By late yesterday afternoon, the Romney campaign was in the middle of a political firestorm, stemming from secretly-recorded comments the candidate made at a fundraiser. In the video, Romney is seen expressing contempt for nearly the half the country, chastising the elderly and the working families who don't pay federal income taxes for considering themselves "victims" who fail to "take personal responsibility."
Late last night, the Republican candidate delivered a brief statement, hoping to quell the controversy (this is a slightly longer version of the clip Tricia posted earlier).
For those who can't watch clips online, the full transcript of his comments is available, but the key part of the statement is the fact that Romney simply endorsed everything seen in the clip. He conceded his recorded comments were "not elegantly stated," and were delivered "off the cuff," but nevertheless recommitted himself to the underlying sentiment.
As a reporter asked, "Governor, are all of the things you said in the video things you believe? Are those core convictions?" Romney walked off the stage.
Also note, Romney argued that this kind of rhetoric is routine, suggesting the argument is something he talks about "a good deal in rallies and speeches and so forth." That's not quite right -- I've read the transcripts of hundreds of Romney speeches and addresses, and I've never heard express divisive contempt for nearly the half the country.
It's true that the argument isn't unique -- plenty on the right talk like this all the time -- it's just not something Romney personally repeats in public. As Dave Weigel put it, "This is Tea Party rhetoric churned into something new and stupid."
Last week, given a chance to walk back his dishonest exploitation of American deaths in Libya, Romney chose to double down on the offensive smear. Last night, Romney was again given a chance to walk back his disdainful remarks about nearly half the country, and again, he doubled down. I guess he takes the whole "no apologies" thing rather literally.
The arrogance, the hyper-elitism, the tone-deaf political skills ... it's all just breathtaking.
Leave a Comment:
A vote for Romney this November, and any candidate for any office wearing the Republican brand, is a vote against the panoply of middle class interests more than 47% of us share!
If we weren't living in dangerous times, we'd be treated to this surreal spectacle called the Romney campaign. I haven't witnessed up close and personal such a man who would be elected king!
Any reporting of the typical he said / he said from our illustrious media at this juncture is a bit disingenuous as what Mitt says is weighted in the interests of the 1%! -Kevo
This is campaign team that dresses like Brooks Brothers and acts like the Marx Brothers. And these folks want us to trust them to assert our interests on the world stage? The worst president in the history, G. W. Bush looks good by comparison.
c.w.
I agree with almost all you said except about the Marx Brothers. The Marx Brother were smart and funny and Romney and his campaign are neither.
Three Stooges, perhaps? (Meaning the characters, of course, not the performers, since they knew what they were doing and were very successful, unlike the Romney campaign.)
If Mitt walks back any of his comments, he alienates his core, who hold their noses when they're around him. If he doubles down on his own idiocy, all he does is juice up his opponents a bit more than they're already juiced up.
c.w.West's observation was that he disguises what he really is, and he's correct about that. However, Mitt is just a mirror image of W. W was a gross incompetent at everything, including choosing people to advise him and mask his incompetence. Mitt is smart, as in cunning, but is totally vacuous, believing in nothing but his egocentric desire to be President.
Romney to self-deport.
Lives up to his own suggestion for aliens.
I am one of the 53% that pays income taxes- and probably at a higher rate that Mr. Romney.
There is no way that I would ever vote for that man. How terribly insulting to so many people in my own life- my own fiancee who is on disability. Her dad, the veteran who gets 'free health care' from the government. My own grandparents that had to rely on Medicaid for health, Social Security for food...
Those are not lazy victims. And to think that Mr. Romney "doesn't care about" them because he feels they are "entitled" is just appalling.
And now with his new comments on foreign policy? The man defines divisive...
One thing that he (Mitt) doesn't even think about: Amongst those 47% there are also some of the people who vote against their interest, those "Anybody but President Obama" voters.
My spouse's aunt family, as a real live example: 3 generations of people who are happily living out of the so called "Government hand-out" (from social security, disability, medicare, medicaid, food stamp...you name it, that family probably have it) and every single one of them are condemning President Obama for the deficit (none of them has any idea where the deficit comes from) and praising Romney and the whole Republican country as patriotic American and the future of the country. Speak about overdosing in medical marijuana....
