WASHINGTON - Like pardons and executive orders, vetoes are among the cherished privileges of the Oval Office. Ike liked them. So did presidents Truman and Cleveland - and both Roosevelts.
But apparently not George W. Bush. In fact, well into the fifth year of his presidency, he has yet to issue a single veto.
It's a streak unmatched in modern American history, one that throws into question traditional notions of checks and balances.
Although the streak could end next month - Mr. Bush is threatening a veto if Congress eases his restrictions on federal funding for stem-cell research - the Bush era thus far underscores a historically high-water mark of collegial cooperation between Congress and the White House, experts say.
As I've said before, it will say volumes about Bush and his administration if the only veto he issues during his two terms is against stem-cell research. I won't be shocked if this does happen, but at least the backlash will make for good entertainment.
On many major bills that Bush has signed - No Child Left Behind and tax relief, for example - the veto was never a consideration because the White House itself had proposed the legislation. Yet on dozens of other bills, the president has become a rubber stamp for a spendthrift Congress, betraying his campaign image as a fiscal conservative, critics say.
It never fails to amaze me how traditional conservatives can continue to back Bush when he essentially goes against everything they stand for. He's not a fiscal conservative, and he certainly isn't keeping government "off our backs." Spend, spend, spend, and more intrusive government is the Bush mantra.
"For fiscal conservatives, it's frustrating to watch," says David Keating, executive director at the Club for Growth, a Washington group that advocates fiscal responsibility and lower taxes. "He's beginning to lose all credibility with these veto threats."
And yet, he's still fawned over and coddled, treated as a "regular guy" that "cares about average Americans." His popularity is at an all-time low, he's spitting in the face of families that have lost loved ones in his war, his vacationing has jumped the line into ludicrous territory, and he still can't manage to speak like an adult.
And it's still smooth sailing for Dear Leader.
Seriously, what will it take?
(Puff, the magic cross-post lived by the sea...)
Shakesville is run as a safe space. First-time commenters: Please read Shakesville's Commenting Policy and Feminism 101 Section before commenting. We also do lots of in-thread moderation, so we ask that everyone read the entirety of any thread before commenting, to ensure compliance with any in-thread moderation. Thank you.
blog comments powered by Disqus