CNN

While it's regrettable that Daschle made such an oversight (or took advantage of the system, depending on how you see it), it is still unfortunate for us as a nation to lose someone so experienced and progressive. If we look at health care under the Bush administration, we had a HHS director who tried to abolish contraception (CONTRACEPTION!), a senate majority leader who thought it was appropriate to tell his constituents that you can spread AIDS through tears, and a president who believed that abstinence was the only legitimate form of health education that children should receive. Regardless of who steps up after Daschle steps down, Obama's administration will work to right those wrongs. And to anyone who can accomplish that , I really don't care what your taxes look like.

It's so amusing to see all you Repugs having a spaz attack because of this Daschle story, and trying to blame it on Obama. You've been whining since Nov. 4 about how all the liberals think he's perfect and can do no wrong, but it's really you Repugs who want to hold him to that ridiculous standard. The hypocrites got shown for what they are in the 2008 election, and all your ranting isn't going to get you any more credibility in 2012.

Boo Hoo.... Daschle is a crook. Good Riddance.

The NYT editorial calling for Daschle to step aside never once mentioned Obama. You would have thought Daschle was selected by immaculate conception.

Let's get real, Obama's selection/vetting process for cabinet slots has become a disaster.

Let's just get all the politicians audited right now. And the banks, and the CEO's, and all the lending institutions, and everyone in high paying positions on wall street. Let's do it.

Can't rich people HIRE accountants to ensure that these types of "mistakes" don't happen? Seems a little fishy that he would just "forget" about paying that much in taxes.

We here in the US go above board about everything. People at that position can get busy with many issues and some get missed out. I think we must not create hue & cry of the smaller issue and look at the bigger picture. We have let go the Stock Market sharks off the hook. Where was New York Times when our 401k has shrunk to nothing due to mismanagement of financial sector. The big bonuses issued to Wall Street idiots which are based on performance. We know they have not performed so not entitled to receive any bonuses from bailout money they received.

If Mr. Daschle can change Department of Health and Human Services and with his abilities can add benefits to American people, issues like oversight of nonpayment of car services etc will be negligible. So let him do what he is best at, instead of raising the questions of accountability.

Is there any with out sin.

ANOTHER ONE

Nancy Killefer withdrew her nomination because of taxes.

This is what happens when you have a bunch of Zombies that fall in line like sheep to vote for YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN.

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

You Betcha!

If an investigation was done on what GOP members have run into the same issue, we may not have anyone left in congress. He made a mistake, like countless others. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!
That said, Senator Daschle has resigned and a new person will be chosen and we will move on – too many other issues on which to concentrate. I am sorry to see him do this as he is an expert in this field and we need to fix the health care system.
My comment to Doug, you don't get a comment after the country and the world has suffered under 8 years of Bush and even worse, Cheney. He continued his ties to defense contractors and the energy companies and we have not even started on the issues with Rumsfeld and Rove – ENOUGH! This is all political tit for tat.
Bigger problems folks, bigger problems – my guess is most of America has at one time or the other, has an issue with their taxes!

Do Americans know how to spell?

"Yes we Can!" But, No we have'nt yet! All of this seems like business as usual to me. If you look through the so-called stimulus package, you will find tax breaks for Hollywood along with many other political paybacks. What a joke! You guys who trash anything closely related to Bush while condoning all of this nonsense – are the biggest hypocrits I have ever seen! It's like going to a basketball game and cheering every good call along with cheering every bad call – as long as its for your team. Call it like it is – Daschle is a greedy crook. He never intended to pay those taxes.

Well, seems as though Dash listened...

Why is it so hard to find honest people to fill these positions? There are more crooks in DC than is most jails.
I support President Obama BUT we don't need yet another tax evader on his staff. Sorry Daschle but you gotta go!
The list is getting very long and we can't turn a blind eye anymore.
Geitner
Dodd
Schumer
Rangel
Killefer
Daschle and last but not least there are some very disturbing contribution issue for the Clintons'. That is a lot of Democrats who not doing the right things. Help us out Mr President. I support you, I really do but get us some honest people PLEASE.

How do I become a politician this would mean i can not pay my taxes and not have to worry much about the irs coming after me for penalties and get away with being a murder suspect and as long as i dont talk to the media if I can just wait long enough i can get a wicked paying job in the presidents cabinet.Does anyone remember that whole shandra levy story you people plastered all over the airways for a month or longer.Nah what difference does that make lets give him a nice cushy job in the government we where hard on him lets pity him.Hey its an Obamanation or is it obmination?

TO LARRY AND FRANK YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, WE HAVE BIGGER PROBLEMS THAT WE SHOULD FOCUS ON, YOU ARE ALL FORGETTING ABOUT AIG, CITICORP, THE BIG 3 AUTOS MAKER GETTING THEIR HUGE BONUSES ON THE BACKS OF THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER, OH I GUESS THAT EXCLUDES TOM D BUT WHY AREN'T WE JUST AS ANGRY AND DEMAND ANSWERS AND QUITE FRANKLY A RETURN FOR THESE JERKS. I GUESS WE GAVE BANK OF AMERICAN $45 BILLION AND THEY SPONSOR THE SUPERBOWL PRE-GAME PARTY AND THEIR EXECUTIVES WE IN THE SUITE, WOW I AS A TAXPAYER DIDN'T GET INVITED. SO PEOPLE LET'S BAND TOGETHER AND ASK PAST AND PRESENT ADMINISTRATION WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THESE CORPORATIONS WHO SPEND OUR MONEY AND DEMAND THAT THEY PAY BACK ALL OF WHAT THEY SPEND ON BONUSES AND OTHER HIGH PRICES PARTIES.

