Politics

Christie: Romney Should Release His Tax Returns ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’

Chris Christie Says Romney Should Release Tax Returns, Defends Rate

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R- N.J. (AP)

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is known for his straight talk and fearless rhetoric. This morning, Christie continued this trend when he appeared on NBC’s “Today” and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and proclaimed that GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney should release his tax returns.

The governor, who endorsed Romney back in October, struck a balanced tone and said that it is “up to [Romney]” when he releases the returns. But Christie maintained that it is always more favorable for candidates to be as open and honest with the public as possible.

While highlighting his own record of disclosure, Christie essentially said that Romney would be better off releasing the tax returns immediately, rather than waiting until April.

“I would say if you have tax returns to put out, you know, you should put them out sooner rather than later,” Christie said.

Watch Christie‘s interview on NBC’s “Today”:

In another appearance on “Morning Joe,” Christie discussed Romney’s 15 percent income tax rate, which has been criticized by some as being too low. National Journal has more:

Romney’s taxes have emerged as a political target in the week leading up to the critical South Carolina primary. During Monday night’s debate, Romney said he would “probably” make his tax returns public in April.

Now, the multi-millionaire candidate is on the defensive after acknowledging on Tuesday that his effective tax rate is just 15 percent—the same rate paid by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who has criticized the tax system for being too friendly to the ultra-wealthy.

Christie, though, defended this tax rate and said that critics will likely realize that there isn‘t much of a story here once Romney’s tax returns are released.

“In terms of the 15 percent effective rate, for people who know this I don’t think it comes as any great shock, because the guy hasn‘t been having a job where he’s been getting income over the last number of years,” Christie said. “He’s been getting money from investment income that is taxed at a different rate.”

Watch these comments, below (around 9:00):

 

Comments (27)

  • thegrassroots
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 9:03pm

    What About The CAYMAN ISLANDS, Romney?

    America NEEDS TO SEE and HAS THE RIGHT TO SEE Your Tax Returns NOW!

    Report Post »  
  • h20sue
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:47pm

    What amazes me, whether it’s a Republican or Democrat, they are not paying the percentage rate the average Joe Blow has to pay. Yes indeedy, all candidates should make their taxes available before being allowed to run for Presdent of the USA.
    Also, I would like to see legit birth certificates showing that the candidate(s) was born in the USA and from has/had a mother and father born in the USA. I think Obama’s BC is invalid and to the day I die I will think this. His mother may have been from the USA but his father was from Kenya, therefore, he did not have two parents that were born and reared on USA soil. This is disgusting!
    Let‘s don’t make the same mistake twice! Why the Supreme Court, Senate, and Congress have not done something about this farce is beyond me. They are crooked and nothing but a house of thieves.
    No wonder this country is in dyer straights. It’s common sense and those that ignore it must be as guilty as those in Washington D.C.
    Personally, I am not happy with but one of all the candidates running for our republican representative.
    However; the alternative, is better then Obama being in the Whitehouse for four more years.
    If I had a choice, I would chose someone with exclusive military and economic background. I feel Romney and Newt G. are too polished and too risky. I seem to feel they are easily convinced by liberals to change directions. They would not look after us.only themselves. Just like BO. There is entirely too much bartering in D

    Report Post »  
  • goodgrubguy
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:43pm

    and focus on the actual tax $$ paid and his charitable donations.

    Report Post » goodgrubguy  
  • thegrassroots
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:16pm

    WHAT Information Is WithIn Romney’s Tax Returns That Will JERK The Nomination Right Out From Under His Feet?

    Romney KNOWS!

    America Has The RIGHT To KNOW!

    Report Post »  
    • Bum thrower
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:49pm

      Romney will release his tax returns when Obama releases his college transcripts….

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:56pm

      @bumthrower

      DON’T Go Falling For The Romney Kool-Aid! This Isn’t About BHO!

      THIS is about Romney NOT being willing to prove to America WHY he thinks he’s worthy to be nominated.

      WHAT Is It About Romney‘s Tax Returns That Romney Doesn’t Want America To Know?

