THE BIG QUESTION, Feb. 6: Tax Problems for Obama?

The Big Question is a feature where influential lawmakers, pundits and interest group leaders give their answers to a question that’s driving discussion in news circles around the country.

Some responses are gathered via e-mail, while others are gathered in person via tape recorder.

Today’s Big Question is:

Is Obama damaged by the tax problems surrounding his nominees? Will the issue dog him for a long time and affect his agenda?

See responses below from Dean Baker, William Redpath, Dr. Larry J. Sabato and Dr. Herbert London.

See the last Big Question here.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said:

The damage that’s been incurred is of a temporary nature. People have a relatively short focus time on things like that. Most people will pivot and focus on bigger problems like how are we going to get this economy moving in a real hurry, and I think they are already beginning to do that.

Response obtained in person at the Capitol via digital recorder.

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) said:

I don’t think so. It’s a little nick but it’s not a serious cut.

Response obtained in person at the Capitol via digital recorder.

Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pa.) said:

I don’t think so. No. I think he’s off to a real strong start, but we’ve got lots of challenges ahead.

Response obtained in person at the Capitol via digital recorder.

Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said:

If these are the worst scandals that President Obama faces, then he will be doing very well measured against the competition. The Solis “scandal” really takes the cake as a bottom feeder… Read the full response

Dr. Herbert London, president, Hudson Institute said:

There is little doubt that the lax vetting process for appointees in the Obama administration displays rank political amateurism. Whether the president can recover from these setbacks depends on his reaction and how quickly he can adjust to the negative political commentary.

William Redpath, national committee chairman, Libertarian Party said:

I think he is marginally damaged by his nominees’ tax problems. It certainly highlights the need for major tax simplification and lower marginal tax rates, which will greatly help tax compliance.

Dr. Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said:

The political watchword for 2009 is “populism.” Average Americans by the millions are furious about the waste of taxpayer dollars involved in the TARP money, the excesses of Wall Street and the big banks, the arrogance of many CEOs… Read the full response