He said he has not paid taxes in 10 years. That is pretty cut-and-dry. Not sure what we read differently.

 

I hear you . I just didn't take it that way. I knew he was talking about tax rates.

Right. So why even respond? Nothing gained.

I think Romney should stay mute on most issues. His persona in general makes it come off like he is always hiding something. At least it does to me. Needs some syrup (or clover honey in my case) for his waffle act

I think Romney should stay mute on most issues. His persona in general makes it come off like he is always hiding something. At least it does to me. Needs some syrup (or clover honey in my case) for his waffle act

 

He needs to put Ryan in the forefront as much as possible. He comes across very well in my opinion, especially compared to Romney.

He needs to put Ryan in the forefront as much as possible. He comes across very well in my opinion, especially compared to Romney.

 

While you may be right you can't do that. The VP has so little impact that the candidate has to show charisma and ideas. Heck, they're already backing away from Rep Ryan's budget ideas anyway.

It's a sad state of affairs in the country when anyone would be demonized for "only" paying 13% of their income in federal income tax.

 

His 13% amounts to a very large amount of tax money paid. Half of the people in the US pay NO income tax at all, so it appears to me that he is paying his fair share anyway.

His 13% amounts to a very large amount of tax money paid. Half of the people in the US pay NO income tax at all, so it appears to me that he is paying his fair share anyway.

 

100% right but not the issue. It's all about perception.

100% right but not the issue. It's all about perception.

 

Maybe he needs to turn it around and say something like, I have paid over 9 million dollars in federal income taxes over the last 10 years...

Maybe he needs to turn it around and say something like, I have paid over 9 million dollars in federal income taxes over the last 10 years...

 

Sure. Just also say "I have no idea how to relate to you."

 

Don't run from success. Just don't put it out there.

So Harry Reid is a liar, correct?

So Harry Reid is a liar, correct?

 

If you believe Gov Romney then yes.

13% sounds correct. Most earnings of the Romney were capital gains - likely long term capital gains. That rate - 15%. After deductions - probably only charitable giving (which is probably considerable) and capital losses the 15% would slightly reduce.

 

If anything, the concept of massive off-shore hiding of capital gains is shot to heck with this statement.

 

Most that do pay taxes pay this amount or less in terms of effective rate.

Irrelevant to the debate.

 

IMO he fell right into the trap that Sen Reid laid and his campaign staff failed him.

 

I think MANY sided with him in this debate. He shouldn't have responded in any way other than how he has. His base wasn't mad. The far left wasn't voting for him any way. Now he gives someone on the other side (campaign, PAC, surrogates) ammo for saying "he's not like us" which is already a big challenge for him especially with going with another "white guy" on the ticket.

 

Poor decision.

Never said differently, it was just a comment. And I agree, I would not have responded.

I hear you . I just didn't take it that way. I knew he was talking about tax rates.

Then why did he throw in the line about Romney not being able to clear confirmation for cabinet position?

He said he has not paid taxes in 10 years which is criminal activity. That is pretty cut-and-dry. Not sure what we read differently.

 

No, it isn't criminal. If you don't owe taxes there is nothing wrong with not paying them. Under the Ryan budget, which takes the rate on capital gains to zero, Gov. Romney would pay much less in taxes.

Loved this response from Romney to Obama:

 

 

"Thanks for the note" -- but no thanks.

 

That was the response Friday from the Romney team after Obama's campaign manager tried once again to wrench more tax documents from the Republican president candidate, this time by offering to refrain from criticizing Mitt Romney's transparency if he agrees to release five more years of returns.

 

Romney campaign manager Matt Rhoades wrote a brief email to Obama campaign manager Jim Messina dismissing the offer.

 

"Thanks for the note. It is clear that President Obama wants nothing more than to talk about Governor Romney's tax returns instead of the issues that matter to voters, like putting Americans back to work, fixing the economy and reining in spending," he wrote. "If Governor Romney's tax returns are the core message of your campaign, there will be ample time for President Obama to discuss them over the next 81 days."