      WHAT Is Romney Afraid Of?

      WHAT Is Romney Hiding?

      IF Romney is a man of intregity who is speaking Truth, Romney Will Stand Under ANY Scrutiny.

      IF Romney is the twisting in the wind guy who speaks out of both sides of his mouth, which is how he looks — Then, Romney Should Be Very Afraid Of What America Might Find Out!

      NOW Is When America Needs To Vet Romney! Why Is Romney So Scared Of Being Vetted?

      Report Post »  
  • bcope01
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:53pm

    Until and if Romney is the candidate, it is up to him to release his tax returns. I would challenge Obama to release all his records first. There is no law requiring Romney to do so. To all the Repubs and Dems, butt out and move on.

    Report Post » bcope01  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:52pm

    RIVERDOG1, When you can give me an example of Oprah giving any conservative other than Christie or Obama air time I might listen. She is a far left supporter dear, I hate to burst your bubble. She used her program and staus to get Obama elected in case you forgot.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • NolanB
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:16pm

    Look what former CLINTON advisor, Dick Morris, says about Romney AS A HERO for what he did at Bain! I couldn’t agree more!
    http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/the-truth-about-bain-capital-dick-morris-tv-lunch-alert/

    Report Post »  
  • PPMStudios
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:52pm

    This still begs the question; Why?

    It’s no ones business what Romney made, how much taxes he paid, or how much he’s tithed. NO ONES business!!

    Report Post » PPMStudios  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:26pm

    I would rather know who has paid more in taxes over his lifetime to the Federal government…Romney or Obama. Come on Barry, pay “your fair share”!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:11pm

      obama pays a higher percentage than romney. romnys worth 150-300 million so he has paid more because he made more. simple math dude.

      Report Post »  
  • 11:11
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:23pm

    i really still don’t understand why should romney release his tax returns, the media‘s been talking about that and i really don’t think it is anyone’s business, and really who cares what about over 40% of the population that DON’T pay taxes what about the over 48% that are sucking on the govt teat one way or another!

    Report Post » 11:11  
  • dannyo
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:22pm

    mitt romney needs to simply say, “no, i will not release my tax records for no other reason than the people asking me to release my tax records want to use whatever they interpret as illicit against me.. instead i will simply say to you all that, yes, i am filthy rich, i have more money than i could ever spend in 20 lifetimes, and if you elect me as president i will do everything i can to give you the opportunity to make as much money as i have made…i’m mitt romney and i approve this message”…

    Report Post »  
  • ReaganBaby
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:13pm

    This should not be an issue, he is doing what all other candidates have done in the past by waiting til April. I think he should just so people can see how much he gives to charity and compare it to any liberal in office or any of the other candidates for that matter. Romney is not my number one pick, but he is far better than Newt would ever be

    Report Post » ReaganBaby  
  • Arshloch
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:49pm

    Sorry Chris, the only tax return I care about is my own. Mitt’s return is his own business. If he is the nominee, the only thing that matters is his ability to undo all the destruction done by obama and reset the countries path to prosperity.

    Report Post » Arshloch  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:37pm

      So, Arshloch, you are sayiing that you will blindly follow Romney, Based On The Romney Rhetoric Only.

      You are saying here that you WON’T vet Romney out to see if who Romney Says He Is, lines up with who Romney Really Is.

      It Is THAT Very Lock-Step-Lemming-Attitude, in mass amounts, that got the Corrupt, SocioPath BHO elected.

      Every Question, About BHO, That Came Up Was Quickly Swept Under The Rug.

      The Lemmings Who Elected BHO, Preferred To Be Seduced By The BHO KoolAid, Rather Than Preferring To Know The Truth.

      Romney’s Afraid Of The Scrutiny! That In Itself Says A Lot About Who He Is.

      IF these candidates are speaking Truth, No Matter How Intense The Scrutiny, They Will Land On Their Feet.

      Because Romney Is Hiding, Romney Knows He Will Fail Under Scrutiny!

      REFUSE To Be A Blind Romney Follower, Arshloch! STAND UP And Do The Research And Think For Yourself!

