that's not something i'm planning today, but never say never. >> but if you were president, it's not that hard to make a commitment that if you're elected president of the united states, that you would release the tax returns. every president does. >> you know, if i become president, why then i'll consider that. it's a little premature for me to be talking about that at this stage. >> is there some secret? people know you're wealthy. >> yeah, i understand. >> there's nothing to hide? >> no, a degree. there's nothing to hide. >> that was andrea mitchell talking to mitt romney about his decision not to release his income tax returns. you'll see more of her interview at the top of the hour. but speaking of hiding, 2011 seemed to be a year of ducking and dodging questions and explaining away the unexplainable. here's a look at this year's best excuses. >> excuse me. >> i don't think right wing social engineering is any more desirable than left wing social engineering. any ad which quotes what i said on sunday is a falsehood. >> when he took office the economy was in recession. and he made it worse.