How Dare The Democrats!
Doug Mataconis and the right wingers are really upset that Harry Reid and the Democrats are using Karl Rove’s play book.
As if doubling down on his unsupported allegations against Mitt Romneyweren’t bad enough, Harry Reid has taken to repeating those allegations on the floor of the United States Senate:
I don’t like this kind of politics but the reality is this has been the MO for the Republican Party since Karl Rove came on the scene. The only thing that is different is Harry Reid and the Democrats have discovered that you can’t bring a knife to a gun fight.
Romney could end this of course by releasing his tax returns but he really can’t do that because they are toxic. I think it’s all about the 2009 returns – the year that UBS gave the US 4,000 names and the US offered an amnesty on foreign tax shelters. Romney knew that not releasing his 2009 taxes would hurt his campaign but a perk walk would have been worse.
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Well, Mr. Romney could be shocked, shocked like Mr. Geithner (now head of the IRS) that he owes some taxes and submit a revised form paying “his fair share”. If he could do it before November 6, that would be helpful.
For the Democrats – any Democrats – to be opening the tax issues door could backfire. First and foremost, there are laws governing tax return information, and Mr. Reid may be aiding and abetting a felony.
It’s OK because Reid is a Democrat.
None compare to Lee Atwater in the recent past. Show me the Demonocrat Atwood or Rover…
It’s OK because Reid is not as bad as Atwater.
“Mr. Reid may be aiding and abetting a felony”
How? Really, I’m curious.
Frankly this is the first thing Reid has done in ages that made me dislike him less. Yes, its dirty hardball politics in an election year. But at the same time, I want Romney’s returns out in the open for one very important reason. I’m sure they are proof positive of the different system at work for the very wealthy. Proof not even an AR15 toting, bible quoting, flat earther science denying Tea Party stalwart could ignore. What if it turns out Mittens paid even less than the 15% we’ve seen on the returns he’s already released? What if people saw that if you make enough through certain channels that are the province of the uber wealthy, you can skate taxes almost entirely? I think America would be interested in that. Then again, maybe there is nothing at all in his taxes. Perhaps he’s just being stubborn. But I seriously doubt it. Things are almost always exactly as they appear, and it appears Mittens is hiding something.
Mitt Romney has successfully used “You’re going to have to take my word for it” many times in the past.
This video from Tuesdays Rachael Maddow show is both eye-opening and mind-numbing.
The nitty-gritty of the story starts at the 3 minute mark.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Perhaps President Obama could release the names of his student days drug dealers. Last I heard cocaine use was a felony.
Maybe Harry Reid could release his tax returns.
I had a call the other day from someone who I cannot name who went to college with him who told me he is a pedophile. Let’s hear him deny it.
Let’s see, it’s OK because we REALLY want to see those tax returns and because Romney has been evasive.
And sorry AHwilde, but you only can make unsupported claims against Republicans.
Ok can someone please tell me why anyone wants Obama’s college transcripts? I’m just curious what those could possibly have to do with anything.
And Harry Reid should also have to produce his. Unlike Romney, I’m pretty sure he does have something illegal on them.
“you only can make unsupported claims against Republicans”
You’re right, DaGoat. The fact that the phrase “The Karl Rove playbook” can be used without anyone being in the least bit confused as to the meaning must indicate that baseless claims are only made against Republicans.
From the IRS:
Section 7213(a) provides for felony criminal liability for the willful unauthorized disclosure of returns and return information, punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years, or a fine of not more than $5000, or both, together with prosecution costs. In the case of an employee or officer of the United States, section 7213 mandates that the employee or officer be dismissed from office or discharged from employment upon conviction.
From a study by communications professors at Webster University – “DECIPHERING KARL ROVE’S PLAYBOOK:” A fascinating dissection of Mr. Rove’s tactics and some suggestions for countering tactics.
http://www.webster.edu/medialiteracy/journal/FINALKARLROVE.pdf
Tactic #1: Take the Offensive
Tactic #2: Attack Your Opponent’s Strengths
Tactic #3: Accuse Your Opponent of What He/She is Going to Accuse You Of
Rush has been doing this for years.
Tactic #4: Go Negative, Then Cry Foul
Tactic #5: The “Big Lie”
Tactic #6: Appeal to Moral Values
Tactic #7 Sell the …. Persona
Tactic # 8: Sell an Adolescent Worldview
Tactic #9: Exploit the Media
Tactic #10: Create Straw Issues
Tactic #11: Employ Surrogates
Tactic #12: Use Emotional Appeals
Tactic #13: Rely on Expert Testimonials
Tactic #14: Rhetorical Devices
Tactic #15: Use of Language