And as you are, we are also in those 53% that pays our taxes (and yes, twice as high as what - we know of - Romney pays of his) and WE WILL VOTE FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA.
As everything else with his campaign, his numbers never add-up.
At one time, not too long ago, I thought Governor Romney's campaign would perform the "traditional" pivot from cultivation of the conservative Teapublican base to a more moderate and reasonable center - in order to attract the indy votes he would need to win. That's what Republicans have to do to be able to win presidential elections nowadays; it's what Senator McCain tried to do. It's what George W. Bush did extremely well (yes, he did).
But, that isn't what has happened. The campaign itself looks unutterably dysfunctional, unprepared and no good at anything except fundraising (and just WHAT are they going to do with all that money if they DON'T win?).
And the candidate...OMG! No, Mr. Romney, American Presidents are NOT monarchs; they are not above the law and they are not intrinsically any better or more valuable than any of the rest of us. I have no idea how you managed to grow up - essentially, a political intern at your father's side - without learning the basic lessons of politics and the American political landscape. But unless you can talk the talk AND walk the walk, you do not belong in the White House as our Commander-in-Chief!
My mother, age 76, has been on Social Security disability since 1981, when she had a cerebral anyeurism. She has not been able to work since then. She did recover enough that she can live on her own, but it is a very meager existence; she thinks buying herself a bag of potato chips is a luxury, and no she's not on food stamps. She does not have enough income to pay federal taxes.
I guess Mitt thinks she's just not taking personal responsibility. If Mitt were here right now, I'd take him to meet my mom. I'd tell him about her life, then tell him what an insult it is to even have him as a presidential candidate, and then I'd probably punch him in the mouth. It would be worth the jail time.
She may not have enough to pay federal INCOME taxes, but she pays a much larger percentage, of what she does have than Romney does, on sales tax, for instance. Including on that bag of chips. Not paying federal income tax does not mean you don't pay taxes.
For whatever reason when this despicable, treasonous POS finally kicks the bucket, what I'll do on his grave wont pass for daisies... but it will make great fertilizer if you want to grow some!
Exactly, momofour61. People forget that sales tax is inherently regressive. When we live paycheck to paycheck, we spend every dime we earn and nearly every dime is taxed. The wealthy often funnel their money overseas, or in trusts and bonds. They aren't spending (and thereby paying sales tax on) every million.
In fact, they most likely are investing it. Their expenditures might very well be making them even more money. We, meanwhile, put near every dollar towards necessities. How ~foolish and lazy~ of us to not skip toilet paper this month and buy some Apple stock instead. Why did I get my dental crown instead of opening an account in the Cayman Islands?!
I'll bet dollars to donuts that Romney is part of that 47%. I'm certain that any taxes he pays are capital gains, not income taxes. This has always been the big lie to me - that he accuses and cajoles "poor people"/47% for not paying income taxes when he and many other millionaires don't pay any income taxes, either!
KJ CR IA..as long as jail is not hugely concerning to you, tie him to a kitchen chair and make him listen to " man of constant sorrow" until his head explodes. ARE THERE NO WORKHOUSES? [Scrooge X-mas 1850]
Gee, Romney,
What would be the "elegant" way of telling half of the United States that you don't give a damn about them and that you would turn over American foreign policy to Netanyahu?
That's "Nut&Yahoo"* to you, son.
*Credit to DriveBy
Oh, please, please! MORE like this. MORE!! And, get the fourth estate some backbone to call Romney on such disdainful tripe every time! And--on foreign policy statements, on domestic policy and tax statements, on education and social services statements. Keep up the questions!! "Governor, are all of the things you said in the video things you believe? Are those core convictions?" Now--there's a beginning. Get going.
Second that. It's pretty bad if he's making the Conformative Party bristle.
Anyone who says he doesn't care about half the country should not be allowed anywhere near the White House.
When Romney says that this kind of rhetoric is routine, I suspect he means every politician panders to different audiences. But even if you accept that explanation, how does it make him look any better? He might as well say, "I don't expect you to respect me in any way. It should be enough I'm not Obama."
Well is'nt he special.He does'nt think we the 47%are not entitled to food housing nor health care.It remind's me of his wife's statement "you people".We are classified in their mind's as the leeche's of society.He's lumping in people on SS, medicare,veteran's benefit's,people with disabilitie's,children,and whatever else.Then he call's a press conference and blame's the Pres.for what HE said.If anyone believed he was a defender of the middle class,this should open their eye's.Or maybe not.
