"I'm not sure it's the best option for tax reform, but a sales tax would close all loopholes and dramatically lower tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans. I encourage people to find out more about it if they'd like."
Wow, that was hard.
If you think that answer, coming on Larry King's terms, is the way to unveil the plan then I don't think you fully understand the politics involved or the opposition. It's too important not to come at a time and place of the President's choosing, and that goes for Hastert too if you are worried about protecting him.