      Report Post »  
    • PPMStudios
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:24pm

      @ THEGRASSROOTS

      Not that I’m in disagreement with you but, Republicans want someone to follow. Whereas Democrats, want someone to love and worship….

      Report Post » PPMStudios  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:54pm

      @ppmstudios

      Americans want a “Don’t Tread On Me,“ ”Truth Has No Agenda,” No Compromise American Patriot!

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:18pm

      @ppmstudios

      Americans want a “Don’t Tread On Me,“ ”The Truth Has No Agenda” No Compromise American Patriot!
      ~~~~~~~
      @ TheBlazeModerators
      What’s wrong with this statement? Ya don‘t post it this time and I’ll be emailing Glenn Beck. Glenn Beck’s motto is: “The Truth Has No Agenda.” I’m sure Glenn wants his TheBlazeModerators to behave accordingly!

      Report Post »  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 19, 2012 at 1:02am

      GROOT . . You’re close. Actually ARSESMOOCH believes there is some very incriminating info in those tax records. He is also burdened by the conservative’s inability to be forthright where, well, anything is concerned. And so he couches his fear of bad Mitty things being discovered as a grander right to privacy. Here let me show yo how quickly that unravels i the hands of an amateur thinker like ARSESMOOCH . . .

      Where is the right to privacy in the Constitution, MR ARSESMOOCH? (He’ll spin in a few circles with the whole abortion/tax/patriot act thing for a few minutes and then come back with the lamest bit of rationalization you’ve ever seen. Watch, It’s gonna be fun.)

      Report Post » your sensei  
  • Half2day
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:16pm

    Not only should he release his tax returns, but he should also address the questions raised here: http://news.yahoo.com/opposition-file-romney-hits-internet-likely-2008-mccain-094643763.html

    Report Post »  
  • thegrassroots
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:09pm

    RomBama REFUSING To Release His Tax Returns NOW, Is RomBama ADMITTING That There Is SOMETHING WithIn His Tax Returns That WILL JERK The Nomination Out From Under His Feet, When America Finds Out!

    Maintain The Pressure On This Wannabe Prez, America!

    DON’T Drink The RomBama Kool-Aid.

    FLUSH The RomBama KoolAid And DEMAND Answers.

    America Has The RIGHT To Know EVERYTHING About EVERY Wannabe Prez!

    God Bless And Guide America, In Jesus’ Name!

    Report Post »  
    • PPMStudios
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:25pm

      Okay, now I disagree. You don’t have the “RIGHT” to know everything about a candidate!

      It would be nice to know as much as possible but, a RIGHT? Nope…..

      Report Post » PPMStudios  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:35pm

      @ppmstudios

      IF you are CHOOSING to be SO NAIVE about the Importance of Thoroughly Vetting someone who claims to be worthy enough to be potus; I hope you have someone in your life who cares enough about you to throw logs in front of your sure to come train wreck.

      Report Post »  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:09pm

    I do understand what Christie is saying about Romney. He has already paid 35% tax on the money that he invested and an additional 15% tax on top of it. Finally someone is giving an explaination that people can understand. Romney does need to release his tax information now because Obama will certainly use it against him if Romney is the republican nomination. However , I am not so sure about Christie lately. He was on Oprah. Why? She does not normally give interviews to conservatives. The progressives want Romney to run against Obama. Why? Who are Romneys contributers? How is this all connected? We know that both Romney and Christie have been somewhat more moderate than conservative so why is the left nudging them into position to run against Obama? Sure Christie has been tough in his state but is there simply a ploy to get the conservative vote ? Will he become the kind of candidate that can be swayed to the left if he ever gets a higher office? Same goes for Romney. Why did Oprah give Christie the opportunity to show his human side and his compassion for America when she is one of the biggest Obama supporters? None of it adds up and I am very suspious of both Romney and Christie at this point.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:15pm

      “why did oprah give romney a opertunity to show his human side when she is on obamas side” ..oprah.
      maybe because she is a fair person. you don’t have to be a screaming harpie and call names like beck, coulter, rush, hannity…..

      Report Post »  

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