Not releasing the tax records IS a huge distraction and an unpopular position. Did you notice how badly it destroyed Romney in the South Carolina primary among Republican voters? And when he did finally release one return, it didn't create a huge scandal or hurt him. The reporting on them wasn't anything shocking for a rich guy. Creating the fear of the unknown and the sense that he is hiding something is much worse.
Right on both counts.
That's why this "joke" was so damn brilliant.
It wasn't a joke - it was a threat. And threats are something the Chicago boyz and their bosses understand very, very well.
I don't imagine - unless Team Obama is really, REALLY stupid - that you will hear another peep about Romney's tax returns.