NYT op-ed influenced Daschle decision

Posted: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:32 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Barack Obama

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell

Tom Daschle told NBC News that he called President Obama this morning after reading the New York Times editorial calling for the withdrawal of Daschle's nomination.

Clearly emotional in a brief telephone conversation, Daschle said: "I read the New York Times. I can't pass health care if it's too much of a distraction ... so I called the president this morning."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

The fifth estate runs the government? God help us.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:38 PM)

I think Obama needs to immediately fire all the ex-Clinton people who recommended every one of his cabinet appointees. Obama, Axelrod, Plouffe and Michelle Obama should put their heads together and find us -- the American people -- better people to place in those cabinet posts to help our President. Show us what change really can be -- no "inside the beltway"ers. Immediately call for tax audits of everyone in the Congress too -- transparency. Yes YOU can.

Jenny, NYC (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:39 PM)

Seems like we have to give credit to the NY Times... nice job.

They also have a front page article on the trouble Obama is having keeping his promises on high ethical standards in the executive branch.

N7r3pyd (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:39 PM)

Tom Tom Tom...did you not learn anything from the bushleague of incompetence? Deny Deny Deny you did anything wrong and then get the president to backdate an executive order or something...ask bush

Rick, NC (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:40 PM)

This is a shame. He was the right person for the job. I was starting to feel good about the prospects for real reform in our healthcare system...this sucks.

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:43 PM)

It was a distraction. The circus was in town. We have way too many pundits in this country, and not enough real journalists on our air waves.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:45 PM)

Andrea Mitchell you should have Chuck Todds job. You are better at it than he.

JJ, Macon, GA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:46 PM)

What in the hell is wrong with Washington? How can these credentialed people not know how to fill out a tax form? In my own little world even I know that you don't receive free services and not incur compensation for the value of those services. I also know if you have 1 nanny or 20, you pay taxes on their earnings. Give me a break!

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:46 PM)

Who in the world puts any stock into what the NY Times says? I stopped taking them seriously a long time ago. What a weakling. Glad he's out of there.

Waaaahhhh (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:46 PM)

America - when there's a great leader, with great ideas and vision, one that has the support and the means to lead people in the direction that create prosperity and lessen it for the privilege few.

That leader - will be attacked, ridiculed, setup, talk about, called names, his supporters will be hack; his administration will be fair game and picked apart.

This moment will be our big test - we have fought long and hard for President Obama; because he brings us hope and the real possibility for chance and the grip on the American dream.

DO NOT let these minor set backs - distort your purpose and your support for our new President.

The days are young and the Republican Party, and other objection groups, will try to bring President Obama down - President Obama fail us and we will not fail him.

Stay strong American - this is a war that was waged by haters and will continue to be fought by them.

We the American people - the main streeters, now have our chance to fight back - and WIN and we will – no matter what!!!

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:47 PM)

Only because of obstructive, divisive, ego tripping people of the ilks of a stupid Hannity, O'Reilly, Fat drug-addicted Limbaugh, over-bearing Glen Beck, Cheeto Joe Scarbourogh, and you all probably know the rest want the this administration to fail. The hypocrisy of people who don't want to pay taxes any how is only going to lead Americans more toward the Obama administration.

My choice now would be Howard Dean. He is a doctor and knows how to garner enthusiasm and votes.
In my hand
Beverly

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:48 PM)

The man has only been in office and president for how many weeks... Come on guys act like adults

JJordan, Macon, GA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:49 PM)

I mean come on. Who hasn't forgotten to log hundreds of thousands of dollars of political favors on their tax returns? It happens to the best of us; let's not throw stones here.

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:51 PM)

America - when there's a great leader, with great ideas and vision, one that has the support and the means to lead people in the direction that create prosperity and lessen it for the privilege few.

That leader - will be attacked, ridiculed, setup, talk about, called names, his supporters will be hack; his administration will be fair game and picked apart.

This moment will be our big test - we have fought long and hard for President Obama; because he brings us hope and the real possibility for chance and the grip on the American dream.

