Obama Campaign Pushes for Clinton Tax Returns

(CBS)

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."