Personal to Barack wins and America collectively loses:

Let's see your comments on Mike Brown of FEMA.

Barack needs to make those very hard decisions to withdraw his nominations for those who do not pay their taxes. As every good citizen knows, we all have to be honest and careful in paying our taxes if we want our country to work..

To Diana Ewing NJ: Daschle is in trouble for failing to pay taxes, and even Democrats are beginning to suggest that he should step aside. But your response – let's talk about Sarah Palin. Is that really the best you can do?

So funny all the trash talk about Hillary and Bill they seem to be the only ones who laid everything on the line for public to see during Obama's vetting process.

Doug – What are you hiding in your closet Are you so perfect that you can point a figure?

A former US Senator who does not pay his taxes, not only doesn't deserve a position in the current administration , he deserves to be in jail.

I completely agree that he should step down. Me, and so many other Americans, are getting sick and tired of politician after politician being corrupt and thinking they are untouchable: John Roland, Elliot Spitzer, that dude with the bad hair from Illinois, the Mayor of Hartford, Nancy Killefer ......... who else am I forgetting? Get rid of them all. They do not deserve these positions.

Daschle knew exactly what he was doing and what he wasn't doing. Yaaa for the media and the Internet for helping to expose these crooks.

If three nominees have had tax issues, how many more have gotten away with tax evasion? Did you notice all of them make a pile of money? I really think that a thorough audit of all of the people who hold high offices including congressman, senators, governors, senior staff at federal and state governments should be done routinely and frequently. If they are caught, prosecute them to the full extent. Law abiding, tax paying public have supported all of these tax cheats for too long.

This kind of behavior only reinforces the perception of most Americans that all politicians are crooked. The only difference is in degree!!

Disgusting, isn't it?

Joe

I can't believe I agree with the NYT!!!

There's light at the end of the tunnel. At this rate the Republicans should take back both the house and the senate in 2 years. I just hope obama doesn't do too much more damage by then...

NYT comes to the party way too late.It's only after days and days of public outrage that they see the writing on the wall and climb on board. Without be dragged kicking and screaming they wouldn't have done this.

who ever the vetting team members are all need to withdraw

Another one bites the dust. No way should this nominee even be consider for such a post. Bottom line is unless you get caught why report it. Now that its a major issue the Democratics want to do something about it. And you want this man?

jeane February 3rd, 2009 11:59 am ET

wow, this is going too far now….The media is starting to tell an administration what to do and drugging them down?

________________________________

Jeanne, dear, I wonder if you would have said the same thing you just said had it been a Republican administration with the nominee like like Daschle. Get a clue already – you just don't want the media to expose your king Obama for what he really is.

Here is what Obama said in June of 2008:

"I know that in every campaign, politicians make promises about cleaning up Washington. And most times, you end up disappointed when it doesn't happen.

"So it's easy to become cynical - to believe that change isn't possible; that the odds are too great; that this year is bound to be no different from the last. But I also know what I've seen and what I've done. I know that for me, reform isn't just the rhetoric of a campaign; it's been the cause of my career."

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN! Awesome!

This is not just a Dem issue. It is both parties. Each senator, governor, mayor, etc . The media needs to check it out. CNN needs to do it job. And while you are at it , check yours. There is something in your closet to. At least we have collected from the ones that have been exposed. I demand that all the others been checked.

Seems like it is just ore Chicago style politics to me.

This isn't the Audacity of Hope, it is much more like Audacity of Dopes to me.

Ever notice how the more things change the more they stay the same?

The only way a sitmulus pkg will work, is if you give the taxpayers the money you are forcibly taking from them and let them decide who and what to spen it on. Otherwise, it's just more crooks with personal agendas spending the taxpayer into oblivion.

Poor President Obama...last honest man standing? Yet, we (and he) must persevere to bring a new light to our government. Senator Dashle and all criminals must go.

Hey "Equal Treatment":

And while he's withdrawing from the senate, he can stop being a famous illusionist and a highly paid supermodel, BECAUSE HE'S NONE OF THOSE THINGS.

And you wonder why we call you uninformed...

I don't know... my ex-wife has for the past 6 years claimed our son as her dependant on her taxes though he lives with me 365 days a year, and I get no child support (though I'm not asking for any) But being audited every 2 years sucks. Can somebody lock her up first please?

Franky,

Why is he in a tough spot? He cheated and got caught. If you did the same, you'd go to jail or be penalized up the you-know-what.

No, he not in a tight spot. If he was where he belongs, in a 6×6 cell, then he would be in a tight spot

What about Obama's past drug history? The Times didn't seem to have a problem with that.

This is getting absurd. Am I the only one paying taxes? Maybe I should stop. Seems to be the way to get a cabinet post.

Looks like we need to re-visit Bill O'Reilly's claim during the Bush years that The NY Times was biased against conservatives only. They are doing a pretty good job at making liberals accountable too. Seems fair and balanced to me.

hey "equal treatment..." he's been out of the senate for four years already and holds no current public office.

Wow. I don't think I can stand all this "change".

Yes we can......rip-off the country.

Well, I guess it's all worth it as long as we have a charming & cool
president. Right?

Obama is a disgrace. I used to love him and believe his rhetoric.
Guess, I am a stupid person. Fooled twice bu Bush and once by Obama.

I think it's very interesting that several of these people who are supposed to represent the government are not paying their taxes. Democrats and republicans alike. It's not like any of these people are hurting for money. If Daschle owed a few thousand due to an error it's one thing, but he owes almost 130K- that's far more than most Americans make in a year. He only paid after he knew it would be an obstacle if he didn't. I think he should step aside and let someone with more integrity fill this position.