Well there should be a good understanding of why Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Romney and Ryan certainly do provide good examples of how to be against God and/or Jesus. The classic hypocrites, power cravers, corrupt, arrogant, greedy, and deceiving people around. Currently, they definitely do fit in with these Republicans, extremists of hatred, and the extreme wealthy very well.
This from the Man who will not disclose what he pays in Income Taxes. Victims?? I worked hard all my life, raised 4 children with no help , never on assistance, alone. Who the hell is he to talk like this to people. Now that I am a Senior Citizen and entitled to help because I will only get $Social Security (poverty level income) to live on he wants to take that from us. I worked for 47 years and asked for nothing. I'm entitled to what I have earned. You try and live on this income. I bet he spends that just on driving his boat around. Seriously, the majority of people in this 47% are Seniors and deserve the little money they will receive, after all this money was withheld from our Earnings to be used when we retire. He is so out of touch with the Average American . He should not fear Taxes on his money, no one knows what he has or where. By the way I paid Taxes last year, Income, Property, State and whatever there is a tax on, we pay it. The Republicans should think very seriously about letting him run for any office. He does not represent the American people just the Rich. I cannot stand even looking at him or Ryan. Maybe we should hide out in the Cayman Islands.
At a bit over 15% as I recall. Isn't that a higher rate than he pays? (And that, in a tax year when he knows people are watching.)
What did Romney do stumble over himself dashing to the mic that he left his hair a little a mess. That deer in headlights look does look interesting.
LOL, noticed that too Deb. Party of Bed Heads.
Wow, I thought I was the only one who noticed!!! His eyes were panicked!
For Republicans, it's scandalous when poor people don't pay taxes, but even more scandalous when millionaires do.
Also, this whole "poor people don't pay taxes" is a cheap and nasty dog-whistle against the stereotype that the nonpayers are poor non-whites. They pay sales taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes (albeit indirectly, if they're renting), and miscellaneous other taxes and user fees, and the non-payers also include retirees and students. It is not too complicated that if you don't have much income, you won't be paying much in income taxes.
Romney lost a lot of the press when he messed up on the Egyptian and Libyan attacks and blamed the press, so he won't have much cover on this.
While it may be a "dog whistle" it is one that has worked in the past. While being "poor" seems synonymous with "black, latino" the fact is that there are more white poor people collecting public social services than even white people want to think about - and these are the same white people supporting Robme! The other portion are the "tea baggers" many of whom look like they're collecting social security - who feel that it's those "other" people that are leeching off of the system!
Sadly I have a friend who, like me today, is one of the 47%. He's a veteran of some pretty tough duty, he works his heinie off doing small things to supplement his military retirement and struggles to make ends meet. When I sent him an e-mail about this, his response was "Romney's right!" This guy is not normally that stupid, he's an actual conservative who frequently is at a loss to explain the "movement conservatives" who he follows, yet he follows.
Your frustration is appreciated, but don't let local anecdotes and incidentals cloud your view, which should be of the whole. I heard such angry complaints from my parents for 50 years, who also voted forever as Republicans and were proud small independent business owners. Now retired, they look at Social Security and medicare with enormous gratitude and unabashedly admit that they don't know how they would be surviving without it. Their kind of folks is the largest of those Romney dismisses as being on the dole.
N. Wells..You may be incorrect about who this particular dogwhistle is directed against. I don`t believe that minorities even come into complete focus as human beings for this guy. No, his complaint was meant for me. Poor white trailer park morons who shop at Walmart and drink at the legion and worship anywhere BUT the church of JCLDS.
It is sad to see a candidate distance themselves from half of the electorate, not too smart. But to make an argument........
The fact government issued debit cards have been redeemed at Louis Vuitton stores, cruise ships and Las Vegas proves a real problem with the system. As a taxpaying working stiff it's hard to watch the neighbors get monthly government assistance while the live-in father's income isn't counted because he's not a US citizen.
