Ann Romney Defends the Secrets of Family's Fortress of Money

In an interview with Robin Roberts on today’s Good Morning America, Ann Romney was asked to discuss — among other things like possible VP candidates, her husband’s totally chill personality and her struggles with M.S. — why she and her husband have been so adamantly against releasing Mittens’ tax returns from any earlier than two years back. When Roberts pointed out that past presidents on either side of the aisle have released several more years’ worth of tax returns (President Obama released his for the past seven years, while the Bushes offered up ten to twelve years worth), Ann-bot responded:

“I think there are reasons for all of these things. You should really look at where Mitt has led his life and where he has been financially. He is a very generous person. We give 10% of our income to our church every year. Do you think that is the kind of person who is trying to hide things or do things? No. He is so good about it.”

(It should be noted that all Mormons are expected to give 10% of their annual income to the Mormon church.)

Roberts then asked the obvious— why not show the tax returns if there is nothing to hide?

According to Ann:

“Because there are so many things that will be open again for more attack and you just don’t want to give more material for more attack. And really, that’s just the answer. And we’ve given all that the people need to know and understand about our financial situation and about how we live our life.”

So, the Romneys’ tax returns are entirely clean and in order and yet releasing them to the public will give the opposition more fodder for attack? If this seems backwards to you, let it go. The Romneys have told us everything we “need to know.” Really, we ignoramus ought to be grateful to them for so conveniently filtering that information for us.