I think Daschle should withdraw.

The republicans identified 2.5% of the stimulus bill they want cut in the list reported by CNN. Big deal.

equal treatment under the laws February 3rd, 2009 12:07 pm ET

He should not only withdraw his nomination, he should withdraw from the Senate. The new attorney general should be bringing charges against him just like they would any other American.
---------------------------------
Way to stay current.
Daschle hasn't been in the Senate since 2004.

Daschle needs to take a walk. He's done.

He should resign if only for being such a hypocrite with other candidates / nominees he has heckled in the past for similar transgressions. Sure they are negotiating an exit right now. Obama advisors walking him to the "resignation" plank where they will then insist that he did it because he didn't want to become a "distraction". Obamakins will feign disappointment and imply that they really wish he would stay on and fight but are "reluctantly" accepting the resignation. Obama will pronounce Daschle a fine American. Same S____, different year. These things happen with every administration but what is infuriating about the Debs is that they somehow imply that only the GOP is guilty.

Too bad Doug didn't get the news that no oreos were thrown at Michael Steele. It was something else that the Maryland Republican Party made up (like endorsements for Ehrlich).

NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY.

There should be NO WITHDRAWAL.

There's enough blame to go around, let's not even go there.

Usually the Old York Times is out of touch, but this time I agree with them.

LISTEN UP OBAMA.....YOUR TRANSPARENCY TALK IS GETTING A LITTLE FOGGY. IMAGINE IF AMERICANS COULD SEE ALL THE TAXES OWED BY ALL THE CROOKS IN WASHINGTON "YES I SAID CROOKS" IT WOULD COVER THE $ IN THE SO CALLED STIMULUS PACKAGE INSTEAD OF TAKING $ FROM THOSE OF US WHO FOLLOW THE LAW AND PAY OUR TAXES LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE POLITICIANS TAX RECORDS!!!!!!!

I guess not paying taxes is abig deal, sure didn't see too many jumping up and down on some the crap the past 8yrs has bought into view. Gee get a life. Let's do some digging on the stuff that present and past republicans have done and probably still doing. THis stuff is pure nonsense. And I will bet that the ones screaming the most, have cheated on something on their tax returns, probably little stuff, but is still cheating, think about that before you start the "how dare you" stuff.

What has happened here over the last month... Has fox news closed it site to you all?????... or do you believe all your poison will try the majority to the GOP party... Why are you not asking how Palin got her house built.... the contractors that got the contract to build the Sports Building in her town while she was Mayor... built it... but that story died... because that was picking on her.... the fact that the Sports Arena was built on land that did not really belong to the town... or left the town in debt... never mentioned... hum...

biden said that it was patriotic to pay higher taxes time to step up****
oh i forgot dems believe in taxes for others and not themselves you know socialism works as long as my neighbor has money lets return to individual freedoms that our fore fathers fought for not this nanny state that obama wants to give us

I think Daschle was wrong but the NYT can go kick rocks.

This is more fun the any SUPERBOWL. The DEMS have the ball, are tackling their own team members AND running the wrong direction.

Unfortunatly, I agree. The reason is because of the standards that were set during the campaign for a diferent type of gov. It is not only the tax issue but his dealings with health care related companies. It just does not look good and is not a good way to get bi-partisan support. We cannot do what is right only when it is fun or good for us. We have to do it even when it hurts.

Let's see....no lobbyists are allowed in his administration yet he has nominated a dozen or so so far...and he has nominated three people who haven't paid their taxes, one of which who wants to work in the treasury department and blamed Turbotax for his "mistake. What happened to ethical government? If this had been the Republicans the news media would be having seizures by now.

Daschle is a conflict of interest! He must go...where is the accountability, Mr. President?

I think I've yet to read about the New York Times taking issue with the oil companies shoving it up the American peoples butts with 9 Billion Dollar per quarter profits

Yet they feel people cheating a little on their taxes is uncommon in Washington

I can only imagine some of the unique tax dodges the New York Times uses on a yearly basis

I think the NEW YORK TIMES SHOULD MAKE THEIR TAX RETURNS PUBLIC ... then we can see just how honest these stone throwers are

While the tax offending Democrats' tax dodges do not stand equal to the corrupt Republican abuses engaged in by the likes of Duke Cunningham, neither are they acceptable. Geithner, Daschle and the rest should have no place in this government. They may fit neatly in a Republican administration but we should be demanding (and they should be offering) a much higher standard of personal and professional ethics to solve the vast array of problems facing the nation today.

Are you sure this came from The New York Times ?
Now if we could just get them to take a close look at some Senators and Congressional members and do some real reporting, maybe we could get their circulation up.

I SECOND THAT MOTION! (Typical LIMOSOUINE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT......raise taxes on everyone else and then weasel out of paying your own.)

He is fine for the job. Republicans have many crooks like Rove.
Dashle & Geither -atleast they are competent people.

Who cares about his mistake. We're in so deep that we need to focus on important issues.

How sad.

I'm not sad for Tom Daschle...he'll be fine. I'm sad that while Obama is trying to create an A-Team in Washington - our honor team candidates are failing.

He should withdraw his name. For the sake of the process and the integrity of the Obama administration. We don't need another Rove/Ashcroft cover-up.

I SECOND THAT MOTION! (Typical LIMOSOUINE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT......raise taxes on everyone else and then weasel out of paying your own.)

Wow, what a great start for the new messiah. Is there anything this man can do wrong that the ardent supporters will actually blame him for? If ANY Republican administration had started off with this many problem appointees the press (not just that liberal rag in NY) would have had a field day! The hypocrisy is getting almost unbearable.

