Audio: Hannity wonders why Democrats don’t pay taxes
posted at 6:59 pm on February 2, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Some might say that Sean Hannity is being unfair to Democrats, but they’re the ones who provide the examples. With Al Franken and Charles Rangel already exposed for their serial tax evasions, the last thing Democrats needed was a couple more high-profile examples — but Barack Obama provided them anyway as Cabinet appointments. And four does start looking more like a trend:
Here’s the question. Why don’t liberals pay taxes? We kept hearing the Caroline Kennedy had a tax problem. Timothy Geithner has a tax problem. The committee that writes tax law, the House Ways and Means Committee, well their chairman Charlie Rangel, whoops sorry, he failed to report seventy-five thousand dollars in income. Oh it’s a hiccup, it’s not a problem, and of course we have I guess, the hero of every liberal is Al Franken and Al Franken didn’t pay his taxes in what, eighteen states or whatever it was at the time. I mean just absurd.
To be fair, we don’t know that Caroline Kennedy has tax problems; that was just one rumor among several that got floated as a reason for her withdrawal from consideration as a replacement for Hillary Clinton. I don’t think I’d characterize Franken as a “hero of every liberal” either. I’ve met more than a few that are embarrassed by his presence, although not nearly enough. Still, four looks less like coincidence and more like a pattern of people who want to jack up taxes while doing their best to keep from paying them.
Blowback
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I and many others have asked the same question…the bigger question is why they get a pass on tax evasion…isn’t that what they got Al Capone on?
right2bright on February 2, 2009 at 7:02 PM
That is a great definition of a Democratic Politician, Ed.
kingsjester on February 2, 2009 at 7:03 PM
This year I will explain to the IRS that my failure to pay taxes is a “glitch” or “technicality” or that it’s “not surprising” that someone in my position didn’t know I had to pay taxes.
I’m sure it will all work out just fine.
Cicero43 on February 2, 2009 at 7:05 PM
John Edwards is right, there are two Americas.
Those who actually pay taxes…
Democrats…
phreshone on February 2, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Liberals embarrassed??
Surely you jest.
Jed1899 on February 2, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Too easy. As Harry Reid said, its voluntary and the Dems choose not to pay. Conservatives are the chumps because we do pay. Maybe Biden was talking to his Democratic colleagues when he said it was patriotic to pay taxes.
genso on February 2, 2009 at 7:06 PM
The GOP needs to go hard at these pieces of shit that rule the DNC.
Rangler
Caroline,
Gietner,
Franken
Daschel
Olbermann
lavell12 on February 2, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Didn’t Biden say it’s patriotic?
chunderroad on February 2, 2009 at 7:08 PM
RICCO!
Johan Klaus on February 2, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Perhaps we all should stop paying taxes.
ErinF on February 2, 2009 at 7:08 PM
um… OK, I’ll bite. Why?
Hog Wild on February 2, 2009 at 7:10 PM
Unless you’re a lefty politician, you’ll go directly to jail.
jgapinoy on February 2, 2009 at 7:11 PM
That’s great. They’re just looking for a reason to do something with about 25,000,000 citizens that might not agree with their socialist takeover. Let’s give them a reason.
/sarc
genso on February 2, 2009 at 7:11 PM
More deep “analysis” from Hannity.
Can somebody get this joke off the air and replace him with a conservative with some substance?
mankai on February 2, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Hannity lost all cred for me thispast Friday when he used his microphone to call Dennis Miller a “phony,” only in it for the “ca-ching.” Pass.
It's Vintage, Duh on February 2, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Personally,,, any politician that has spent his or her life pushing higher taxes on Americans, has sat on committees writing tax laws and then gets caught owing $100,000 or more in back taxes,,,,, well, I would support the death penalty in that case. At least life in prison.
JellyToast on February 2, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Are you a conservative?
Johan Klaus on February 2, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Because they think good thoughts. Lots and lots and lots of good thoughts. If you think good thoughts isn’t that enough? Why should they have to pay taxes too?
Cheshire Cat on February 2, 2009 at 7:14 PM
“We don’t pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes”
calbear on February 2, 2009 at 7:14 PM
I said this on another blog and I’ll say it again. The issue is the taxes. What different does the issue have to do with the person who stated it? We’re staring to sound like liberals, always going after the messenger instead of dealing with the issue.
genso on February 2, 2009 at 7:14 PM
I heard that. I was beyond annoyed. Dennis is an extremely intelligent and funny guy. Hannity doesn’t have the chops to debate Miller.
jencab on February 2, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Four tax dodgers … ahhh … a liberal conspiracy!