The fact life choices like alcoholism and obesity are eligible for disability, which is paid from our social security contributions that everybody is burdened, encourages abuse. I actually remember a phone call from a friend that told me "they won't put me on disability for alcoholism because I couldn't prove I drank enough but they told me if I gained 50 pounds I could get on it". That was about 15 years ago. He was successful within about 6 months and is still on government assistance.
My point is, I believe the fraud and abuse in our system is bigger and more widespread than most think, and I'm tired of working to support it.
I'm interested that your stories(Unproven) about fraud are to you sufficient reason to vote for the people who don't care about you.I think,that you have never worked or contributed to the American economy....and No,I offer no proof of that statement...I just believe it to be so.So....there.
I understand your frustration Down(t)here, however, I did a search on the percentage of US population on welfare/foodstamps, etc. The number - 8% of population...if you substract that from Mitts 47% it leaves 39% who are comprised of = the elderly, disabled veterans and those legitimately on disablility, those on social security, people continueing their education, low income wage earners-who pay taxes, low/middle income tax payers, etc. Are there people who abuse the system, yes, are there others who use it as designed, most of them. My point is, the real abuse are those who have the means to pay, but, who avoid taxes by using tax loopholes, shelters, off shore accounts, etc. (and lets not forget the corporations receiving subsidies, tax breaks, etc., add in the frivolous grants, (read welfare) and the number is astronomical). So that 8% of "moochers", comparatively speaking, receives a minor cut of the pie and includes those who have a real and necessary reason to assistance.
Because when you're Republican, the plural of "anecdote" is "data."
Of course there's going to be fraud. Anything that has money moving around in it is going to attract fraudsters. And the absolute numbers involved in programs run by a rich country with three hundred million people means even a very, very small fraud rate generates large sounding numbers, especially given that most people's ability to conceptualize numbers larger than a couple of hundred is minimal.
If you run a program that serves millions of people and there's a .5% fraud rate, that's a pretty darn tight program, but its also five thousand instances of fraud and Republicans are just going to say "we must abolish this program because there were five thousand cases of fraud!"
And then there's this: "My point is, I believe the fraud and abuse in our system is bigger and more widespread than most think, and I'm tired of working to support it."
And that's the thing. There's the actual data about the very low rate of fraud in our nation's social programs, and then there's what people choose to believe regardless of data because it aligns with their preexisting notions or very conveniently gives them a way to avoid feeling like a jerk because fraud!. Seems like that's a recurring theme with Republican voters.
I don't think of myself a victim, but I've been treated like I was a foreigner when I go to a store with foodstamps. I'm treated with little or no respect and then I listen to what Romney said about the 47% of the population and really felt the hatred of being poor. I am glad he showed his true colors and I am glad someone had the courage and foresight to record that outlandish pig trough he had... everyone slurping and grunting... Sorry.. I get a bit upset when you have one class of people who does not have to pay their fair share and another class has to pay for the rich forwhatever... more houses, cars, swimming pools.. etc. etc.
Are you tired of supporting millionaires who hide their money in foreign banks and overseas accounts and don't pay their fare share of taxes? Who also have the nerve to run for President of the United States and won't tell the American people what taxes they have paid for more than one year??
Hi guys - all good comments
And yes, I am tired of the rich receiving taxpayer dollars in the form of unnecessary subsidies (like oil companies). One of the first loopholes I would like to see eliminated is the campaign contribution deduction of over 250.00 and take away the tax exempt status of two of the largest corporations in this country,the GOP and the DNC. Now THAT we could all celebrate!
My cousin, until very recently, was the top welfare manager in our state. She has appeared many times on our local government channel and it was her job to beg for money for the state system before the legislature. Our family has a small group that celebrate our birthdays on Sunday breakfasts throughout the year. I've asked many times and she agrees and believes with the low percentage numbers of fraud and abuse. I've always responded "I'd love to live in her world". My problem is it doesn't reflect my personal experience and suggests to me that the studies contain only information of those caught and refused services which does not really reflect those still on the program that go undetected.
These stories really are true and from my personal experience and I encourage others to look at those they know and evaluate their situation, and share with us. I do know one person that accepts government assistance because he has incurable cancer and cannot work. These are the types people we should be supporting but most I personally have acquainted, in my opinion, are abusing the system.
