It's not logical because it is describing something that is political in nature and not logical in itself. It is a political dodge used to change the subject and sound convincing when the point is actually to obfuscate.
Your comment proves that it works.
There is a simple alternative interpretation: a strategy of fighting one battle at a time. You can't claim this to be naive; great many strategoi did just that and fought on one front at a time.
Considering the layout of power, one may estimate that a simultaneous reduction and simplification of taxes may not work: no chance of passing. If so, first simplifying and subsequently trying to reduce taxes is a viable strategy.
Assuming the worst without a shred of evidence is neither fair nor logical.