Done That on February 2, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Four tax dodgers(who were caught) … ahhh … a liberal conspiracy!
Done That on February 2, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Johan Klaus on February 2, 2009 at 7:18 PM
I’m not calling for a boycott. I’m actually listening to his radio show at work right now. I just want to avoid him when I can. (10 hour shifts mean I can’t really be picky about who I can limit myself from listening to.)
It made me mad. I assume it’s because Hannity is thinking that Miller is “pretending” to be conserative. Anyone who listens to Miller’s show knows that he often states that he is liberal when it comes to social issues like abortion and gay marriage
It's Vintage, Duh on February 2, 2009 at 7:18 PM
The GOP is blowing their chance to make this a big deal. If I was Steele I would call for out right opposition to Daschel and threatened to destroy any GOPer that votes for him. Also we should have a tax strke, NO americans should pay taxes on April 15th.
lavell12 on February 2, 2009 at 7:20 PM
KentAllard on February 2, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Even better.
Johan Klaus on February 2, 2009 at 7:22 PM
“I can see why liberals don’t mind if the tax rate goes up because they’re not going to pay it anyway.” Sen.Demint 1Feb 09.
canditaylor68 on February 2, 2009 at 7:24 PM
I think DeMint is coming out as the mouthpiece for conservatism. God bless him. I wish more had his conviction to his priniples.
genso on February 2, 2009 at 7:26 PM
An oldie but a goodie:
“culture of corruption”
hanoverfist on February 2, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Its because EVERY liberal acts like the queen of mean in new york (i forgot her name)
but i remember her deeds
How after her son died she sued his widow her daughter in law so she could have a few dollars more..
when that old bitch died no one showed up at her funeral except for a dog which took a dump on her casket.
While it was open..
A fitting end to an evil woman..
So soon all of there liberals who treat all of the us citizens like CRAP
Are going to be taken out to the graveyard and their
Be dumped on ..
jcila on February 2, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Taxes are for plumbers.
Jim Treacher on February 2, 2009 at 7:32 PM
It’s more than just a tax problem. The Democrats have a long standing history of re-electing the guilty.
Gerry Studds has sex with an underage page. He gets re-elected several times. Look what Teddy did. He gets elected and re-elected. Alcee Hastings is an impeached former judge (took bribes in exchange for lenient sentences of crime figures) who gets elected to Congress. Pelosi voted to impeach him as a judge – then tries to put him into the Intel chair. William Jefferson gets busted with $90,000 of bribe money in his freezer and he gets re-elected.
It’s like a badge of honor for the Dems.
Now if you are a Republican and you tap you foot in a restroom stall then you are pressured to step down.
Mr Purple on February 2, 2009 at 7:33 PM
I also heard that he “forgot” to include his $2m DC home in his list of assets. Gosh, this guy needs some ginko or something…
Razman on February 2, 2009 at 7:34 PM
I am sorry but the liberals act just like that queen of mean in new york
the slimey woman who sued her daughter in law for her sons life insurance..
I guess she needed that extra 200k on top of her billions
When that slimey toad of a woman died the only one who even showed up was a stray dog..
He took a dump on her casket..
And she deserved it.
The liberals in the senate and house are exactly the same.
They steal, rob, cheat , lie, adulterate (expect for franks) i dont want to mention what he does..
and they think they will get away with this????
No way in hell
they will all pay for their crimes against the citizens of the USA
and pelozi will have reserved for herself a special place
just like the queen of mean.
but americans will take a dump on her casket.
jcila on February 2, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Rangler
Caroline,
Gietner,
Franken
Daschel
Olbermann
-
Exit question: Will any Dem ever pay their taxes again?
-
Tune in next time. Same Batty time. Same Batty channel…
-
The DNC Network…
Dunces, Nincompoops, and Crooks.
RalphyBoy on February 2, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Good one, Ed. This meme probably has legs.
petefrt on February 2, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Hannity and me both.
You know, Hannity has such a nice, open face. Then there’s Al Franken’s face. Kind of tells you a lot.
Alana on February 2, 2009 at 7:43 PM
About two yards to the right of Jesse Helms.
Hannity is what’s wrong with the GOP. His giddy “zingers” at the left lack substance. Watching him on H&C trot out quotes and repeat them ad nauseum in the faces of his liberal guests made me feel sorry for the liberals.
