Romney, Mulvaney, Hugh Hewitt: The Sunday Shows Were Dicks All The Way Down
Let's begin with former governor of Massachusetts and failed presidential candidate, and current Senator from Utah, Willard "Mitt" Romney. Appearing on NBC's "Meet The Press," Romney was asked about President Donald Trump's hesitance to release his tax returns and responded with this:
ROMNEY: He said he would be happy to release his returns. So I wish he'd do that. But I have to also tell you I think the Democrats are just playing along his handbook, which is going after his tax returns through a legislative action is moronic. That's not going to happen.
Ah, yes, the Democrats are playing to Trump's "handbook" by providing oversight as a co-equal branch of government. As someone who is now part of that co-equal branch, you would think he'd understand this is not up for debate nor is it negotiable. IRC Section 6103(f) gives Congress the right to demand any citizen's tax return, leaving ZERO wiggle room for interpretation:
(f) Disclosure to Committees of Congress (1) Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on Finance, and Joint Committee on Taxation Upon written request from the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate, or the chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Secretary shall furnish such committee with any return or return information specified in such request, except that any return or return information which can be associated with, or otherwise identify, directly or indirectly, a particular taxpayer shall be furnished to such committee only when sitting in closed executive session unless such taxpayer otherwise consents in writing to such disclosure.
So this IS happening, Romney, whether Republicans like it or not. "Moronic" would be running for president by opposing the same healthcare initiative you championed or picking the most spineless congressman from Wisconsin (and future failed Speaker of the House) as your running mate for a failed presidential campaign or saying that you aren't "concerned about the very poor people" or that "corporations are people" or criticizing Trump only to then awkwardly kiss his ass for a job in the administration/endorsement for senate. THOSE would be moronic.
But let me put it in terms Romney can understand: This is a hostile takeover of Trump's tax returns but, unlike the firm Bain Capital, Congress is doing it in the course of its oversight duties instead of for profits while not saddling anyone with debt, stripping the tax returns for parts, or forcing the tax returns to declare bankruptcy.
MULVANEY: Oh, no, never. Nor should they. Keep in mind, that that's an issue that was already litigated during the election. Voters knew the president could have given his tax returns, they knew that he didn't and they elected him anyway, which is, of course, what drives the Democrats crazy. But they know they're not going to get this. They just want the attention on the issue because they don't want to talk to us about policy.
HEMMER: But he's argued that he's under audit, has said that for a couple years. But even under audit, legally, you could allow people to see it.
MULVANEY: You could always allow people to see it, but that's not what's happening here. The Democrats are demanding that the IRS turn over the documents and that is not going to happen, and they know it.
For a guy who received his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a full academic scholarship, Mulvaney seems to also be confused about the IRC statute. It means it's NOT NEGOTIABLE. Period.
HEWITT: […] And the ability to give a good interview and to hold the attention of the American people. I always said Donald Trump is very best interview in America because he holds the attention of the audience. And he remains the very best interview in America. But I think Mayor Pete might give him a run.
Really?! Donald Trump is the "best interview in America"? That rambling, non-sequitur spouting moron?! Because "he holds the attention of the audience"?!! What audience? The rubes and idiots who attend his rallies?! You know what also grabs people's attention, Hugh? A monkey masturbating and flinging his own shit. But at least the monkey would be more productive and not actively harm ALL of America, Hugh Hewitt.
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Your friendly neighborhood Puerto Rican Political Freelance Writer for @wonkette. Pop Culture observer, Amateur Movie reviewer & Comics fan. Former Active Duty Marine. All opinions are mine only.