No, what happened was that withdrawals were made off these debit cards at these locations where they so happen to have in store ATMs. There isn't any evidence that money was spent at these locations on products that aren't approved by the program or outside of the intended use of the program. You can't say that because someone withdraws money at a liquor store they are automatically spending that money at the liquor store. Just as you can't say that someone withdrawing money at a bank is automatically spending money at a bank. These are generalizations made by Republican lawmakers looking to gut programs that otherwise help the poor.
What are you talking about? What is a live in father and why would his income not be counted? As long as he is a documented worker his income is counted and he still pays into the government in forms of sales tax, payroll tax, and the like. The only way he wouldn't be counted would be income tax and that's if he's not making enough to pay income tax. But he would still be counted as part of the 47%. What neighbors are you talking about that are receiving assistance from the government? How are either of these two relevant??? This paragraph is so confusing...
Provide evidence for this claim
This means that you are admitting to being complicit in welfare fraud which is a federal crime punishable of up to 10 years in prison. By stating this outloud you have now given me permission to forward this information to your local police department to have them investigate whether or not you and your friend violated the law. Will do.
You believe the fraud is larger because you contributed to the fraud. You are tired of working to support it, but had no problem being complicit in the crime itself. Good to know.
Are you saying you know a government official that would actually do something about fraud? Awesome, send them down. Have plenty to talk about!
I wonder if a program like the one the IRS uses for the public to turn in tax cheats would work in a situation like this. Then the public would be directly involved in both the collection and distribution of taxes.
"The arrogance, the hyper-elitism, the tone-deaf political skills ... it's all just breathtaking."
It shouldn't be "breathtaking". Romney has never fully articulated exactly W-H-Y he feels that he should be President; has not laid out any policy specifications, and hasn't released but 1.5 years of taxes and along with his attitude especially when asked questions has shown over and over and over not just disdain but contempt for the American people! Frankly, this IS THE WAY THAT HE FEELS!
For all of his bluster, Romney has never ever really had to struggle, never had to choose between paying his bills or putting food on the table, or paying bills late because he had to "pay the babysitter", or hoping that his car will last another few years because he can't afford to make a car payment! No Robme has never had to worry, and doesn't give a dayum after all - he said "he likes to fire people"! And I really find it hard to believe that the rest of these GOP politicians don't feel the same way, they're just smart enough not to articulate their disdain for working Americans, but their actions and policy positions are a tell.
His closest spokeswoman did, though: "It's our turn."
I like his accusation of "feeling entitled." Projection, ya think?
He and Ann had to stuggle in college to live on a trust fund. I have to struggle in college by working. I don't envy his wealth (it didn't do him any real favors, did it) but it appears wealth has insulated him from real struggle, real maturity, and real life here at Main Street level.
If 47% of the nation he wants to run is struggling this hard, instead of spitting on them, maybe he could consider what to do to help this country.
This. It's this simple.
This can not be a Christian man who learned the teaching of Jesus, Maybe he is the anti
Christ
Don't worry people, he will never get even close to the White House, unless there is fraud, and we really shouldn't forget about that, FRAUD. Money buys almost everything, I hope Obama has plenty of Lawyers standing byMitt says he paid taxes , but never offered the proof on this, Im really starting to believe Harry Reid on that one
I hope you're right. My biggest fear is the voter supression that's going on in various states, all funded by teabaggers and big money. If President Obama is reelected, can they obstruct?
Rachel Maddow said last night there was 730,000 people. I wish we could get a figure for each state.
I don't put anything past these crooks and liars. Is there any doubt Mitt would steal the election if he could get away with it?
Does anyone else realize the screw up that he made in both his secretly recorded speech as well as in his "apology". He states that 47% of the country pays no "income tax". If I'm not mistaken, doesn't he not pay anything in income taxes? He only pays taxes on investments and dividends, which is a completely different category as income tax (which the Ryan plan eliminates the tax on, so if he gets into office he will effectively pay no taxes at all, income or otherwise). So, this means that he is saying that he is someone that should vote for Obama because he is "dependent" on the government because he pays no income tax. Am I correct in this assessment?