He’s just not terribly bright. He misses so many opportunities to make salient points because he just isn’t capable of making them.
US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! US of KKK! Have you seen the map?
That for four months translated into ZERO votes.
mankai on February 2, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Best. Quote. Ever.
Alana on February 2, 2009 at 7:47 PM
I think Hannity and Rush are great. They are effective and that is what counts. They have the facts and they give them to us…I love when Hannity shows the Goracle getting on his very environmentally unfriendly jet by himself…
CCRWM on February 2, 2009 at 7:48 PM
What are the origins of this Miller/Hannity feud?
And by the way, if there is one, I’ll take Miller’s side. I like his non-confrontational approach, and he’s clearly a guy who’s working through his own beliefs (he was a pre-9/11 liberal).
Very entertaining program, if not your typical ‘red meat’ radio talk show.
YYZ on February 2, 2009 at 7:49 PM
hilarious
Jamson64 on February 2, 2009 at 7:50 PM
doubleplusundead wonders how the hell he missed the “repeat the same tired GOP talking points segment after segment, night after night and make a boatload of money” gravy train?
doubleplusundead on February 2, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Riiiiggghhht.
“Only the little people pay taxes.” — Leona Helmsley
petefrt on February 2, 2009 at 7:52 PM
I wish that it was apparent to me what the Repubs strategy was on all of this but for the life of me I can’t figure it out. They are being given every opportunity to whack O and his choices but they choose to remain silent. They are either wimps or have a long-term strategy of using all of this oppo. ammo at one in mid-2010 and 2012 – but even that seems too loose to be effective.
volnation on February 2, 2009 at 7:53 PM
DNC… The Party of Helmsley’s
phreshone on February 2, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Add to your list Bubba Clinton & Bawney Fwank.
7
jgapinoy on February 2, 2009 at 7:54 PM
How did that 7 get there?
jgapinoy on February 2, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Fixed, IMV anyway.
petefrt on February 2, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Well, sometimes miller’s callers will call in and thank him for being open-minded and relaxed on air…not shouting down people who disagree with him, etc. And he’ll say (paraphrased) “Well, we’re just relaxed here. So hosts lke Hannity have their bullet points nailed down and can just throw ‘em out.” He doesn’t seem to be trying to be mean when he says this, just noting that the goals of the two shows are different and they’re basically different formats. Hannity is all politics (and crappy Freedom concerts), while Miller’s show is light politics, plus sports, plus entertainment, plus random stuff.
It's Vintage, Duh on February 2, 2009 at 7:55 PM
I wish DeMint and like minded GOPers would push this whole issue of Dems as tax cheaters harder. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and I’d like to see their hypocrisy exposed. Of course, doesn’t help much when the likes of Mitch McConnel tells the nation what a swell guy Daschel is.
DrStock on February 2, 2009 at 7:57 PM
I wonder if Hannity has ever, or will ever ask that sleezeball, Dick Morris, abot taxes. If he really cares that much about people paying taxes, then why is Dick Morris on his show all of the time. This guy owed MILLIONS in taxes.
Anyone who gives Dick Morris a platform to lie about Democrats, without asking him about his tax evasion, can have no credibility on this subject.
sandman on February 2, 2009 at 7:57 PM
I put it there, but I was water boarded into doing it…
petefrt on February 2, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Dembos love to raise takes but hate to pay them. I bet if the GOP or an honest journalist decided to dig a little deeper they’d expose a lot more than these idiots.
Too bad journalism is dead and the GOP is lacking the marbles as of late.
pmanley on February 2, 2009 at 7:59 PM
He won’t, for the same reason he never calls out Pat Buchanan on his anti-Semitism.
It's Vintage, Duh on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 PM
uh yeah sure you are….you’re a DE…REPUBLICAN!! thats right!!
your criticism lacks substance, no surprise there.
right, and you probably think you made some salient point with this drivel.
and if it wasn’t for hannity you would never have heard that quote…as far as the number votes post your proof, sounds like an ASSumption on your part…
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Joe the plumber had a tax problem and you hired him.
getalife on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 PM
really? what lie has he told about those pure as snow innocent, holier-than-thou democRATs???
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:01 PM
this place is getting infested by democRATs…
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Water boarded? Is that when someone does a cannonball off of the diving board & splashes you?
jgapinoy on February 2, 2009 at 8:04 PM
I feel like the walls are closing in on me. Everywhere I turn there is some crazy liberal. Bad enough I live in NY, now I can’t even enjoy conservative blogs without the moonbats and their idiotic comments.
pmanley on February 2, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Democrats are out of order,
Liberals are out of order,
and the so-called,from the movie,
‘Justice for All’,accept for
Republicans!!!!!!!!!