Change we can believe in!!!

I agree, Daschle needs to take a hike. His situation is too much of a cross to bare, and you can't tell me that there aren't other candidates that can do at least a sufficient job in replacement.

I echo calls for Daschle to withdraw his name for this position. I can't help but recall that it was Daschle more than anyone who carefully scripted freshman senator Obama's senate votes, public appearances and travel as he prepared him to run for the presidency. Now he sees his payback as appointment to the very agency that would oversee the same corporations that he lobbied for in the private sector.

Daschel appointed as head of the Department of Health and Human Services would look IDENTICAL to Dick Cheney giving no bid contracts for Iraq rebuilding to Haliburton; the company he was in charge of before the Vice Presidency.

Mr. Daschle, if you truely care about democracy and public service without the appearance of special interest, do the right thing and keep your day job as a private sector lobbiest/consultant.

I like Daschle, but he should withdraw. However, I would like to see every senator and representative audited thoroughly this year before they audit any of the rest of us. Anyone who serves in public office should be audited every year. IMHO

The Liberal Media has now turned on the Liberals. Does that mean the media might become fair? Dont bet on it.

I am a supporter of Pres. Obama. That being said, I am beginning to see why people are already having doubts about him. If the news organizations can so easily find out about the appointees financial/tax situations, shouldn't the presidnet's advisors do so before suggesting these people for positions of authority? As one of the multitude of people who don't come close to making in a year what one appointee owes in taxes, I am offended.

Please scrutinize these folks more closely and stop making exceptions for those who have made these "mistakes". It send the wrong message.

OK, SO HE SHOULD HAVE PAID HIS TAXES LIKE THE REST OF US, MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE NYT IS NO WHERE IN THE POSITION TO DECIDE WHO SHOULD STEP DOWN, IF SO WHY DIDN'T THEY CALL FOR BUSH/CHENEY TO STEP DOWN BEFORE THEY PUT US IN THIS HUGE DEFICIT THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA INHERITED. MY QUESTION TO THE NYT, WILL THEY INSIST THAT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION PURSUE THE WAR CRIMES OF THE PAST ADMINISTRATION (GITMO)? THE NYT HAS THE RIGHT TO PRINT WHATEVER THEY WANT TO HOWEVER THE NOMINATION OF TOM D IS QUITE FRANKLY UP TO THE ELECTION COMMITTEE THIS IS THE LAW OF OUR COUNTRY NOT THE PRESS. TO KEN, AND WHY ARE WE IN A TRILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT? REMEMBER CHENEY/BUSH AND A STAKE IN IRAQ/AFGANISTAN IT IS WASN'T WMD BUT ANOTHER 3 LETTER WORD CALLED OIL.

read the full story below! total amount is spread over three years..daschle is guilty and he should bow out. if obama supports it, it's no change as he promised.

"Mr. Daschle said he became concerned last June that he might owe taxes on it and instructed his accountant to investigate. Neither was concerned enough to actually pay the taxes.

Only after the Obama transition team flagged unrelated tax issues that would require filing amended returns did Mr. Daschle and his accountant address the need to report the personal use value of the car service — more than $255,000 over three years — as income. Only after he had been chosen to be the health secretary did Mr. Daschle tell the transition team about the unpaid taxes. He paid some $140,000 in back taxes and interest on Jan. 2 to settle several tax problems — and he acknowledges owing more"

No one can tell me that there are no conservatives or republicans in politics who have not had or have tax problems. Democrats for some reason have an aversion to pointing them out, however. Remember, repubs are the party of real greed at the expense of all Americans. Just listen to what they say over and over about more and more tax cuts for themselves. Do you think they are more honest or just more devious?

As Roosevelt – Obama with 12 democrats & 3 republicans in cabinet
AS Lincoln – Obama with 3 rivals in the cabinet
Obama – the biggest celebrity and cherished and loved one in the world
A black & white president
A christian & muslim president
A kansas & Kenyan president
A slim & tanned president
A brigh t & articuate president
the one & only one-first black president in US history
Came into office to clean the Bush sh–t
Wait for one year-American glory will be back
Obama will go as the best president ever in American history

Today marks history. I agree 100% with a NY Times op/ed

Please withdraw Daschle, it's the right thing to do if you care about Obama administration and this country. It's not about you!

No one is a more faithful Democrat than I; and Daschle needs to go.
In order for Obama to lead, the country must have confidence in him. He needs to realize, he is close to becoming like his predecessor... a joke!

17 states sorry

It's not that Obama didn't know...it's that he continues to support the nomination even after he admitted he knew last June!!! And didn't pay it until he was nominated. Come on!!!! No wonder Democrats want to raise taxes...they don't pay theirs!!!

One wonders just how many other appointees haven't paid their taxes? Is it Washington policy, not to pay taxes unless cornered,. Can you imagine if us taxpayers had that policy?

I'm suggesting federal and state appointees be financially reviewed so we the people know the truth!

No wonder they have no problems with spending US tax dollars on all these stimulus packages. None of them pays taxes so they don't have to worry about their own money getting wasted.

He is fine for the job.

Let's face it. "Change We Can Believe In" was just a catchy little slogan, perpetrated on a super lazy, gullible public that gets most of the infomation they make their electoral decisions on from quick little sound bites. There isn't gonna be any "Change" until we get rid of all the incumbent, bribed gasbags that we call our "Representatives" and demand that their replacements not be allowed to take money or gifts from anyone, anytime, anywhere. Obama will never push for a bribe free legislature. You've been led to the slaughter, folks. Now get in line.