@Realety81, Recalculating the Romney's 2010 taxes under Ryan's plan, they pay a rate of 0.82%. See:
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/08/mitt-romney-would-pay-082-percent-in-taxes-under-paul-ryans-plan/261027/
Not to mention that according to his [Mitt’s] 2010 tax return, the GOP nominee reaps lucrative tax breaks for "active" participation in the private equity firm he founded [Bain Capital], as well as a host of other investments. With those active investments, he is also securing a tax break few Americans enjoy: When he wins, he's paying a 15 percent rate on the gain. When he loses, he's writing it off at 35 percent, meaning that tax policy is subsidizing Romney's risk in his Bain investments.
In other words, Romney didn't build that, at least not without taxpayer backing :) So with the GOP train of thought it’s OK for a millionaire to hedge his investment risks with tax payer money, but not OK for that money to pay for the disabled, elderly, and poverty stricken to eat or have healthcare!?
And how about these moochers that don't just pay nothing, but which greedily suck out as much as possible?
These are the world class tax avoiders. These are the leeches sucking on the American taxpayer.
From Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times:
Ten giant U.S. companies avoiding income taxes: Sen. Bernie Sanders list
By Lynn Sweet on March 27, 2011 9:54 AM | No Comments
WASHINGTON---With federal income taxes due in a few weeks, Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent allied with Democrats, on Sunday released a list of ten big profitable U.S. companies paying little or no taxes. Sanders wants to close the loopholes that make this tax avoidance legal. Some people call the income tax system with generous loopholes for big companies corporate welfare or corporate entitlements. As Congress returns to work this week--after yet another break--to negotiate over big budget cuts--with social safety net programs facing reductions--Sanders is pushing for corporations to pay more of a fair "share."
The Bernie Sanders Ten, per release....
1) Exxon Mobil made $19 billion in profits in 2009. Exxon not only paid no federal income taxes, it actually received a $156 million rebate from the IRS, according to its SEC filings.
2) Bank of America received a $1.9 billion tax refund from the IRS last year, although it made $4.4 billion in profits and received a bailout from the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department of nearly $1 trillion.
3) Over the past five years, while General Electric made $26 billion in profits in the United States, it received a $4.1 billion refund from the IRS.
4) Chevron received a $19 million refund from the IRS last year after it made $10 billion in profits in 2009.
5) Boeing, which received a $30 billion contract from the Pentagon to build 179 airborne tankers, got a $124 million refund from the IRS last year.
6) Valero Energy, the 25th largest company in America with $68 billion in sales last year received a $157 million tax refund check from the IRS and, over the past three years, it received a $134 million tax break from the oil and gas manufacturing tax deduction.
7) Goldman Sachs in 2008 only paid 1.1 percent of its income in taxes even though it earned a profit of $2.3 billion and received an almost $800 billion from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury Department.
8) Citigroup last year made more than $4 billion in profits but paid no federal income taxes. It received a $2.5 trillion bailout from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury.
9) ConocoPhillips, the fifth largest oil company in the United States, made $16 billion in profits from 2007 through 2009, but received $451 million in tax breaks through the oil and gas manufacturing deduction.
10) Over the past five years, Carnival Cruise Lines made more than $11 billion in profits, but its federal income tax rate during those years was just 1.1 percent.
below, release from Sen. Sanders....
Tax Time? Not for Giant Corporations
Sanders Calls for Shared Sacrifice
BURLINGTON, Vt., March 27 - While hard working Americans fill out their income tax returns this tax season, General Electric and other giant profitable corporations are avoiding U.S. taxes altogether.
With Congress returning to Capitol Hill on Monday to debate steep spending cuts, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said the wealthiest Americans and most profitable corporations must do their share to help bring down our record-breaking deficit.
Sanders renewed his call for shared sacrifice after it was reported that General Electric and other major corporations paid no U.S. taxes after posting huge profits. Sanders said it is grossly unfair for congressional Republicans to propose major cuts to Head Start, Pell Grants, the Social Security Administration, nutrition grants for pregnant low-income women and the Environmental Protection Agency while ignoring the reality that some of the most profitable corporations pay nothing or almost nothing in federal income taxes.
Sanders compiled a list of some of some of the 10 worst corporate income tax avoiders.
1) Exxon Mobil made $19 billion in profits in 2009. Exxon not only paid no federal income taxes, it actually received a $156 million rebate from the IRS, according to its SEC filings.
2) Bank of America received a $1.9 billion tax refund from the IRS last year, although it made $4.4 billion in profits and received a bailout from the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department of nearly $1 trillion.
