Brian Beutler at TalkingPointsMemo.com has come up with a tantalizing idea.
Steve Schmidt, the campaign director for John McCain in 2008, most assuredly has seen Mitt Romney's tax returns, as he was in on the vetting of VP's for that campaign.
Brian's point is this:
So a lot of Republicans wish Mitt Romney would just get it over with and release several years of tax returns. If you want evidence that Romney’s drowning in the Bain deluge, there it is. His allies think a complete accounting is his only lifeline.
But only a tiny circle of people really know if that’s true. And for my money the one to watch is Steve Schmidt.
Steve didn't think it was a good idea back in January of this year, of course after he had seen 20 years of Mitt's returns.
I think that he`s the front-runner in the race. I think he`s the most likely person to be the nominee of the party. And I would never advise him to disadvantage himself with issues like his taxes, against what is precedent for campaigns.
Well, Steve, never is a real long time. And time is growing short. What say you?
Is Mitt better off taking hit after hit from OFA and the media for lying about Bain, or should he come clean on his taxes and financial dealings?
Which hurts him less?
The world awaits.
Also, this from the Dailybeast
In other words, Schmidt's position on the issue might be a tell as to how damaging the info in those returns might be. Of course, Schmidt is under no obligation to say anything, as he's not an office holder or seeker, but if he goes on Maddow, as he often does, one reckons he'll be asked.
Anyone know Rachel? Or is she way ahead of us?