Mr. President:

stop saying these well-educated people are making innocent mistakes with their taxes. I make far less and I do my taxes conscientiously; it is a bit complicated but it can be done and one SHOULD pay attention.

It's a believable mistake if you overpay. Don't kid me when somebody instead keeps a ton of money that isn't theirs.

I worked hard to get you elected. Now you should be dumping these people outright who fail such a simple test as paying their taxes.

Kick him out of DC and don't let him come back. He's in the same league with Marion Barry, who also has not paid his taxes.

John, since Obama ran on the "I'll clean up this town" platform, it really is his fault for not pulling the nomination. Let's stop the double standards.

Ok, we want to kick this guy out of his job but we allow crooks like Al Frankin to become a senator (MN) when he didn't pay his taxes in 17 days....Priorities!!

No, the blame is squarely on Obama's shoulders. The buck does stop at the oval office....right? A new era of responsibility my foot. The reason democrats don't mind raising taxes is because THEY DON'T PAY THEM.

Bush administration officials with improper tax filings over 8 years = 0

Obama administration nominees with improper tax filings over 2 weeks = 3 (Geithner, Daschle, now Killefer)

Dem leadership with improper tax filings = 4 (Frank realestate/taxes, Dodd loans/taxes, Schumer realestate/taxes, Rangel realestate/taxes)

Daschle should NOT withdraw. He is in line with Obama's other appointees and inline with his party's leadership.

Loving these tax evaders...Obama's intellect in nominating these guys is going down the toilet...quickley.

Why didn't the New York times call for the whole BUSH admistration to resign...Get real....

It is amazing for me to see the LA Times calling the supposed stimulus bill what it actually is: a huge spending plan to put generations of Americans in debt. NOW THIS FROM NYT? In the same week? Astounding! You liberals might gain some standing and credibility yet.
( Have you noticed how many FAMOUS LIBERALS send their children to private school, have private jets, and don't pay taxes, nor give much to charity?)

Of course he (Daschle) should step aside.

ABSOLUTELY: he tarnishes Obama's image. Ethics ethics ethics. Just finished my taxes and yes you ARE RESPONSIBLE! The directions are not that easy to follow. Also Daschle was a lobbyist for heatlh firms–another reason for him to jump ship.

OBAMA should have had this vetted; if he didn't know that is even more scary.

People were serious when they said they wanted change!

Some of you people do not understand that first he paid for his mistake and second most of the people on the Hill are crooks. We the people let them get a way with it because the government is not transparent.

Mr Dashle is not the only one.

What we afil to realize is that many of these Senators, Governors etc.... will have skeletons in their closet, not paying taxes is not the worst thing one could do..............

Where was the outrage with all the previous administration's abuses of not just taxes but power, no-bid contracts, etc.?

What's with the lilly whites (republicans)? They are not totally innocent either. Audit ALL ON BOTH SIDES

I am sure Daschle isn't the ONLY one from Congress that is doing this...but he shouldn't have accepted the nomination knowing that he hadn't paid taxes...and the vetting team should have done a more thorough job before offering him the position..it goes both ways...

these are definitely historic times. our first minority president. a major financial crisis. brittany spears makes a comeback. and now the NY times editorial staff gets one right.

I think the partisan comments are short-sighted and stupid. People need to both read and remember. BOTH parties have people with wrong doing in their pasts. I know you want to believe that anything wrong starts with our President who is black now...I am aware that anything that blows through the wind is blamed on Black people or Democrats but the truth is that the people appointed and elected are AMERICANS just like all of those who complain on this blog and are really a reflection of the American populous. People make mistakes on their taxes, shoot, I probably did when I just filed mine a week ago. We need to cast less judgment and get the best person for the job. In this case, it may very well be Daschle, but with this level of problem, he perhaps should withdraw his name.

Tom Daschle is a good man. The IRS matter has been resolved. We need to move on. This nation is in a crisis. Discussing or arguing over this non-issue is insane.

Democrat is a party of hypocrites. I was right when didn't vote for them in last election. There is a very nice saying: "He (Daschle) would get a pee in his eye and would say it was a God's dew." He must to withdraw!!!!!

If only they had examined Bush/Cheney's administration a little closer. I would love to see what their crew filed as taxes. I say let Pres. Obama appoint who he wants and let's see if they get anything done - he certainly can't do any worse than the last 8 years.

A large percentage of congress is dirty. They are under indictments, tax evasion, multiple lawsuits, convicted of drunk driving, drug use and bankruptcies. If any of the normal “Joes” out there did what they’re doing, we would be in jail or get fired from our jobs, PERIOD! Yet these knuckleheads are spending our tax dollars like drunken sailors! If they get caught, they should be fired…..

Seems like once you "pay to play" you get to "play"?

I don't care about his tax problems. He is too financially tied to the medical insurance industry to bring any real, and much needed, change. I nominate Michael Moore or Ralph Nader.

He just do the ethical thing and withdraw his name.

This was not a simple mistake and he has not be working with the IRS as Geithner had been even before his nomination. In fact, it appears he knew this was a problem months ago and chose to nothing on the off chance he was not offered a position.

However, as someone pointed out, a good many of the Congressmen and former Congressmen may have this problem. Zero sympathy from me. I paid my nanny taxes....all of them. Back before you could easily look up all the information on line, get the forms on line, fill out the forms via any of the tax programs, and so on and so forth. Takes only minutes to figure out what the rules are on gifts which would still have required him to pay taxes.

