Posted on 08/11/2004 3:50:29 PM PDT by HAL9000
WASHINGTON (AP)--Administration officials denied Wednesday that U.S. President George W. Bush is considering a national sales tax, a day after the Republican incumbent said such a tax is "an interesting idea that we ought to explore seriously.""The president has always believed in lower taxes and a simpler, fairer tax code," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. But, he added, "There's nothing more to announce at this time."
Later, two administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Bush wasn't considering a national sales tax.
Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry suggested Bush's comments - made to a supporter during an invitation-only Republican event Tuesday in Florida - would create a new tax on working families.
"Families already squeezed by rising health care costs, gas costs and college costs would have to carry a whole new tax burden," Kerry said.
The flap was prompted by an exchange between Bush and a supporter in Niceville, Fla.
"He's talking about getting rid of the current tax system and replacing it with a national sales tax," Bush said. "It's an interesting idea. You know, I'm not exactly sure how big the national sales tax is going to have to be, but it's the kind of interesting idea that we ought to explore seriously."
Conservatives have pushed for the administration to do more to overhaul the tax code, with some calling for either a so-called "flat" income tax or some variation of a federal sales tax.
Bush and his senior aides have suggested that overhauling the tax code would be a second-term priority if the president is re-elected. And Bush said at the Florida meeting: "We're working to simplify the tax code."
But neither Bush nor his aides have been specific on what tax-code changes are under review.
This is not "backing off", because such a system was never proposed. For Gods' sake, the partisan press here really really is doing their best for Socialist John Kerry.
Ah, the always reliable "condition of anonymity" sources.
"He's talking about getting rid of the current tax system and replacing it with a national sales tax," Bush said. "It's an interesting idea. You know, I'm not exactly sure how big the national sales tax is going to have to be, but it's the kind of interesting idea that we ought to explore seriously."
"I'm not exactly sure how big the national sales tax is going to have to be, ..."
That doesn't sound like backing off to me.
Doesn't sound like backing off to me either. Looks like they are just calming the fire a little.
I am all for a national sales tax. The liberals probably hate the idea of this. There would be no way they can keep the two America's seperate anymore.
Although Edwards says there are no more red and blues states, but there are still two America's. Whatever!!
A work in progress? Is Bush really a man of his word? The gov is not going to relinquish control over the people (IRS) so I suspect that after he gets reelected, this issue will die once again.
Exactly right. This is not "backing off," and in fact gives those of us clamoring for a fair tax system a lot of hope.
man, I hope you're right. we need something simple.I've been dealing with the IRS for the past 18 months over last year's return. everyone you talk to there gives you a different answer to the same question.I keep a correspondence file- it's getting thick.I like the Fair Tax.
This is gonna go through. The GOP is pushing for it and for some reason this administration is shy about it. Wait and see.
Just think..no more filing April 15th, no more monthlys or quarterlys, no more "the 15th of the month" crap.
As far as the demoncraps are concerned, they fear the day they cant use this tax system as a political issue.
And one more thing..the day they pass this and it becomes law, I will hold the biggest drunken party ever in the history of this mansion. I doubt if I'll be able to work for a month as I'll stay sauced for the whole time. If I die, I;ll die happy.
Kerry is either:
a) totally ignorant of the details of the national sales tax proposals.
b) a demagogue.
c) an ignorant demagogue
d) an ignorant demagogue still trying to get out of Cambodia
learn about the National Retail Sales Tax.
> The GOP is pushing for it and for some reason
> this administration is shy about it.
Could be just election/convention timing.
If Bush does want to advocate it, it makes sense to
wait until later in the campaign, so that the MTV-damaged
voters haven't forgotten it on Nov 2.
In any case, it makes little sense to announce it
before his convention speech. It would make great
meaty counterpoint to Kerry's content-free podium
sleeper.
Could use it in the debates also. That would throw Kerry for a loop. Everything Kerry would say such as..a new risky tax sceme et al would be had. How could it be anything other than a fair tax? Everyone pays..even the illegal immigrants, foriegn visitors-just think, the UN scum would have to pay a tax for a change. It would be a tax on imports and would be the only constitutional correct tax system. And only spend next year what is brought in this year!
Why is it the Russians have gone to a flat type tax system and we cant? Could it be that the polititions in DC are on the dole with proceeds from this present tax system? If anyone thinks otherwise, then they better wake up fast.
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