom Daschle... and obama just said he "messed up" with him saying that, that scares me to death.. but thankfully we have hillary clinton to clean up any and all messes that obama makes in the future.

It says a lot about the integrity of this man to withdraw his name. Everyone in the Obama camp is in agreement with his immense show of character, as are the democratic leaders.

It also speaks poorly for the new Treasury Secretary, whose tax indiscretions are even more controversial and pertinent to his cabinet position.

Can we petition for Obama's resignation and have a re-election?

Where is the change that Obama has promised? He's failed on the biggest promise to the American people. He was elected because he promised "CHANGE", and now he failed.

They obviously found something else that was even more damaging...

the fact that he made $10 MILLION

I love all the partisan bickering,while that crook Paulson is making a gettaway with billions.Check his offshore acct.and see how much untaxed cash he has stashed in there.

To all you apologist...if it were you who didn't claim your limo and driver (as well as questionable charitable contributions) you would be jail...and Daschle has no sympathy for tax cheats:

http://obamanoms.com/?p=244

Furthermore, people blindly supporting President Obama need to keep open their eyes...all his promises of change are going down the toilet...it's just the same game. I had hoped, but I was wrong again.

Daschle should have gotten out weeks ago. period!!

Senator Cornyn dispensing advice is like getting a facial from a leper!

Where are the people who helped HOPE in the vetting process? Daschle did America a favor. Restored the SENATE'S dignity. He will gain more respect for admitting his "innocent mistake" by doing the right thing.

I feel really terrible with what most Democratic Senators and Congressmen who have not shocked with Tax evasion of Tom Daschle, but his withdrawing by his name. Even though TAX EVASION
IS CRIMINAL.

This was the correct thing to do. Any of the rest of you in Congress with skeletons in your closets regarding unpaid taxes (on both sides of the aisle) might consider cleaning them up now. Maybe we won't need as big a bail out if you all would pay up now!

If Sen. Tom Daschle loves this country, and I know he does, he should put his name back for consideration as Secretary of Health & Human Services. I hope the President will not accept his withdrawal. We need Mr. Daschle.

Why is it Feinstein seems to be "shocked" all the time? Does she not get the memo? Does she not read emails, the internet, or any other type of mainstream media outlet???

"Maybe if all these politicians would pay their taxes we wouldn't need a bailout."

Hmmmm? A government bailout for the government? That makes almost as much sense as bailing out businesses that have been over charging us for years. Why not? What does it matter anyway? We won't have to pay for it. Our great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchildren will. So yeah, let's waste some more money. I'm sure they won't mind. They haven't even been born yet.

As I wrote in a previous post, It is unfortunate but the right thing to do.

When we voted for Obama, we voted for a chage in how we do things in DC. That is what we expect and that is what the people we are trying to work with out here also expect. I am an independent and have worked hard to get obama in, this included bringing Republicans over, so it is not just that the president needs to work in a bipartisan way, it is that we out here are also and when we have stuff that comes up that smell like the same old same old then our friends call us on it. No question Dashelle is a great guy, and i am certain he will work in some capacity or another. But we have to do what is right, even when it hurts. The long run will be better for America. the next deal is the stimulus, I do not want Republicans to vote against it, I want them to insist on change to it. Take out the pork that does not stimulate for jobs and only put tax cuts that stimulate for jobs. all the other stuff we can do latter when we can see further.

Quote from California Sen. Diane Feinstein:
"I'm in shock. I didn't know that. I don't know what happened. I talked to him the night before last, and he showed no signs of withdrawing."
- – - – - –

Answer:
Maybe Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel suggested to former Senate Leader Tom Daschle that his tax problems spanning from 2005 to 2007, and totaling $128,203 plus $11,964 in interest, is causing a drag on Obama's plans to getting his cabinet out of the starting block.

You know Daschle seems like a nice guy and probably typical Wasington with his tax problems. Of course that doesn't make it right and he did right by resigning and facing any penalties that normal citizens would owing 128K in taxes.

The point is why, Obama, who is the champion of the new did absolutely nothing. Where is the change?

From the photo it looks like this experience has left him seeing red.

Didn't "Joe The Plumber", the hero of the Right, fail to pay back taxes? How quickly we forget!

