Not a good day for the Obama administration:

Former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle on Tuesday withdrew his nomination to oversee the Health and Human Services Department, just a few hours after another Obama nominee also withdrew.

Both had controversies with taxes and cited distractions over that as their reasons for withdrawing.

In a White House statement, President Barack Obama said he accepted Daschle's withdrawal "with sadness and regret."

I gather that Daschle woke up, read the NYT editorial, realized he was going to be a major distraction for Obama, and opted out.

It's unfortunate, but probably the right decision.