Just in time for a democratic president.. James Baker's fancy idea to rein in the presidency

[SoCalDem]

of course Christopher's in the mix too, but I'm not surprised..

The power grab of the last 7+ years is certainly something the republicans are not eager to see in the hands of a democrat...especially with a democratic house & senate..

Republicans have to be shitting themselves about now.. As incompetent and unsatisfying as congress has become, they will be bolder with one of their own in the Oval Office...and Joementum will not be the "last man" , keeping the senate blue..:evilgrin:

Personally, I prefer to see less power in the hands of the president,. BUT..the powers are apparently there now, and before they get snatched away, I'd like to see some real examination of them, and a thoughtful realignment of powers...not just some blather cooked up by James Baker.. ESPECIALLY from James Baker :puke:

[liberal N proud]

1. Facing a very real prospect that Obama will get elected...

The republicons realize that their attempt to convert the democracy to a totalitarian system will most likely fail.
Now they must keep the next President from having the powers the bu$h regime has assumed upon itself.

[bluestateguy]

4. How to scare your conservative friends

"NSA warantless wiretapping. The USA Patriot Act. All at the full disposal of President Barack Obama"

[Debau2005]

7. I have to say

that gave me a smile this morning. I have a few truly conservative relatives, that believe that the current administration can do no wrong, and support them without question.

I think I'll mention the warrantless wiretapping, and the Patriot Act in conversation, then casually mention how the new Democratic administration will have full control and access to it!! If nothing else, the looks of shock and "awe" or should I say dismay will give me a chuckle.

[madokie]

13. and the good thing is President Obama won't need none of this

Good honest people don't have a need to break laws or to over reach as these wretched bastages have.

[fasttense]

2. Congress is irrelevant, only the executive and judiciary

have any power anymore. Congress can't even enforce a little subpoena on Harriet let alone stand up to clear and evident law breaking.

[bluestateguy]

3. What? Another one of these bipartisan masturbation commissions?

They sit around for 3-4 months, listen to themselves talk, go to cocktail parties and then produce a 900 page "report" to send to Congress...

and Congress then proceeds to stick the report on the shelf in the basement.

Don't worry about it.

[Demeter]

5. The First Signs of Official Fear

Like the whiff of burning papers in Cheney's office....

[Triana]

6. 'Swot I figured - attempt to gag and bind a Dem President...

...they aren't concerned when it's a Repig - they refuse to even MENTION the BFEE in their little plan - or what it's done in Iraq. Naaap - don wan talk boout dat - just the NEW President...

H Y P O C R I T E S

[lunatica]

8. Quite frankly, I fear the Democrats will keep those powers intact

I hear Obama speak about looking into it, but then acting as if he doesn't know all the facts yet, so we'll see. The facts are all there, plain as day and easily available to him, so why does he pretend that he doesn't know them? And he may actually look into it, but then what? Will he give up such powers? Will The Democratic party allow him to give up such power? Will we?

The Republicans may be quacking in their silly oversized faux military boots, but then, so should the Democrats. We will see if we live in a Constitutional Democracy and the rule of law soon enough. I don't have much hope though. But I'm quite open to pleasant surprises.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Once You Give The Power, You Rarely Get It Back

I agree that if Democrats win the White House, their perspective on what is national security and how the executive operates will change. THere's too many new weapons that can be both utilized and politicized that Obama or any politician would be a fool to give back. But then I expect the repugnicans and their corporate media enablers will play their usual concern trolls and obstructionists and do all they can to stonewall or play their "faux" outrage should any of the very powers they crave and gave boooshie is used against them.

One thihg that I hope for is a thorough housecleaning of the government...get rid of all the Monica Goodlings that have screwed up every department. We still have no clue to the extent of the corruption and destruction of the past 7 1/2 years and I submit that it will take most of a President Obama's first term just to sort out all these landmines. Maybe having some of those new powers or the threat to use them may help get this country clean up faster...the cynic in me says I'm dreaming, but, like you, I'm open to pleasant surprises.

[Atman]

9. Bush and Pelosi have set the precedents. Any law, even this one, can be ignored.

:puke: is right.

.

[Kansas Wyatt]

11. They know they are going to LOSE the White House.

Otherwise, they wouldn't even think of it.

[Virginia Dare]

12. Don't forget Baker and Poppy are joined at the hip....n/t

[SoCalDem]

14. Yep.. I saw all I ever needed to see of Mr baker, during the '00 election

smarmy, rat-bastard..and why on earth warren Christopher teamed up with him on this "project", is beyond me..

Christopher is the poster child for why mandatory retirement may not be a bad idea..