Best quote from weekend talk-shows

I have to admit that I was envious when Mitt Romney cited the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) twice during last week’s Presidential debate.  The small-business pretender organization was effectively used by Mr. Romney to give credibility to his argument that allowing the tax rates on households with over $250,000 in income would cause small businesses to shed 710,000 jobs.

This estimate was based on a highly questionable report partially paid for by the NFIB.  I’ll address why this report is bogus when it comes to real small business tomorrow.

But the report’s integrity was strongly attacked on “Up W/Chris Hayes” Sunday morning’s show simply because it was commissioned by the NFIB.  Mr. Hayes said:

“The National Federation of Independent Business is essentially a right-wing interest group that is out there to destroy Democrats at every opportunity.  I don’t think that I’m overstating things when I say that….It is not an independent source in any way.”

Unfortunately, Mr. Hayes did not give a quick acknowledgement of other real small business organizations like the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) that do not agree with the NFIB.  Mr. Hayes knows about the ASBC and even knows me (I’ve met him in DC twice). 

Come on, Chris.  Throw us a bone.