3) Over the past five years, while General Electric made $26 billion in profits in the United States, it received a $4.1 billion refund from the IRS.
4) Chevron received a $19 million refund from the IRS last year after it made $10 billion in profits in 2009.
5) Boeing, which received a $30 billion contract from the Pentagon to build 179 airborne tankers, got a $124 million refund from the IRS last year.
6) Valero Energy, the 25th largest company in America with $68 billion in sales last year received a $157 million tax refund check from the IRS and, over the past three years, it received a $134 million tax break from the oil and gas manufacturing tax deduction.
7) Goldman Sachs in 2008 only paid 1.1 percent of its income in taxes even though it earned a profit of $2.3 billion and received an almost $800 billion from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury Department.
8) Citigroup last year made more than $4 billion in profits but paid no federal income taxes. It received a $2.5 trillion bailout from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury.
9) ConocoPhillips, the fifth largest oil company in the United States, made $16 billion in profits from 2007 through 2009, but received $451 million in tax breaks through the oil and gas manufacturing deduction.
10) Over the past five years, Carnival Cruise Lines made more than $11 billion in profits, but its federal income tax rate during those years was just 1.1 percent.
Sanders has called for closing corporate tax loopholes and eliminating tax breaks for oil and gas companies. He also introduced legislation to impose a 5.4 percent surtax on millionaires that would yield up to $50 billion a year. The senator has said that spending cuts must be paired with new revenue so the federal budget is not balanced solely on the backs of working families.
"We have a deficit problem. It has to be addressed," Sanders said, "but it cannot be addressed on the backs of the sick, the elderly, the poor, young people, the most vulnerable in this country. The wealthiest people and the largest corporations in this country have got to contribute. We've got to talk about shared sacrifice."
Corporations are people.......just saying.
That line itself revealed PLENTY about Willard's "character"!
I'm not the first to say this, but I'll believe corporations are people when I see one come home in a bodybag from a war.
Corporations have come home with moneybags from these wars.
Well, I thought the Tea Party folks were all about doing away with taxes, so wouldn't they think this is a good thing? Oh, I love the smell of cognitive dissonance in the morning... *smile*
Only when it's the rich and corporations not paying taxes.
Yet I must agree... the more the Republican campaign doubles-down on it's disdain for the huge number of folks that are just trying to get by... while, true, not paying much in income taxes (kinda difficult to do so when you don't make much to begin with), the fewer people will vote for them... yet we do pay sales taxes, local taxes, state taxes, etc.....
And isn't it odd that I've personally heard those who describe themselves as "born again, spirit-filled Christians" say they'd vote for Satan himself before they'd vote for President Obama? How can one even begin to address such a thing?
Forget the Etch-a-sketch, these people think they are on the Holodeck. Screw up & just get the computer to start a do-over. Hello? There's no do-over when you're in the White House with your hand on the nuke button. No do-over to fix what you destroy in real life.
A man who straps his dog to the top of his car and throws half of America under it should not be President.
I think I'm with the 47%, you're toast Rmoney!
"Where people pursuing their dreams are able to employ one another.. (while polluting the planet, making loads of cash while paying less tax than a person making 30K a year!)"
You might have the millionaire + crowd still enthused Mitt but even standard *Amercians you have lost with your horse@!$%#.. Here's a campaign strategy; get somebody to secretly film an Obama fundraiser and try to film him sounding as stupid as you did! I'll bet that you can't.
Funny when a middle class family makeing $50,000 uses the legal deductions and pays no income tax because they get back all that was withheld they are lazy and not taking responsibility for their own care. But it is perfectly ok for Mitt to use the same excuse, I paid all taxes I was legally supposed to pay and not a penny more. Those of us on SS and medicare have paid our share of taxes over the course of our careers. My husband and I are now living a very frugal life so we don't run out of savings before we run out of life. We pay no income tax but we do pay tax on gas, utilities, and anything we buy that is not food. I resent someone who has never known real hardship to blithely refer to all who do not pay income tax as lazy and irresponsible. Mitten is a ruthless, selfish SOB and he does not deserve to be president of anything.
@METhree, I LOVE your use of "blithely", it gives your comment just the right amount of spice :)
Thank you!