Obama Campaign Won't Say Whether Tax Returns From 1997-1999 Will Be Released

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Talking Points Memo   |  Greg Sargent   |   April 16, 2008 04:26 PM

Read More: 2008 Elections, 208 Campaign, Barack Obama, Oabama Tax Returns, Obama Release Tax Returns, Obama's Tax Returns, Breaking Politics News
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The Clinton campaign has been demanding that Obama release his 1997-1999 tax returns, and today on an Obama campaign conference call, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe was asked if he would do just that.

Plouffe's answer:

"We released our full tax returns for the entire decade, same period...we'll be releasing shortly our full 2007 tax returns."

Read the whole story here.

 
 

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- uvymopkq See Profile I'm a Fan of uvymopkq

So he makes these comments to a bunch of elitist San Francisco millionaires and billionaires, and the point here has to be made that Obama was not just talking about the people of Pennsylvania. He was talking about people in Missouri, and southern Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, Kansas, North Carolina, Alabama, flyover country, the people who make the country work. He is talking about all the people who did not use affirmative action to get into Harvard and Yale and Princeton, who don't have the money to live in mansions in the cities; the people who I say make this country work; the people who will be in church on Sunday clinging to their God not because they have nothing else to hold onto, they cling to God -- they are not even clinging to God, they are worshiping God. It is part of who they are. Now, this, to me, folks, makes all the Jeremiah Wright, Michelle Obama stuff crystal clear to anybody just glimpsing this. Damn the middle class, damn it. Michelle Obama has said as much, and so has Reverend Wright from the pulpit. The middle class, the people who pay the freight, the people who pay the taxes so these elites can destroy the country, the people who make the country work.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:54 AM on 04/17/2008
- JohnBarleycorn See Profile I'm a Fan of JohnBarleycorn

What's he hiding?

Bet it's HUGE!

This guy is slicker than Willy and twice as dirty.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:47 AM on 04/17/2008
- StephenS See Profile I'm a Fan of StephenS

I don't believe Obama is hiding anything.

The only reason I can think of to "demand" the complete 1997-1999 forms is that the Obamas' level of charity giving would come up again.

While the national giving rate was averaging 2.2%, the Obamas were giving less than 1% in 1997, in 1998, and in 1999, and a maximum rate of 1.4% in 2000 through 2004.

The Clintons had one year down at the Obamas' level in 2002, but still gave a higher percentage that year.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:31 PM on 04/17/2008
- etc See Profile I'm a Fan of etc

I bet republicans can give you a straight forward answer to this question, my feeling is that they have lots of dirt on Obama the Invincible, they just wait for the right moment.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:08 AM on 04/17/2008
- pakean3 See Profile I'm a Fan of pakean3

I am getting so confused at this point with this board. They wanted to lynch Clinton for not releasing their tax returns a few weeks ago. But it's OK for Obama not to releasing all of his? Obama made close to 5 million last year. That's pretty good income.

As for the debate, do the Dems really think that those questions are not going to be asked when it is McCain versus Obama on their future debates?

Obama comes across to me similar to Bush when he was running. Without his advisors to help him with written speeches it is obvious that Obama is not prepared to beat McCain or lead this country. Why do the people on this board refuse to see the truth? You saw how he answers? He stutters and backsteps. Sometimes I got the feeling like he was a deer in headlights.

Don't get me wrong. If Obama gets the nom, and I think he will, I will be behind him 100%.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:00 AM on 04/17/2008
- argent1 See Profile I'm a Fan of argent1

What is Obama hiding? He's a good lawyer I am sure he can defend himself no matter what he has done. Just wait for a long and arduous explaination that shows how he can backpeddle with the rest of them

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:45 AM on 04/17/2008
- alm123 See Profile I'm a Fan of alm123

I"m not worried who wins the nomination.
I"m concerned about who will defeat the Republicans in November.
Good, Serious, Legitimate Questions to ask yourself when entering the Voting Booth!
Weather Underground
Reverend Wright
Bitter PA
Rezko
Elitist
Far Far Left
William Ayers
Tom Coburn
"Finally proud to be an American"
American Flag
Guilt by association
Calling the people of "small-town America" bigots.
I commend ABC for bringing to light the issues that will affect the chances of seating a Democrat in White House. Hillary may have baggage but it does not compare to the affiliations that Barrack Obama carries.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:42 AM on 04/17/2008
- JJI See Profile I'm a Fan of JJI

The Clinton campaign is also requesting the name of the girl he took to the prom and all naked baby pictures.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:37 AM on 04/17/2008
- TheNewHampshireLiberal See Profile I'm a Fan of TheNewHampshireLiberal

You don't have to keep tax records longer than seven years. My 1999 copies hit the shredder when I did my `07 taxes. Even the IRS doesn't care after seven years.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:34 AM on 04/17/2008
- MaineMike See Profile I'm a Fan of MaineMike

Who cares about tax returns from the 90s? Let's focus on tax returns from the 80s!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:43 AM on 04/17/2008
- VTConQuest See Profile I'm a Fan of VTConQuest

70's tax returns are the new 80's tax returns.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:22 AM on 04/17/2008
- WIpatriot See Profile I'm a Fan of WIpatriot

Those returns should have been shredded years ago....

