president as chief legislator?

[Mae Kuykendall]

Brian Kalt requested that I post the following comment by him:

"Some thoughts, after reading the Constitution:

First, art. II, § 3 does direct the president to "recommend to [Congress's] Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." So it certainly seems fair to consider the Constitution as settnig the president up a leader in the legislative process.

Second, given that the president has the power to veto, it seems unexceptional to me that this translates into a power to shape the content of legislation ex ante.

Given these two things, and given that the commentators have ample basis to place more confidence in the president than in Congress, it doesn't seem that disturbing to me."  Brian Kalt


>>> guayiya <guayiya at bellsouth.net> 02/08/09 9:00 PM >>>
I find it very disturbing that many commentators are chiding the 
President for allowing Congress to legislate, instead of dictating to 
them the stimulus package he desires.  Have these folks ever read the 
Constitution?
Daniel Hoffman