While postponing and election would prolong a president’s term. To do so would bring up a lot of questions that could make that president almost unelectable when an election finally was held. It would likely not be in Bush’s best political interests to do this, however, Bush does seem to do what he thinks is the right thing to do, even if it hurts him politically.
Jay TeaJuly 17, 2004
I guess I didn’t spell it out fully, Rodney. There are three distinct elements involved here: 1) the general election, B) the electoral college vote, and III) the assumption of office. The last is fixed in time by the Constitution; the other two are governed by law. As long as assumption of office happens on January 20, as Constitutionally mandated, all we have to do to move the other two around is amend the laws. Postponing the election will NOT affect the length of Bush’s term — only amending the Constitution would affect that.
Thanks JT. My wife and I were discussing this the other day and I’ve been too lazy to look it up myself.
I always enjoy it when folks say, “Shouldn’t the President be doing…” and we find out it’s actually Congress’ job. Loved it when it happened to Clinton. Love it here just as well. It’s even funnier when a Congressman or Senator is the one screaming that the President hasn’t done enough…when it’s their job.
Rodney DillJuly 17, 2004
I wasn’t so much focused on the legalities, but what the political implications would be given level of polarization.
AndrewSeptember 2, 2004
I can’t believe anyone would want to postpone or make election day earlier. Do the Republicans think that changing the date is really going to throw the terrorists off? I mean, if the date were changed surely it would be the biggest story in the news for a quite a while and the new date would be heavily publicized. Terrorists watch the news. It’s as simple as that. Changing the date might also make the terrorists think that we’re divided or scared, exactly what Bush says he doesn’t want. To me, changing the date of the election would be nothing more than a scam to take attention away from the challenger, John Kerry. What a farce. Is President Bush really that devoid of substance that he would have to resort to something THAT drastic to give him an advantage in the election? Give me a break.
While postponing and election would prolong a president’s term. To do so would bring up a lot of questions that could make that president almost unelectable when an election finally was held. It would likely not be in Bush’s best political interests to do this, however, Bush does seem to do what he thinks is the right thing to do, even if it hurts him politically.
I guess I didn’t spell it out fully, Rodney. There are three distinct elements involved here: 1) the general election, B) the electoral college vote, and III) the assumption of office. The last is fixed in time by the Constitution; the other two are governed by law. As long as assumption of office happens on January 20, as Constitutionally mandated, all we have to do to move the other two around is amend the laws. Postponing the election will NOT affect the length of Bush’s term — only amending the Constitution would affect that.
J.
Thanks JT. My wife and I were discussing this the other day and I’ve been too lazy to look it up myself.
I always enjoy it when folks say, “Shouldn’t the President be doing…” and we find out it’s actually Congress’ job. Loved it when it happened to Clinton. Love it here just as well. It’s even funnier when a Congressman or Senator is the one screaming that the President hasn’t done enough…when it’s their job.
I wasn’t so much focused on the legalities, but what the political implications would be given level of polarization.
I can’t believe anyone would want to postpone or make election day earlier. Do the Republicans think that changing the date is really going to throw the terrorists off? I mean, if the date were changed surely it would be the biggest story in the news for a quite a while and the new date would be heavily publicized. Terrorists watch the news. It’s as simple as that. Changing the date might also make the terrorists think that we’re divided or scared, exactly what Bush says he doesn’t want. To me, changing the date of the election would be nothing more than a scam to take attention away from the challenger, John Kerry. What a farce. Is President Bush really that devoid of substance that he would have to resort to something THAT drastic to give him an advantage in the election? Give me a break.