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:16 AM on 04/17/2008
- stupidme See Profile I'm a Fan of stupidme

Exactly - Government destroys them ( or at least they are suppose to) as the approach 7 years in age.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:24 AM on 04/17/2008
- alm123 See Profile I'm a Fan of alm123

I believe this will unveil more issues for B.O.
Sorry Obamaheads, Barrack did not survive the storm(Debate).
What had to be done is over. If he had such a hard time in this debate with Hillary, imagine what McCain will do to him and the Dems in the general election. It's time to seriously think about replacing George Bush and the Republicans with a candidate that is the "Most Electable". That candidate is Clinton!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:34 AM on 04/17/2008
- zeiben See Profile I'm a Fan of zeiben

I'm outraged! He should not only release those decade-old returns, he should immediately produce a list of late library books from college, the underoos he was wearing in that Time magazine cover photo, a drug test, a pap smear, any and all speeding tickets, his 4th grade notebook doodles, his diary, his grocery bills (I want to know just how much arugala he's eating), a cheek swab, and the contents of his pockets. Otherwise, how can we possibly be sure he isn't a muslim?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:09 AM on 04/17/2008
- shiznit613 See Profile I'm a Fan of shiznit613

TAX Returns are just an obvious thing he should release as he will be the PRESIDENT of the United States. The world rest on this person's shoulders, so we better know who the hell it is that is trying to get into office. And no it has nothing to do with muslim, just income and what business ventures(shady/or not) that a person is involved in. If the Obama camp can keep casting stones at Hillary's camp for the release of hers when most of hers were public already from the 90's due to be the first lady, certainly he can release his from the 90's as Hillary fulfilled his request/complaints?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:32 AM on 04/17/2008
- ntmessage See Profile I'm a Fan of ntmessage

Live by the sword, die by the sword.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:01 AM on 04/17/2008
- dora_rice See Profile I'm a Fan of dora_rice

FOR SOMEONE WHO DEMANDED HILLARY'S TAX RETURN AND COMAPLAINED THAT SHE ISN'T IN A HURRY TO DISCLOSE THEM, HE IS SURE DRAGGING HIS OWN FEET. ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HIS HYPOCRACY.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:47 AM on 04/17/2008
- lboucher See Profile I'm a Fan of lboucher

A Hamas problem for Obama?
by Mosheh Oinounou

While Sen. Barack Obama sought to improve his relationship with the Jewish community today by meeting with leaders Philadelphia, comments by a Hamas political adviser this weekend could potentially hurt the Democratic presidential candidate.

During an interview on WABC radio Sunday, top Hamas political adviser Ahmed Yousef said the terrorist group supports Obama"s foreign policy vision.

"We don"t mind"actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance," Yousef said in response to a question about the group"s willingness to meet with either of the Democratic presidential candidates.

(Full interview)

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:48 AM on 04/17/2008
- foreffectivegovernment See Profile I'm a Fan of foreffectivegovernment

Am I the only one that knows that Obama lied way back on January 22, 2006 and that is the reason the Democratic Primary election has become the mess that it has become today. Hillary Clinton has not broken the Party, Barack Obama has by lying.

MR. RUSSERT: So you will not run for president or vice president in 2008?
SEN. OBAMA: I will not.
MR. RUSSERT: Senator, thank you very much for your candor and for joining us and sharing your views.
SEN. OBAMA: Had a great time, Tim. Thank you.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10909406/

He also expresses his real views in the Iraq war.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:04 AM on 04/17/2008
- hopelessobama See Profile I'm a Fan of hopelessobama

another hypocrisy of barack. not surprising. more are coming, bet on that.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:21 AM on 04/17/2008
- heal57 See Profile I'm a Fan of heal57

Let's see the list of donors to the Clinton Library; You'll see a few Saudis on the list!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:30 AM on 04/17/2008
- itsbushstupid See Profile I'm a Fan of itsbushstupid

D D D D DEWEY W W W W WINS!!!

