Two weeks ago today, it was all pomp and circumstance for President Barack Obama, as he was sworn into office and cheered lustily by as many as two million people in Washington, D.C.
Today, the job must have felt like a drag, as two of his nominees had to withdraw because of questions about their taxes.
"This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for secretary of health and human services. I accept his decision with sadness and regret," said Mr. Obama in a written statement issued by the White House.
In a separate statement, Daschle said he withdrew because he didn't want to be a "distraction" for the new administration.
His withdrawal came less than two hours after a White House budget official had withdrawn her name for a new post, also because of past tax problems.
While this isn't the end of the world for the Obama White House, it is a big bump in the road, because Daschle was going to play a very big role in the administration on health care issues.
Now it's back to the drawing board for a nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary.
And the big question is - are there others who have tax problems just waiting to explode? Stay tuned.
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