They should all be audited by the IRS and anyone that was a Congressman in the last 10 years. There is money to be made with late fees and penalties on top of the actual taxes owed. They could look at it as being good patriots. It would also go a long way to restoring our faith in them. Right now.....I just look at them all as tax cheats. Makes you want to skip doing your own taxes this year. Oops....guess I can`t avoid the taxes.....my income is all from salary which has W-2 with it.

couldn't agree more. i thought obama said this crap was not going to happen anymore.

Enough already of the crooked politicians. When are we going to learn.

Obama should have went with Dean anyway!

Geithner, Daschle and then Nancy, this is becoming embarrasing, I critically looked at Geithner's case and I concluded it might have been an error, but looking at Daschle, I don't think so. If he didn't reveal it until the "Transition team" pointed out another tax issue which is unrelated, my conclusion is he is hiding something. Please Tom, withdraw and don't impede this new government.

All of these tax issues are a detrement to President Obama's ability to lead with ethical people on his team.

Throw the bums out, who are "above" playing by the rules!

Now this is disturbing. Where's the change? I realize Obama needs a balance of new thinking and people experienced with Washington but what happened to his excruciating vetting process? Sounds like one change we need now are more IRS auditors.

Anybody can make mistakes.

he should step down. his new reputation will bring discredit to the job, rendering him not only ineffective, but a potential butt of many jokes.

What Tom Daschle is far worse than what Ted Stevens of Alaska was indicted and found guilty of in court. At least Senator Stevens was 84 years old and had a wife who was in charge of the work being done on his home. Yet he was indicted for obtaining free or reduced cost work on his home and not paying taxes on the money. Why should Tom Daschle and the new Treasury Sec. and a few others not be indicted?

Libs give half as much to charity as Republicans and now we see why they like to raise taxes they dont pay them. Yes we can yes we can. What a joke, how many are now unemployed and has Bo come by and given you a check yet.

I agree that he should withdraw. And while we're at it, how about investigating all members of both houses of Congress and forcing them to either pay up on their "tax mistakes" or resign their offices.

The New York Times is right! Daschle must withdraw. Just like Nancy Killefer.

Besides Obama picking a few whimpy glamour-boy conniving guys like this Geithner and Daschle, he is also trying to negotiate talking with Hamas to get them to stop sending rockets into Israel daily. Hamas is not a peaceful organization. Obama will never get these towel-head Dumb Arabs to settle down and act civilized toward a peaceful country such as Israel...Obama seems to have lost a lot of pre-election sense for lack of a better term. He better get his brains in order quickly, or he is head for Bushville!

This country is hurting big time, and we don't want to hear about another dishonest politician being forgiven for something the rest of us would be jailed for. $130,000 in taxes is big time. Obama is no longer credible. This is his 3rd major nominee with tax issues; at least Richardson had the decency to pull out. I don't think Obama will have the wisdom nor guts to ask Daschle to do the same. Joe Biden, I'm waiting for ya to fight for us honest middle guys-talk some sense into your boss!

I don't think this is a Democrat or Republican thing....I think it is a dumb jerk thing. There has been too many caught doing something wrong on both sides...in recent years there have been republican sex scandals, democrat sex scandals, tax scandal, leaking CIA operatives identification scandals...etc, etc, etc.

This is just someone choosing to make the wrong move. If you or I had been caught owing $130,000 in back taxes being named to a new job would not be an issue....we would be in JAIL!

That my friends is the double standard. The rich and powerful, of both parties, do not seem to be held by the same laws that the average and non powerful are in this (and most) country.

To Jeane

They should have a say, they are the reason he got elected......Kind of like ACORN being part of the bail out. "You scratch my back I scratch yours"

White House, please listen up. This is not Rush Limbaugh talking. These are voices of reason who wish that Obama's agenda not be torpedoed by a foolish, baggage-laden appointment. The tax issue is only half of the problem. Daschle's connections to the health industry are very troubling to those of us who wish for real reform. Would Obama have appointed an EPA director who had lobbied for Exxon for ten years?

As much as I like Daschle, he should withdraw. Too many industry connections and the taxes thing is just plain stupid. How do you really overlook paying that much in taxes? Many people would be thrilled to be making $155k or however much it was, let alone be rich enough to pay that much in taxes.

The real person for the job to run HHS is a qualified doctor - Dr. Howard Dean.

the state of this country should have the media, policticans and all so-called experts questioning themselves, from the false reports on wmds to Madoff enron, worldcom the list goes on and is called deceptive greed, NYT throw another stone, the man paid the bill

Why is that all these people in goverment positions not paying taxes. We do!

Maybe this stimulus package should not only hit on CEO's bonuses, but maybe less salary and no drivers for elected officials.

Daschle's lack of support isn't a Republican or Democrat issue. He made over $3 million in the last two years from the insurance industry, which he now wants to be in charge of regulating and reforming health care. He failed to file correct taxes. We believed Obama's campaign to break from the past and his executive against former lobbyists in his White House.

Doug ... good post .. I agree. The Dems are showing us there is no real difference between the 2 parties.

Yes, NYT is correct. We are liberals but also know when something is wrong. Unlike Repugs who continue to excuse Palin's $150k shopping spree..

NO WAY, then Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and Karl Rove need to return those millions they gave themselves in TAX BREAKS while sucking this country DRY under George W. Bushy!

Stop the finger pointing people, there's more than ENOUGH blame to go around. The last eight years of George W. Bush wasn't lead by Choir Boys. Get real. We need to move on and get to work and stop wasting time on these childish political "tit-4-tat" blame game.

