Obama Campaign Pushes for Clinton Tax Returns

By: Maria Gavrilovic
Topics: Barack Obama

(CBS)

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

CHICAGO – Both Barack Obama and his staff spent the day on the offensive, saying that they will not leave any questions or attacks unanswered. "Now they are basically trying to tear us down and we are obviously going to defend ourselves," campaign manager David Plouffe said.

But the best defense may be a good offense. The Obama campaign has been agitating for the press to push for the release of Bill and Hillary Clinton's 2006 tax returns, arguing that they would be expected to do the same. "We're going to ask you guys to do your job," said Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod, referring to reporters. "If we kicked the can down the field on tax returns, you would be asking us for them. I presume you will do the same to them."

Axelrod said Clinton's argument that it will take time to release the tax forms is senseless. "They've talked about change you can Xerox, you can Xerox your tax returns there's not a whole lot of preparation for that."

But the Clintons will apparently need at least a month and a half of preparation. Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson responded by saying, "Their tax returns since they left the White House will be made available on or around April 15."

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by sbaird4 March 8, 2008 6:41 PM EST: Too Busy? That should get the lame excuse of the year award. If she can''t handle a simple thing like disclosing her personal tax return - what makes anyone think she can manage the economy? The national debt? Or any kind of budget that needs simple oversight?; Reply to this comment


by sbaird4 March 8, 2008 6:40 PM EST: Too Busy? That should get the lame excuse of the year award. If she can''t handle a simple thing like disclosing her personal tax return - what makes anyone think she can manage the economy? The national debt? Or any kind of budget that needs simple oversight?; Reply to this comment


by libra127 March 7, 2008 4:43 AM EST: If she will not do this, we can only presume she has something to hide.
Posted by dittoga at 09:50 PM : Mar 05, 2008

Is it that you think she has put illegal sources of income on her tax return ? Why all the fuss ?; Reply to this comment


by PulSamsara March 6, 2008 6:37 PM EST: Let the American PEOPLE see your TAX RETURNS Clinton ! What are you afraid of ?; Reply to this comment


by dinslc March 6, 2008 6:06 AM EST: What is the hold up???

I could hand someone my taxes from any year in about 5 minutes- just long enough to reach into my file folder that says "Taxes" across the top. Could we really elect someone to run the country who appears to be unable to organize the files in their home office?

It''s a little hilarious.; Reply to this comment


by handyre March 6, 2008 2:13 AM EST: http://thememlingindex.com/hillary_clinton_net_worth-wealth.html

Mighty suspect. No wonder the Clintons are hiding their tax returns now; Reply to this comment


by handyre March 6, 2008 2:07 AM EST: What about the 2006 tax return? Would they show how the Clinton''s have acquired so much wealth in a short time. Rumors are trhey got and are getting alot of foreign money; Reply to this comment


by spanishlady3 March 6, 2008 1:13 AM EST: Dear Madam and Sir,
Since the last time democrats were in office, military benefits and pay raises were cut keeping the military from being paid close to the economy pay basis. My question is, is it going to happen again and the military going to suffer? Military gets paid chump change compared to a athlete who does not risk his or her life on a daily basis. Take care of the military because they risk their lives for all.

Sincerely

Spanishlady3; Reply to this comment


by spanishlady3 March 6, 2008 1:12 AM EST: Dear Madam and Sir,
Since the last time democrats were in office, military benefits and pay raises were cut keeping the military from being paid close to the economy pay basis. My question is, is it going to happen again and the military going to suffer? Military gets paid chump change compared to a athlete who does not risk his or her life on a daily basis. Take care of the military because they risk their lives for all.

Sincerely

Spanishlady3; Reply to this comment


by dittoga March 6, 2008 12:50 AM EST: Hillary cosponsored the Coburn-Obama Act that created a database of all federal spending. Check it out at: httP://www.usaspending.gov

If she supports transparency, she should prove it by releasing not only her income tax returns, but her earmarks, donations received by Bill''s foundation, and the White House papers.

If she will not do this, we can only presume she has something to hide. If she has something to hide, we should not trust her as President of the US. This goes to the heart of her credibility.; Reply to this comment