Where the Left want jail time,or RESIGNATION!
canopfor on February 2, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Joe the plumber had a tax problem and you hired him.
getalife on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Joe the plumber does not work in any government position: local, state, or national. A lot of average Americans have tax issues, but they have to pay their taxes and fines or do a jail term. These Beltway Elitists feel they are above the law.
Get a clue, getalife.
kingsjester on February 2, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Joe the plumber paid his tax problem off before he was hired, and he wasnt hired to govern other taxpayers and write codes and laws for them or decide how much the public was to pay for taxes either,now was he?
canditaylor68 on February 2, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Aww you beat me to it=)
canditaylor68 on February 2, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Yes but isn’t it fun though as their shtick has such an increasing air of desperation hanging on it. You can almost cut it with a knife.
Cheshire Cat on February 2, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Poor democrats don’t pay taxes; they get foodstamps and EIC
Rich democrats don’t pay taxes, either, and they get rent-controlled penthouses and chauffers.
Neither rich nor poor? Sucks to be you.
innominatus on February 2, 2009 at 8:09 PM
I feel sorry for you, since obama’s come around it seems like we’re living in the ‘invasion of the body snatchers’ people replaced by mind-numbed obamabots…
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:09 PM
WARNING!!!!!!!!!!
The U.S.S Hot Air has detected a gaggle of
Troll bogeys,secure all hatch’s!
Be vigil and alert,as you were,back to commenting!ahem.
canopfor on February 2, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Getalife was born without a clue
So many democriminals he scarcely knows what to do
If it gets much worse
I will be able to add another verse
Cheshire Cat on February 2, 2009 at 8:11 PM
right4life,
If his mouth is open, he is lying. He also seems to have an affinity for prostitutes, as well. I didn’t even know about that. Take up for him all you want.
sandman on February 2, 2009 at 8:11 PM
canditaylor68 on February 2, 2009 at 8:07 PM
As a Southern Gentleman, I apologize, ma’am. My error, ladies first.
And for the commenters that think Hannity’s stupid: He’s parlayed that into the number two syndicated radio talk show and the number 2 cable news program in America. Not bad for a “stupid” guy.
kingsjester on February 2, 2009 at 8:12 PM
NY is a disaster: Spitzer, Paterson, Schumer, Clinton, Caroline…can’t get any better than that.
pmanley on February 2, 2009 at 8:13 PM
if you’re typing, you’re lying, obviously.
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:16 PM
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:02 PM
-
pmanley on February 2, 2009 at 8:05 PM
-
Yeah… They’re like moths attracted to the conservatives they hate. They almost never show up when a lib/dem/despot needs a whack…
-
Notice… They hate Hannity, not the despicable Dem politician.
RalphyBoy on February 2, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Ummm…..disliking Hannity doesn’t make one a liberal. Not by far.
It's Vintage, Duh on February 2, 2009 at 8:19 PM
It’s not that he’s wrong, but he may not be the best person to speak about the delinquent tax returns of others.
YYZ on February 2, 2009 at 8:19 PM
mankai,
While I wouldn’t universally demonize Hannity as “what’s wrong with the GOP,” I do agree that he does less thinking on air than beating his own version of some talking points drum…and may well be less incisive and original…than I would like.
Hannity is no Limbaugh. Hasn’t got Rush’s talent, entertainment value, and ability to really nail a subject.
But, Hannity is easier on the eyes.
marybel on February 2, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Sandman tries to put the light where it don’t belong
Cause he can’t defend his own for long
If he can redirect your gaze
He thinks he can hide all the Obama corruption in a haze
Cheshire Cat on February 2, 2009 at 8:20 PM
No wonder,the Liberals want Rush,
and Hannity—————-gone!
They are shinning the light of truth
on the criminal activites of the Left!
And that really bothers the Left,for
I would imagine,like the House and
Barney Frank’s,they like enjoying a
free rein,doing what they dam# please!
The Lefty MSM is silent,so the Talk Radio
Right,are telling average Americans,what
the sneaky Democrats are busy doing!
And that, PISS’s OFF the Left!
canopfor on February 2, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Oh, my bad. I must get the word out.
If you are reading this comment, and you do not pray at the altars of Reagan, Limbaugh, Joe the Plumber, or Sarah Palin, you should leave now. You are not welcome, for you are interrupting an important session of groupthink.