DO NOT let these minor set backs - distort your purpose and your support for our new President.

The days are young and the Republican Party, and other objection groups, will try to bring President Obama down - President Obama won't let will us fail and we should not fail him.

Stay strong American - this is a war that was waged by haters and will continue to be fought by them.

We the American people - the main streeters, now have our chance to fight back - and WIN and we will – no matter what!!!

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:51 PM)

“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter.” former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.)
The quote says it all.

the truth (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:52 PM)

Wow, alot can happen when you lose your internet connection for a couple of hours . . .

To those who are glad to see Tom Daschle go because they wanted the distraction of his problems gone or they wanted him to be accountable for his actions . . . I agree with you.

To those who are sad to see Tom Daschle go because the feel like he had the right mix of knowledge and experience to actually craft a health care plan that might actually work . . . I agree with you.

I just want our government to work.

Like President Obama said, I don't have "pride of authorship". Or political party.

Can we just get on with the people's business - with whomever, from whichever party.

Please.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:55 PM)

Some things were not met to be. This may be one of those things. Life is funny with it's twists and turns. Usually, if we don't get in the way, things turn out as they are supposed to. In time, we will see.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:57 PM)

*stands and applauds*

Great post Democrat Soldier - I couldn't agree more!

I am determined not to be distracted by foolishness, as you so eloquently said. We have fought to hard to be consumbed by pettiness and finger pointing from folks who are part of the problem instead of the solution.

P.S. Thanks to everyone who left kind words on the previous posts. Together, we are going to get the government we voted for . . . we deserve it.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:59 PM)

Say is it a requird qualification that you be a tax cheat to get a job with Obama. That is CHANGE. Oh yeah, poor Tommy BOO hoo .He is so noble. What a bunch of crap.

Truthteller (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:59 PM)

STAY FOCUSED AMERICA, DO NOT LET THE HATERS WIN!!!!!!
"2010" IS FAST APPROACHING, AND WITH THE PUSH OF A BUTTON, ALL OF THIS CRAP WILL SOON DISAPPEAR!!!

I THINK THAT WHO EVER WROTE THIS EDITORIAL, OWES SOME BACK TAXES OF HIS/HER OWN.

AND I THINK THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA SHOULD HAUL ALL OF CONGRESS AND THEIR ATTACHED REPORTERS/WRITERS INTO TAX COURT!!!!1

I SEE COLOR (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:00 PM)

eagle1776: the press is referred to as the 'fourth estate.'

you're welcome (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:00 PM)

You've gotta be like Caesar's wife...

Above suspicion

Otherwise, you become a distraction
Do a better job vetting the next candidate
Yes, Tom was an insdier who probably know how to pull the right strings

So, how about Howard Dean
I'll bet he'd LOVE the job of HHS Secretary
VET HIM, First !!

Let's get bakc to that stimulus package
Are we ready, yet ??
Please don't pander to the Republicans
They won't vote for it, anyway

They'll just dilute the recovery package !!

Infrastructure, Education and aid to the states
Tax cuts for mid to low income workers, only

And NO Nuclear subsidies !!
No nuclear hand outs

Nuclear energy means higher utility rates and higher cancer rates

SHUT 'EM DOWN !!!

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:02 PM)

Can we really find a secretary that has the qualifications and no blemish? Does such a person exist? Or do we have to settle for the less than talented person? Is any one of us perfect? What should the criteria really be?

Becky, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:02 PM)

So long funny man ,WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING ABOUT SILLY REPUBLICAN the MESS YOU HAVE LEFT WILL TAKE GENERATIONS TO FIX. The demorats at least know when to go unlike GONZALOS AND ROVE AND RUMSFIELD AND LIBBY AND ON AND ON it went till CHENEY was all that was left.

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:02 PM)

eagle1776:

Well, we know Rush Limbaugh is running the Republican party.

Who's running the Democrat party?

Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:03 PM)

I agree that this is very, very sad. Tom Daschle knows healthcare inside and out. He was the right man for the job. He should have straightened this tax thing out long, long ago. They should have counted on the oposition to use a fine tooth comb. If it wasn't a tax problem, they would have found something else.