OMG, is his stutter a childhood thing or is he soooo unprepared?
was he making lies up, or just s s s s st st st stupid?

and now the taxes....you anit-hill plants have been supporting hu hu hufffpo po huffpo so long.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:13 AM on 04/17/2008
- BigLib See Profile I'm a Fan of BigLib

What is he hiding?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:19 AM on 04/17/2008
- Kitty40 See Profile I'm a Fan of Kitty40

It really shows how racism is really still alive and well in this country. This man has done everything before being asked and the "white men" of this country is still saying "not enough". Nobody is asking Clinton for her tax returns; nobody is asking McCain for his tax returns. Everytime he jumps the bar, they bar is moved up a little higher for the next hurdle. I understand totally what is happening because I am a white man in America who is tired of observing the inequalities in this country being perpetuated by other white men. - Jackson, Boston, MA

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:28 PM on 04/16/2008
- hopeforchange See Profile I'm a Fan of hopeforchange

Yup its all about racism kitty-thats why people wantto see his tax returns. Yup. You people are so pathetic.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:56 AM on 04/17/2008
- BillZBubb See Profile I'm a Fan of BillZBubb

Kitty where have you been? For the past three months the Obama campaign has been attacking Hillary Clinton for not releasing her tax returns. There were numerous blogs on Huffpost attacking her and suggesting ways to embarrass her for failing to release them. Obama supporters were calling her evil for not releasing them at the time they wanted.

Now, we have turnabout. The Clinton campaign is asking Obama for the same disclosure. Yet, either the Obama supporters have forgotten their recent attacks on Clinton about this, or they weren't paying attention. Either way, it looks bad for the Obama fanatics. As usual, their skewed view imputes only purity and light to Obama, and darkness and evil to Hillary Clinton.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:06 AM on 04/17/2008
- noneIn2008 See Profile I'm a Fan of noneIn2008

Obama should release all tax years now. This will be cannon fodder for the McCain machine. Vet him now.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:39 PM on 04/16/2008
- margi See Profile I'm a Fan of margi

noneIn2008

Sorry to inform you , but McCain has not and will never release his tax returns, so that's a non issue. HRC still hasn't released her earmarks is it link to campaign donation? just asking.!!!!!!!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:32 AM on 04/17/2008
- pc51 See Profile I'm a Fan of pc51

It is unfair to ask Obama for his tax returns! He was not even famous then and has NEVER done anything wrong. Obama has a lot on his mind right now and does not need us digging around into his past. Listen to the wisdom of Obama. Obama knows what is best for us.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:39 PM on 04/16/2008
- Daniel8168 See Profile I'm a Fan of Daniel8168

Obama made $4,000,000 in one year from two books.

Hillary Clinton, while she was senator elect, was payed an $8,000,000 advance on her memoirs.

"SENATOR CLINTON'S BOOK INCOME: $10,457,083 Senator Clinton's book income is comprised of earnings for Living History ($10,267,895), including an $8,000,000 advance . . ."

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/returns/

At the time, the highest advance ever offered to a person for their memoirs was the $8,500,000 that the Pope received. The company that offered Hillary $8,000,000? A wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom media, the world's second largest media conglomerate.

Hillary accepted the advance despite the fact that the senate ethics committee told her that she should not take it. After all, Newt Gingrich was given something like a $4,000,000 advance for his memoirs and was required by House ethics to give the money back. He ended up taking only a $1.00 advance and royalty payments.

What is the difference between Newt and Hillary's advances? The House Ethics Committee has specific rules against book advances over a certain amount. The Senate Ethics Committee does not.

For any that are interested, Obama received $1,900,000 advance for a three book contract.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:33 PM on 04/16/2008
- merle7 See Profile I'm a Fan of merle7

Has the Clinton's released their 2007 returns yet? or their library donors list

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:27 PM on 04/16/2008
- TheNuff See Profile I'm a Fan of TheNuff

Next they are going to want to see all of his report cards too.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:22 PM on 04/16/2008
- echeola See Profile I'm a Fan of echeola

Really, taxes from 10 years ago. This is what the people think is very important? This is a nonissue, not important. I doubt there's anything really interesting in there.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:00 PM on 04/16/2008
- sej100 See Profile I'm a Fan of sej100

Well He demands every single paper released but rarely does he release his.
Funny his reply about the Illinois legislature was he didnt keep his papers.
A guy with a 1.67 million dollar home, a wife earning plenty cannot keep a few file cabinets sure.

Its amazing how he demands of others what he would nt want himself just as he critiques that which he seeks (monied backers).

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:52 PM on 04/16/2008
- klondiker See Profile I'm a Fan of klondiker

It is simultaenously amusing and infuriating to see Obama supporters say those tax cus aren't important, when they were foaming at the mouth to see the Clintons' tax returns.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:52 PM on 04/16/2008
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