This guy didn't do anything honorable. He stiffed his President–put President Obama in a tough position. Some politicians call for people to be part of something bigger than himself but in truth it is all about them. Daschle wanted the power of the position badly and was willing to hide his obvious law breaking from the President of the United States–stop with the nonsense that this Creep did something honorable.

Maybe if all these politicians would pay their taxes we wouldn't need a bailout.

Buh-Bye! Next...

What I would like to know is who gave Daschle this gift and why?

Ah yes the crooked politician also survives in the realm of the left.
Bipartisanship lives.
Viva the crooked politico , aren't they all the same.
Unlike the captain who goes down with the ship...
He bailed out like the rat that he is.

Why did Tom Daschle accept such position in the first place knowing that the skeleton will come to the surface? Any candidate who wants to be in accordance with President Obama's agenda should not have tax issues or any issues that would remind the American people of the corruption on Wall Street. Aren't we looking for a fresh start with a leadership that knows and abides by the rules of the game?

Daschle didn't just wake up and decide that his past was a going to be distraction so he'd do the honorable thing! Obviously, the new president has decided to cut his losses, especially after going through the 2 other non-tax paying nominees! Of course now Mr. Dashle will return in some sort of martyrdom role and make a mint as an insider advisor for medical companies so don't shed too many tears for this crook!

Wow, a politian actually taking responsibility for wrong actions... who'dve thunk that would ever happen.

Something we would have never seen from the previous administration.

I see the detractors are out in full force maximizing every little negative thing they can muster on the Obama administration. They want to take the shine off this man and expose him for (what they hope) the fraud he is. But, know this. All of the bad things that have happened so far is nothing compared to how much you guys sucked when you were in office.

I have never had a problem with the IRS, but I only have to use that easy form and I use turbo tax with that. If I had to use that long form, god knows how many mistakes I would make and I am sure many of you can say the same.

But these people who work in government should do better. There is no excuse.

I congratulate Senator Daschle for doing the right thing! I believe his tax issue was not only a distraction but was perpetrated knowingly. With that being said, I wish all of you people slamming him and the Democratic party would take a look back at recent history, can you say "Haliburton" ,the no bid contracts to our former VP's company was a far more outrageous act than was a failure to pay all of the taxes owed by Mr. Daschle.

I think the country would have better served if the nominee for Treasury Secretary had withdrawn instead. I think Daschle would have made a good addition to the president's team. But, under the circumstances I think that Daschle did the best thing for the president.
Now, would anyone else under consideration for a position please quietly inform the president's team and withdraw their names before the press gets word of it!!!

Finally, someone with a shred of decency and did what was right.

I think people need to relax about people's mistakes. Yes Daschle and everyone should have known better, but he's human. I bet we can find something on everyone especially bloggers here to make a stink about. What seems to be loss is that these people came out and said hey I made this mistake and I'm going to fix it. Obama had the good soul to forgive them and support them. He displayed the Christian value of agape love.

In light of the recent cases of income tax evasion which have been reported, perhaps it would be in the public's best interest to have all elected officials sign a contract acknowledging that they understand they WILL BE AUDITED EVERY YEAR by the IRS….. further, an immediate IRS audit of every single senator and congressman should be ordered by the new president, if that is within his power.
I guess we'd have to write to our congressmen or senators first and request it be made law….oh, yeah…nevermind. Fat chance that would happen.

Dear Mr. President

We admire your ethics and your discipline.

Unfortunatly there is no one left to vet, Shameful to say, there is no one in this business of government or leadership in the past 30 years who hasnt cheated, lied, or stole to get to where they are now.

Please go away, so we can keep our high paying tax funded jobs.

Thanks, The Players

Let me see, Daschle, Rangle, Jefferson, Geithner, Blog, Kennedy. Wonder what democrat will be next in line??????

Change...hahahah!

I love how the average citizen is not exempt from such mistakes, but the Obamanation on here seem to think it was just an honest mistake. Give me a break. Two candidates with tax paying problems and Obama did nothing to stop it. I don't care for Daschle, but at least he had some fiber in his being to man up and withdraw. So now our Treasury has a tax cheat running it. Very fiscal! Obama is proving that he is no different than any other politician. All those promises...hahaha!

Don't Washington scandals usually end in 'gate' now? Can I be the first to call the Daschle, Geitner, Kellefer affair Taxgate?