Chicago machine politics in Washington. If these were nominees of a Republican administration they would be gone already. Daschle is a crook just like most of the Washington insiders. I really gave BO a break and thought he would at least keep his promises about ethics and lobbyists. So far all he's done that he said he would do is put us in jeopardy by closing Gitmo, try to shove a catastrophic spending spree down our throats, and secretly negotiate with terrorists.

I can say I told you so because I didn't vote for this..........fella.

He should not only withdraw his nomination, he should withdraw from the Senate. The new attorney general should be bringing charges against him just like they would any other American.

I agree. He should ne even hold public office. But stop blaming Obama. He did not know of this until after the nomination. I think you will find that almost every politician has somthing to hide be it taxes, bribes, sex, driugs, whatever.

I am a staunch democrat and feel ashamed with these "tax evaders".

The tax laws for many are very confusing and complex. It is not out of the ordinary for errors to occur and the correct protocol is to rectify the situation promptly. Sounds to me like this is not the case with Dashle.

I want to know why Obama is standing behind Dashle? Is there more to the story than we are being told?

Dashcle should withdraw his name. He falls into the category as Mr Fuld (Lehman Brothers) and all the white collar theives. They are all sorry once they get caught.

Mr Obama should do a background check first. OH, Sorry,! if he did that he would not have anyone of Clinton's cornies on his team.

This is the second time that one of Obama's picks did not pay their back taxes. Does this tell the American public anything. THERE IS NO CHANGE – OBAMA RAN ON FALSE HOPES – ONLY TOLD THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANTED TO HEAR. It worked, but in the long run OBAMA will falter. Only see him for one term

You partisan wipes on both sides make me sick.Your arguing while the real crooks that robbed us make their gettaway.There are trillions of untaxed dollars hidden in offshore accts and swiss banks,but I dont see anyone crying about it.Talk about "the FORREST FOR THE TREE SYNDROM".

Daschle's ties to the health care industry on demonstrate to me that he knows something about health care. His book is very important and shows he knows what needs to be done.

Remember Dick Cheney served eight years as vice-president while actively maintaining his ties to energy companies and financial interests in defense contractors.

didn't this happen with the gov. of new mexico too. I give up why be honest and play by the rules. become a politician and the rules don't apply. THIS IS GETTING TOBE A SERIOUS PATTERN.

I think Obama should say "Due to recent events, I am ordering the IRS audit every politician in Washington, starting with the President and all White House staff, then moving to Congress. EVERY Washington politician will be audited, then the IRS will resume its normal procedure for auditing citizens. We are going to clean up Washington FIRST."

THAT would be a change to believe in

But he won't. Obama is a fraud.

As much as I hate to agree I think Dachle should withdraw from the running. Geitner only owed like 25K, but we just can't take another cabinet member with tax trouble, especially 130K!!!

It is difficult to believe that someone equally if not more) competent without all the partisan (Daschle was an enormous obstructionist as Senate majority Leader) and IRS baggage could not be brought in to do this job. Where is all the change we were promised?

I'd be more inclined to not have our lawmakers involved in getting the economy back on track and addressing the other issues that we face. When was the last time they got anything right?

Bring in a task force of everyday citizens to put together a plan to fix what ails our country. People without an agenda.

I agree. While he may be a good man, There are others out there that would do well and right now it is more important for Obama to keep his image of being an ethical president than to reward a supporter.

Mr. Daschle doesn't like to pay his taxes and is in cahoots with United Health Care (cheats patients and doctors and just settled a $350 million with New York State). He needs to go and be replaced with someone who is honest enough to pay his taxes and not be within the influence of companies like United Health Care.

holy crap

i actually agree with something printed in the NYT.

well, i guess thats a "change".

Well, Washington ain't gonna change overnight and one man by himself is not going to do the changing. You gotta work with what you got or you got nothing.

There certainly are big problems ,when the men and women you put on the Hill or nominate for jobs in a so called transparent administration, don't comply to the rules the rest of American have to follow. From June 2008 to January 2009, there was more than sufficient time to take care of matters. What kind of vetting did the Obama administration fulfill? Pay for play, you helped us during the campaign so we will make sure you have a position.

He should go to jail for tax evasion. Thats what happens to regular people.

He needs to withdrawl. I'm not allowed to make a "mistake" on my taxes.

Too bad Al Capone did not think of the oversight excuse and did not profusely apologize for his tax evasion. He would have missed the luxury of San Quentin! Where is Elliot Ness when you need him??
I CERTAINLY EXPECT ALL THESE TAX EVADERS TO PAY THEIR BACK TAXES, INTEREST, AND PENALITIES!!! THEY SHOULD ALSO BE FORCED TO BE AUDITED THE ENTIRE TIME THEY ARE ON THE GOVERNMENT PAYROLL.
Jackie P.
Dorset, VT

I am a big time Obama supporter, but I feel Daschle should withdraw. This is just more of what we need to eliminate from government.

Dorothy…Close you eyes, click your heels together twice and say "there's no place like Illinois…there's no place like Illinois"

I'm sure they were the ooooonly ones in the wwwwwwworld who were qualified for the jobs. They are also weally…weally….sawwwy.

So Daschle is a tax evader with a wife who is a lobbyist…he should sail thru the confirmation. We now have another tax evader, one who had an illegal worker, the largest conflict of interest nominee ever, attorney general Holder with shady dealings in defending terrorists & a pardoner of crooks, even a socialist appointed and ….lobbyists all over the place even after the Executive Order of no lobbyists. I think that Executive Order lasted one day.

What does it take to be a disqualified nominee?

He should step down from the nomination.He's distracting Obama's administration and burning up precious political capital that could be spent on other more worthy fights.

