[OldDog]

Romney’s old tax returns — should he or shouldn’t he?

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archive...houldnt-he.php

Under the Obama standard, Romney’s every investment will be the potential subject of a new attack. Each attack will be more ridiculous than its predecessor. If Romney invested in a company owned by someone whose grandfather’s cousin once closed a big plant in Ohio, then expect the voters of that state quickly to learn about it.

Unfortunately, in this campaign there appears to be no barrier to such attacks. To its credit, portions of the MSM have tried to call foul on Obama. But there’s always an outlet like the Boston Globe willing to serve as Obama’s accomplice by fanning the flames. If Romney releases more returns, he might well find himself putting out fires for weeks.

Thus, the question of whether Romney should release more returns cannot be resolved based on the adage, if he’s got nothing to hide then he shouldn’t hide anything. The campaign needs to weigh the potential damage of no further disclosure against the damage Team Obama can inflict if it obtains more returns.

Those of us on the outside can’t help the Romney camp make this assessment. But we can warn that, in estimating the damage Obama can inflict, the Romney camp must be mindful that Obama doesn’t play by, and isn’t held to, the normal rules.