His withdrawal only stuns democrats because they see nothing wrong with his criminal behavior; birds of a feather and all.....you idiots! The guy's a crook! He would have NEVER paid the taxes if not appointed...just like Geithner and the "efficiency Officer (that title is a riot....Efficiency Officer....for a liberal, overstuffed, overspending democratic administration...hahaha)

@Nick February 3rd, 2009 3:00 pm ET

Democrats should get use to this – it's called ETHICAL BEHAVIOR. I know, it's a new concept in government, but when you've done something wrong and have questionable ties to the people you're supposed to regulate, it's the RIGHT thing to do.

*********************************

As opposed to the stonewalling of the last administration?

To Chistine:

When you say "We the people"...don't count me or mine there....!!
The ethics I see displayed by the circus in Washington is appalling....maybe it's not Obama's fault...maybe he is just blind to the fact that "TAXES ARE OUR PATRIOTIC DUTY"...oops !!! I didn't say it...Joe did...and Barack did!!!

My thought here is, give Obama a little time....but, the people around him are not "voted" in...they'd better ALL be investigated, be they Republicans or Democrats....

To me I just see, Same Old, Same Old.........

I'd like to see some CHANGE !!!!!

Instead all I see is elitist B.S. and a "rookie" in the chair....

Get a grip, open your eyes....quit being a lemming, think for yourself....!!

Now that would benefit us all !!!

Tears for a lack of a double=standard. Why can't a Democrat do something a Republican would be crucified for? It wasn't just the car and driver, but several other tax issues as well, and the honest mistake nonsense just doesn't hold water. Which mistake is he confessing? Richardson, Geithner and now Daschle.. It has to stop somewhere,,,Otherwise, Blago is next in line!

I hope someone investigate the republicans now
You will need bleach to get their stains out.

Why dont we put a few billion into the IRS to stimulate them to check our elected politicians!THAT WOULD BE A MONEY MAKER!

I have little use for these people who can't seem to pay their taxes, and are still being touted as the best that can be found for positions that directly relate to tax issues. What in the heck is going on here? These are people who are (or claim to be) knowledgeable enough to oversee these agencies and yet they aren't smart or careful enough to make sure they've paid their own taxes? I don't buy it. They should be ridden out of town on a rail. It's simply infuriating that even after admitting their "mistakes" they just get a slap on the wrist....or less.

Good riddance to Daschle! The other tax cheats that the left's messiah should be run over too. The tax cheat that Obama wants for Sec. of Treasury should resign and Richardson should never get near the national stage again. What the heck is this loser Obama talking about? He was supporting Daschle even while Daschle was quiting! You're far gone when even the tax cheat knows it time to quit and you still want him!

Why go thru all this bull and take the abuse of the Republicans and holier then thou Democrates who created this mess we find ourselfes in? The Republicans with the help of so many gutless wonders from the Democratic side deserve a total meltdown of this country, they want to see us totally destroyed. If they can't play, they will take the ball home and so what it many people are left hold the bag of crap they left on the table. WE NEED TO END ALL HEALTH CARE FOR THE POLITIANS. LET THEM PAY FOR THEIR OWN PLANS AND PAY BID TIME JUST AS THE LITTLE PEOPLE DO.

Ummm.....Marcia...... No matter HOW bad the democrats do – the Republicans will NEVER look like saints. They've killed our country.

One poster said: "Would they rather he picked some moron with no experience? " Let's face it, except for the "moron" part, that's what the slight majority of the electorate did in November - it was long said by the conservatives that executive experience - which includes picking a trusted and trustworthy executive cabinet - that experience matters. We see some of the pitfalls of attempting to govern by on the job training. It's showing up in the people he's trying to surround himself with - tax felons and partisan idealogues. In fleating moments of clarity, he has picked conservative minded folks, which should keep the ship aright in the waves to come. Do we not see the perils of moral relativism on display here? Let's all moveon - to a higher road of trustworthiness, stewardship, and unity.

Adios!
Obama's flaw nominees, PRICELESS!

You people hear a media quote and make your own conclusions without even taking the time to find out what this situation is really all about. The media can talk you into anything. It's like little mice following the leader. Don't always take the media's word for everything. Delve into what this man really did, what good he could do for this Country and then make up your minds. Stop calling him names as you don't even know him. It's pathetic!