If you don’t hate President Obama, then get out.
Opposing viewpoints will not be tolerated. If you are here with opposing viewpoints, prepare to be insulted with creative zingers, like democRATS. You get it? The word “RATS” stands out. It’s right there in the name of their party! BOOYAH!
sandman on February 2, 2009 at 8:22 PM
I didn’t know morris was nominated for a high government position….
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Water boarded is being bedded in Gitmo, but boarded with water instead of fancy French wine.
petefrt on February 2, 2009 at 8:23 PM
don’t like having your lies challenged now do you? can’t back up what you said?
democRATs is simple, but it OBVIOSLY worked!!
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:24 PM
thats very good!
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:25 PM
What is it that I lied about?
sandman on February 2, 2009 at 8:26 PM
post your proof.
right4life on February 2, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Dang, people….eat your own much? Stick to the issue. It is the liberal ploy to get you off topic and dealing with the personalities rather than the issue. This blog is about Dems not paying taxes. Have fun with that instead of marginalizing any voice.
genso on February 2, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Dittos. Leaving this thread now because of it.
petefrt on February 2, 2009 at 8:30 PM
sandman on February 2, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Allow me to illumine you, Skippy. We love a good discussion here at HotAir. We welcome anyone that has a reasoned argument. But, when someone tries to stir up a thread by being hateful, condescending, or arrogant, we presume he/she/it would be more comfortable ogling the beach shot of Obama at DailyKos. And, if you hurry, you can order the inaugural coin collection at a special price. The collection’s value is dropping every day he stays in office.
kingsjester on February 2, 2009 at 8:30 PM
and you do not pray at the alters of Reagan..
sandman on Feb 2,2009 at 8:22PM.
sandman:Really!
How about the DemoRats,that bow,and worship at the
Alter of Liberalism,
political party first,
patriotism second,
and America dead last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
canopfor on February 2, 2009 at 8:31 PM
To believe that opposing viewpoints are not tolerated here at Hotair it is necessary that you close the eyes of your mind and keep them shut by force.
Tav on February 2, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Speaking of dropping in value, Palins drops a billion in the market:
Alaska budget reserve suffers billion-dollar loss:
http://www.adn.com/news/government/story/671129.html
getalife on February 2, 2009 at 8:32 PM
If you think that I have been hateful, then you should look at any thread here about any Democrat. I have not been hateful. Sarcastic, yes.
sandman on February 2, 2009 at 8:37 PM
If the above were true, your comment would have been summarily deleted – like opposing viewpoints on lefty sites. There is a difference between “tolerated” and “condoned” or “agreed with”…and that’s why you’re getting flak, s-man.
marybel on February 2, 2009 at 8:41 PM
I guess Hannity is just a divisive hater. Today, Monday the 2nd, I heard a fool named Hugh Hewitt say that Daschle’s and Geithner’s tax problems are no big deal. Let them pay the taxes off, and drop it as an issue. Hugh wants to “fix” the confirmation process, whatever that means. Hugh also says those guys make a lot of money, way more than you or I do, and these things just happen. No biggie.
I am not kidding. Draw your own conclusions.
Even more hilarious, he said Daschle and Geithner and the rest are not the big story of the day… the big story is… wait for it… Michael Phelps took a bong hit. Again, I’m not making this up.
George Orwell on February 2, 2009 at 8:41 PM
He’s a timeslot hit.
OK, I don’t want to demonize him. He’s likable enough. The point is that whether he’s likable or not, he just does not deserve the platform he has. Let him emcee his concerts and use his silly “you’re a great American” shtick… but let somebody else who can make the arguments have his airtime.
It’s a matter of degree. Just because I’m not capable of being an NFL quarterback doesn’t mean that I can’t be critical of some lousy quarterback who gets paid a lot of money to accomplish very little for my favorite team.
Why should I settle for Norm Snead just because he’s on the Eagles? Can’t I desire better for the team I love?
The ad hominem attacks on me were rather telling… very Hannity-like.
mankai on February 2, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Crap… I thought this thread was about how some trolls believe that Hannity is the devil, and all the Dems are angels, and if you go around saying that long enough even the intelligent conservatives will become Obamatrons. I mean… it worked on them.
-
But you are right. It might just be that this “Administration of Corruption” is slowly wearing down our ability to focus. So many crooks and so little web space.
RalphyBoy on February 2, 2009 at 8:41 PM
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