If Obama wants to be taken seriously employing Daschle is a crime.
The man is a crook. Personally, I find this terribly embarrasing

There seems to be a theme here...

wow, this is going too far now....The media is starting to tell an administration what to do and drugging them down?

I'm not surprised of the hyprocrisy of Obama's nominees: and their arrogance.
I am surprised that not more is made of Daschle overstating his charitable contributions. Not only is he a tax cheat, he represents that he is more charitable than reality. HOW SAD.

Since the Times says he should withdraw his name, I say CONFIRM him!!!! There MUST be an angle in that somewhere.

I go against ANYTHING the Times says, period!

This is so stupid, he paid how many of us owe taxes, how many powerful men in the Bush admin owes back taxes? We are in a crisis, he paid move on. People are hurting, why waste the time with this. Why didn't you take the time to look at Bush admin, before the American had endure this mess here. Media find the balls to report real news, stop wasting the people's time with these smoke screens.

I like Tom Daschle and think he would make a good cabinet member, but under the circumstances I think if would be better for him to voluntary withdraw for the good of the country.

No one is indispensable and neither is he, there are other people who would make a great secretary of the heath and human services

He should go. It's not just the little people who should pay taxes. We all must if there is any hope....

Mostly everyone have tax problem, if the IRS look hard at the New York Times they have tax problem.

I agree with the NYT, however qualified Daschle may be for leading change in our education system, politics as usual cannot be allowed. I hope Obama does the right thing and sticks to his promise to run an ethical government.

Two sets of laws! One for the government, the rest for us ordinary common folk. What a disgrace.

Agreed. He should at this time withdraw.

as they are the bastion of the AIPAC thieves, LOL!

ABC News say the senate don't want to raise the car and driver tax issue loadly, because many of them are doing the same thing. ...

This isn't President Obama fault any more than former President Bush or any other previous president. However, it is amazing the number of senior Washington insiders that fail to pay their taxes. While I applaud the Obama Selection Team for flagging these "mistakes", it is simply amazing that so many pay so little in taxes and yet never seem to get caught.

I have personally been audited (randomly) once several years ago and no mistakes were found. While I am just a regular tax payer and these folks have complicated, multiple returns, where are the CPAs that do these people's taxes. If I owed $130,000 to the government I would be beyond broke – no house, no car, or even a way to feed myself.

Why are we putting people in power that don't pay the government. We're going to have a trillion dollar deficit soon and the same people who are spending our money aren't paying taxes. Am I missing something here?

The dittohead crowd always calls the NYT a liberal biased rag and dismisses all the editorials against repubs.

So, now it is a neo-conservative biased rag and Dems should dismiss this editorial against a democrat.

See how that works repubs when you do not like an editorial you just come up with a conservative MSM conspiracy!

They are starting to eat their own already-LOL This is the fastest in lib history.

The lib Democrat party is founded upon and stands for hypocrasy and double standards, hence they are Hypocrats!!!

We don't have to pay our taxes but you do.
We can have our white senators use the n work on national tv but your senator can't give a speech praising a guy at his birthday party.
We can throw oreo cookies at Micheal Steele, but if you did the same thing to Obama you would be a racist who should be charged with a hate crime.
When we said Iraq had WMDs it was fact but when you said the same thing you were lying.

Seriously, what does it say about you if you support them?

I think they should keep him, and hope he does not withdraw, and if he can stand the pressure for a few days, he can weather the storm..
We need him to fix the health care system in this country, especailly when he's knows more about it, than anyone else !!!

"Check out the list the GOP says is 'waste' in the stimulus bill. Then decide if the list is:"

You see guys, I told you we have no idea what the heck is going on, LOL!! My goodness, those numbers are more fluke than Donald's Trump hair...

I say let's all take a shot, we'll answer much better, LOL!!

As for Dashle, he's in a tough position, I don't blame him, plus, he don't wanna be portrayed as the victim and remember guys, he's been an ardent supporter of my boy since the beginning, my boy will remember that, he's been looking out for him especially. And let's face it, he wanted to work with this administration, he's probably gotten more attention now than when he ran for re-election, he's a good man, he's just in a tough plight...

Seriously, what is with all these people not paying their taxes, but constantly writing laws to dictate how they will spend the money WE already paid in taxes.

If he doesn't withdraw and P. Obama still wants him....he is not going anywhere. They all had their objections against all or most of the picks so far and they are all confirmed now! I think that all senators and congress people should be audited by the IRS, cus it is so ironic that these people have tax issues, I guarantee you that's its not just them....we are finding out only because they are being vetted. Trust....this has been happening for years from both sides of the isle. I think they should all be AUDITED!

For once the New York Times is right!

He should withdraw, or Obama should correct himself and say he will pick someone else. Why is there NO accountability, NO responsibility and all of this back peddling. You don't pay your taxes, you don't get a cabinet position. Period. (This should be a no brainer that if you don't pay your taxes, you don't get to run the IRS, but hey, I guess rules are different for Dems.)

This is not a partisan issue. To those of you who are trying to make it one, tell me this, how would you react if it were the Repubs doing it? (AND just because you believe the Repubs already did it doesn't make it ok for Obama to do it).

We are getting too caught up in Obama-mania. THese are BAD BAD choices for cabinet positions. We should not stand behind them just for the sake of it. Obama is human, and apparently, he's made some mistakes.

This Obama supporter and mod Dem says NO to Daschle.

I thought tax cuts for the rich put us in this mess to begin with according to Pelozi…..What would she say when her liberal friends dont even pay taxes, add on Frank and Dodd and we now know why we are in this financial mess

Another "Unpatriotic American"