Rangel, Geithner, Daschle, Killefer...
No wonder Democrats don't mind raising taxes. They don't seem to want to pay them so why not.

There are about a thousand reasons why Obama would not be President or have such a friendly congress if it wasn't for Howard Dean! They need to grow up, get over petty BS, and get on to nominating him to HHS Sec. The notion of Bipartisanship or post partisan politics should not just apply to including friendly Republicans!

Now lets check the rest of them! To bad Geitner was not such a man!He did not even pay his penalties and interest!What a jerk!

Daschle did the right thing withdrawing his name.
I can't understand that he didn't know that he was accountable and
responsible for his own action.
Honest mistake that is BS.
Other people go to jail for not paying taxes,and will also get a penalty
on top of it.
These people are not above the law,and he is not the only one.
Who is next I ask you?

Mr. Daschle should be applauded for doing the honest thing. Is an example for all those continue to serve although knowing that they have done wrong.

Our president seems to be having a hard time finding an honest democrat.

Daschle is a crook..same as Geithner...same as Rangel. Two different standards. One for the politicians and another for you and me......

Besides there is NOTHING great he would have accomplished but Nationalize health care and bring our care down to the level of Canada where people wait 3 months for an operation. The only solution to lowering costs is the FREE MARKET. High health care costs are attributed to too much government regulation already. Gee why has lasik eye surgery which cost $3,000 about 5 years ago now cost $800...because its not covered by insurance.

Good Riddance to this man who is Proudly apart of the GOOD OL BOY NETWORK!!!!

I'm hardly an Obama supporter... but I just don't get this withdrawal. If ignoring taxes is not a problem for Treasury, why should it be for HHS? And there are plenty of other lobbyists already in place.

I suspect that the Obama administration is just trying to preserve their facade of "change". They're hoping that by withdrawing Daschle, the (deserved) criticism will go away before it really gets started.

christine February 3rd, 2009 3:03 pm ET
It would serve the republicans well to know that we the people do not forget that the (they?) did not have a solution for eight years. This attempt to block our president is appauling (appalling?). We will not forget that it was these self-serving actions that got us here in the first place.
We also will not forget in 4 or 8 years from now that they are also prolonged (prolonging?) urgently needed progress for media talking points.
----------
It would serve "christine" well to know that "We, the other people," do not forget that Democrats know diddly about spelling and grammar. LOL!

I believe that Daschle was perfect for the job...John Cornyn is a moron and deserves to be sent to the mental house

Its a good thing. We don't need that old politician type in the mix and frankly a few more need to go ...Had it up to here with opportunistic, dishonest politicians on both sides of the aisle...Term limits need to be considered.

Remeber 2010 is coming. Lets get rid of some obstructionist Republicans andsome dishonest on both sides. Vote them out.

Daschle did the things he had to do. But repuks don't have to rejoice. now appoint Dean, Kerry or a black woman (a REALLY BLACK MD as a HHS).

To Trish

"Would they rather he picked some moron with no experience?"

Uh, sorry, he's already President, and you apparently voted for him. Just kidding, but Obama has done a worse job at appointments than Bush, and no, I'm not kidding.

Its the right thing to do. I am disappointed that Daschle accepted this appointment with his knowledge of the very large elephant in his room!

I think it is pay-back time. We need to GO after BUSH, CHENEY, ROVE and make all rethuglicans the ultimate example of why you should not commit crimes in office!

It's Howard Dean time now he should be the next guy for this post.

Good riddance.

Good riddance! Nothing but a tax evading lobbyist.

Democrats stunned that not paying taxes is wrong or a big issue. This was not an honest mistake. He did not pay over 130,000 in taxes and when he acknowlaged it last summer he still did not pay

I dont care if you are a Republican or a Democrat. We need honest people with integrity. Obama wants to clean this up than he better start right now. Richardson is going to be Indicted, the last 3 are a joke. Find some honest people and move on. Everyone I know pays their taxes unless they are trying to scam the goverment. Move on and pick someone honest.

Daschle's withdrawal just confirms there are other dire corrupt "skeletons in his closet" that he doesn't want to come out. If only the other nefarious socialist, corrupt, tax cheat, and unethical politicians who have been nominated by Obama would refuse to serve, he wouldn't have a Cabinet – thus saving the taxpayers money!

