2008 Platform Proposal: A WEAKER EXECUTIVE

[Zynx]

We have seen under Bush and, before him, Reagan and Nixon just how powerful the president of this country has become. They can now impose tariffs without Congressional approval(quite shocking if you ask me), start wars with simply a resolution or an just an executive order even without Congress, spy on their own citizens without warrants, detain people for indefinite lengths of time, etc. The list of powers they have is amazing and what is even more amazing is that many people seem to think the president should be some sort of autocrat. I think, particularly after this spy incident, that the vast majority of Americans would endorse the call for a weaker president. The president was never intended to be this powerful and I think most Americans are probably uncomfortable with it. I don't care if the president is a Democrat or a Republican, I don't want this much power in their hands.

[nickshepDEM]

1. Good points all the way around, but...

How do we sell it? I mean, if your running for president how can you say I want to be 'weaker' if elected.

[Zynx]

2. We make it an attack on the imperial presidency that is unpopular with

conservatives in particular. We make it about protecting civil liberties, which is important to a lot of people. Stress that more power will be in the hands of Congress and the Courts and not with the executive where it doesn't belong. If you sell it as a constitutional issue, you might be able to split the conservative vote at the seems since there is a large segment of the conservative vote that is very cautious about a powerful executive branch.

[JerseygirlCT]

3. Don't talk about a weaker presidency

talk about strengthening the power of the people to be represented. Talk about representation with teeth.

But for pete's sakes, don't even breathe that word "weaker"! We'd be chewed up and spit out before anyone could explain what you mean!

[sduncang]

4. Mondo Correcto...

The right wing wackos wanted a weaker Executive when Clinton was President. Drop the idea of a "weaker" anything.

[Zynx]

5. Fine. We can rephrase it, but that's purely semantics.

The issue I believe is sound and not just because I believe that after Bush's abuses it would score political points. I truly think the presidency is slowly evolving into a dictatorial position, partially because of the powers they've obtained and partially because of the deference stupid Americans pay to the president. There are those on both parties that always seem to think that not only should Congress rubber stamp nominations, but should also rubber stamp legislation. We need to bring an end to the imperial presidency now before it gets to the point of no return.