Martha SF (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:03 PM)

Actually, he found out what the job really pays.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:04 PM)

Yeah, like Daschle won't go back to making millions of dollars "influencing" people about Health Care. We never did get the full story on much money he made from just giving speeches about this. Millions. Don't feel sorry for Daschle; he'll come out of this just fine....that's what people who influence lobbyists do. If Daschle was "so smart", why did he get caught cheating on his taxes? Give me a break.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:04 PM)

A salute to the Democrat Soldier! You too see the war we are really fighting. A war of ideas and ideals.

As our President said often during the campaign when the haters played their vile games.

"Not in this election, not this time"

God Bless You, sir and God Bless America!

Ed, FW, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:06 PM)

When you're a liberal, and the Times turns on you, boy, you have got a few problems. It would be like if Olbermann and Matthews started to heckel you.

Keith Chrises (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:08 PM)

this so called administration is sinking
Obama has not met a tax cheat he did not like
culture of corruption continues with Obama
Now Obama calls for americans to sacrifice, turn down their thermostats, yet he INCREASES HIS IN THE White House. you can grow a garden in there it is so hot

Obama cabinet of corruption (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:08 PM)

The man has only been in office and president for how many weeks...

JJordan, Macon, GA

Two. And we're still waiting for him to get one thing right.

> Come on guys act like adults

You libs first.

Boney Tee, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:10 PM)

You know all of the Limbaugh-Zombies who are trashing Obama's picks for tax-evasion, where was all of this high-minded righteousness when Bush and his Republicans were lying to you, taking away your freedoms, wiretapping your phones, and using the constitution as toilet-paper. After 8 years of tolerating the most corrupt administration in presidential history, you now decide to grow a pair and stand up against...tax evasion. Gee, glad we have you people to keep our morals straight.

Now repeat after your Lord-Limbaugh, "OBAMA MUST FAIL, MUST OBSTRUCT, CHANGE BAD, BLACK MAN MUST NOT RUN COUNTRY"
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:10 PM)

the nyt is going out of business. the sooner the better. if tom did quit because of this article, the nyt may have caused this country it's first true shot a healthcare for americans.

ace (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:11 PM)

These tax issues should serve to make it very obvious how wealthy people and corporations find ways to avoid paying taxes. I hear a lot of whining about how high America's corporate tax rates are and how the tax rate on wealthy people needs to be cut, but there seem to be an awfully lot of ways for those same people to get out of paying the taxes they owe. Loopholes need to be closed and there needs to be enforcement.

Heartlight3, Maui Hawaii (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:13 PM)

I am ashamed to say I voted for Obama. I have never seen a new administration self destruct so quick in my life. This is ludicrous.

mary olson (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:14 PM)

RE:To clear up user names...
What is the fascination with my user name and the lying? I realize I’m not the only Beverly in Chicago; but if you to impersonate me at least you could be in congruent with my opinions.

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Daschle was the man for the job. Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:01 PM)
*****************************************************

I respectfully disagree. It is time people are held accountable for their actions. If you or I were to mess up on our taxes, you can bet your bottom dollar that the tax man will cometh knocking on our door.

I don't care what office you hold, its time we are all held accountable for our actions. Responsibility starts with self...
Just say no to tax cheats (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:16 PM)
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????/////

Another thing that hasn't changed. The president goes on record as "absolutely" supporting a nominee through thick and thin. Then accepts the withdrawal with regret. I hear echoes
--------------------------------------------------
I'm with you Richard. I seem to recall 'I could no more disown him than I could my white grandmother.' Until, of course, a month later when he had no problem disowning him.
Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:45 PM)

In my hand
Beverly

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:15 PM)

Ed, Fw, Texas -A salute to the Democrat Soldier! You too see the war we are really fighting. A war of ideas and ideals.

Nope. A war in Afghanistan. But seeing it's Obama's war, you're for that one, right?