They all write bad checks at the congressional bank. This whole thing has been a joke.

We are so desparate to believe that someone could be honest and ethical and it was just like King said...

a dream.

Obama is fast becoming a major disappointment. The democrats, per usual, look like a bunch of buffoons and the Republicans are looking like saints.

This is what should have happened with Geithner but blind ambition will and does make people make poor decisions. At least in the Daschle case it shows that inappropriate actions do have consequences.

why are all these washington insiders not paying their full taxes? How many others are out their? We need to stimulate the Irs! Might not need all this stimulus .

You liberals thought the republicans and bush were bad. They are saints compared to the crooks running the governement now. Watch a year or so from now. Obama's popularity will be lower than Bush's.
America made a great mistake...

Funny how the democrats are staunch supporters of increased taxation, but can't seem to pay them themselves.

Or maybe it's not all that funny.

I bet they weren't as surprised when my boy took the nomination, LOL!! Come on guys, let's go watch Rocky and Bullwinkle real quick, plus, my little nephew came so the boys are putting the tape in...

Come on guys, let's go watch Rocky and Bullwinkle...

More jokes on the way coming right up later on...

Don't be stunned, pay your taxes!

OK by me. The guy's been around forever, and I don't think he has the motivation to understand the 'fierce urgency of now' when it comes to revamping the health care nightmare.

It would serve the republicans well to know that we the people do not forget that the did not have a solution for eight years. This attempt to block our president is appauling. We will not forget that it was these self-serving actions that got us here in the first place.
We also will not forget in 4 or 8 years from now that they are also prolonged urgently needed progress for media talking points.

Democrats should get use to this – it's called ETHICAL BEHAVIOR. I know, it's a new concept in government, but when you've done something wrong and have questionable ties to the people you're supposed to regulate, it's the RIGHT thing to do.

This is the right outcome for an administration committed to changing from business-as-usual in Washington.

This is what accountability, responsibility and consequences for actions looks like.

The high ethics standard remains.

"For want of a 1099, the kindom was lost"?

What a shame this is. This man had the knowledge and experience to really get something done with healthcare. I am certainly not keen on what he did, but he did make good and pay what he owed. And it's not like President Obama has a lot of choices. Everyone is picking apart and criticizing every choice that he makes. It's not his fault that most politicians are corrupt. He has to pick someone. Would they rather he picked some moron with no experience? He picked who he thought would be able to best handle the position. Can you imagine him trying to find cabinet members who all had squeeky clean records? these are politicians! 95% of them have a black mark or two against them. Including Hillary Clinton and yes, the war hero, John McCain. They all have done dishonrable things. Give the man a break. He is doing the best that he can and trying very hard to fix this mess that we are in.

Our president is for the people. He did not create this problem and all these people had their issues before he got there. It is what he will do going forward that will make the change. Why the sudden concern about all the people that was propped up as honorable for years. If the washingtonites will allow the president to do his job we will all be better for it. He will hold his cabinet to the highest standard on his watch. He can't help what happened on someone elses watch.

Why would anyone be dismayed he withdrew? Sounds like that would be the decent thing to do. Oh, maybe they are amazed that a Democrat would do the decent thing. Sounds like being a crook is fine with them, just as long as he's a Demorat. Now, before everyone starts griping because I am slamming the Democrats, I am a registered Democrat and always have been. I consider myself a "smart" Democrat. I don't vote for the party, I vote for the person. By the way the Democrats are defending these crooks, that must be unheard of in their circle of friends. Maybe they should get in another line of work or pick better circles to hang out in. OBAMA included!!

Daschle knew he had those unpaid taxes before he accepted Obama's nomination, he should have withdraw even if he probably is a good person for the job. However, if poor little average citizen me had back taxes, I would be in jail, lose everything I have or worse. Maybe if they checked the background of all the politicians in Washington, the National Budget would have a surplus!!!!!!!!

I thought Daschle would have done a great job regardless of the tax issue. Cornyn needs to shut his mouth.

That's a shame......he's a good man that had the potential to accomplish great things in that role.

Kudos to Mr. Daschle .... You did the right thing!

It is a shock to realize a president that has been made into an deity by his own campaigning, can be subject to human failings.

But that is the penalty of running on such a platform. At a certain point, your followers need to grow up.