TPM Reader MJ gets the plan …
Romneyworld is not pushing the 50% angle because they really believe it, clearly. They’re pushing it because they know it will muddy the waters on the issue, since mainstream media reporters are constantly looking for their “balance” these days, and now the 13.9% or 15% reference will surely start being accompanied in press stories by “but Romney claims the figure is more like 45-50%.” Conservative outlets and talk radio then start pushing Romney’s angle, and I can hear it now, an exchange between Republican primary (or for that matter, general) voters – “can you believe Romney only paid 14% tax on all those millions?” “Nah, I heard that was wrong! It’s more like 50%!” And the seeds of doubt are successfully sown, taking the power out of the 15% story.