Willie Detz (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:17 PM)

Tom should have looked into this matter more closely, however Tom's problem isn't as bad as Geitner's. Geitner didn't report wages he received, and knew or should have known he needed to report and pay taxes on. Tom Daschle was provided use of a driver and car for his convenience by a friend. An argument can be made that this is a gift, and therefore not income to Daschle. My parents can give me an unlimited amount of money each year, or pay for an unlimited amount of goods and services for me, and it would be a gift. As a gift I would not be responsible for any taxes on the money, or payment by my parents of goods and services, however my parents would be responsible for paying "gift taxes" for the amount in excess of 12,000 a year. Tom Daschle said he considered the use of the car and driver a gift, and he assumed that the friend paid the tax on the items, unlike Geitner Daschle's stated belief is at least plausible!

Not each situation is equal (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:17 PM)

Bill, Mobile, AL (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:17 PM)

Hey at least he's going back to outsourcing torture to Egypt, Syria and Jordan like Clinton. The World loves us now that the "it's cool to be American again" crowd have stopped faking outrage for political gain.

Now if we can just stop the Democrat Reward Package.

Dave, Tn (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:21 PM)

Sad to see a exceptional person exit! He was willing to leave money to take this position! That speaks volume by itself!

U. Chandra, LA California (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:25 PM)

I am ashamed to say I voted for Obama. I have never seen a new administration self destruct so quick in my life. This is ludicrous.

mary olson

Same here. It is disappointing isn't it? I had a feeling that Obama wasn't what he told us he was. There were many signs and indicators, but I/we ignored them all. Hoping for the Change, and getting none of it. That's all we're seeing now are Clinton reruns, and Chicago mobsters running the Executive Branch.

Katie Holmes, Ca (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:26 PM)

it would have been better for Daschle to have been chief of staff (not subj to confirmation).

But this, the Richardson thing, and Geithner thing, is not making Obama look like the agent of change. He does seem oftly controlled by the Clintonistas. (and O voted for Obama and actually preferred Clinton)

drs (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:29 PM)

Another stubble, another miss, another it looks like the same old Washington. Where is the reform that we voted for? Obama is starting slow, it is beginning to look a lot like the more things change, the more they stay the same. Say it isn't so.

Ernie Werstler, Lancaster PA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:31 PM)

Wow, liberals attacking the NY Times. When they put out scandalous articles attacking Conservatives I bet you think the world of them. Sounds like some of you would prefer us to go communist and have the gov't control the press. Well, for sure then Obama would get all his nominees through because there'd be no checks and balances. The sad part is that President "new politics" Obama doesn't have the character himself to withdraw these nominees once he realized they had tax issues. Then again, he told us he'd have no ex-lobbyists in his administration and now we have several. He also said he'd oppose any Blagoyevich appointee for his senate seat and then later he supported Mr. Burris. Is this "cleaning up Washington DC" like he ran on?

Please! (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:34 PM)

Take your advice from RUSH LIMBAUGH HE IS AN ADMITTED DRUG ADDICT SO HIGH HE CANT THINK STAIGHT JUST LIKE YOU.

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:34 PM)

Daschle is an embarrassment. I'm glad he removed his name from consideration.

Kelsey, Spearfish, SD (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:35 PM)

I very rarely watch Joe Scarborough anymore; he makes me angry with his obvious schilling for the Republican Party, every day. So I don't watch unless he has someone with some intelligence on. With excludes a lot of "regulars" who only form an opinion once they've read the morning newspapers. In other words, they go with the flow. They are easily swayed.

But please stop with the smears about a woman who worked for Joe. It's a tragedy and an ill-timed death. She seemed like a lovely young lady.

Joe Scarborough didn't murder anyone. And to suggest such a thing is ridiculous.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:35 PM)

The average citizen needs to believe that our oficials in Washington are as concientous as we in filing our taxes. The seemingly wholesale neglect demonstrated so far in the new administration causes me to wonder, "What 'corrections' in HIS tax returns did our new President make just after he gained his party's nomination?"

I believe we should get a full report from Obama of his own taxes to demonstrate that those faulty choices are not going to be pervasive in his administration.

Paul Russell (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 2:35 PM)

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