Quick headsup to my reality-based peeps.
I’ve read a few folks around here make assertions like: “Trump can get away with not releasing his taxes because Clinton won’t release her speech transcripts.”
Calling bull product. The two sets of documents are not equivalent.
Both sets might be of interest to voters, but only one is traditionally asked of candidates.
If someone can point out an instance in which another presidential candidate has been requested to release transcripts of privately-contracted paid speeches, the argument that such requests have become as part of the vetting process might hold water.
I’m not aware of any such precedent. Every candidate since Nixon has been asked about their taxes (and every single one who’s refused to release any records has lost).
I’d be happy to hear of any other candidates who’ve been asked to release transcripts of paid speeches as a qualification for office. But if there are no such examples, please stop comparing apples to Appaloosas.