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.

I’m pretty surprised that Mitt Romney’s team let their guy go down this path. Or maybe it’s just him. Stung by the 13.9% tax rate story and goaded on by some conservative columnists, Mitt Romney is now saying that his actual tax rate is “really closer to 45 or 50 percent.” Read More

In the absence of a validated shroud or holy relics, who’s winning the all-important ex-Reagan staffer primary? Click here to find out.