Swift Kids for Truth

A spoof off of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads.

Click here to see the satirical videos on Clinton, Edwards, and Obama, created by 23/6.com, a new comedy "news" site. Unlike the Swift Vets for Truth commercials, these farcical ads wont impact the polls, but they're funny.

Ted Strickland for Vice President?

On the topic of possible running mates, Ted Strickland, who was elected governor of Ohio last year by a wide margin, recently endorsed Clinton. Although he only has a year of experience as governor, he had a long career in the house beginning in the early nineties. He would be a huge asset in Ohio and he has the endorsement of the NRA. I also think he's fairly moderate, especially on social issues.

Congress and the President

This week, we look at relations between the branches. On Monday, we stand at the White House end of Pennsylvania Avenue. How does the president try to get his way with Congress? (See roll call votes). How does the president try to get his way around Congress? The answer to both questions involves a mix of formal authority (e.g., vetoes, executive orders, signing statements), public pronouncements (veto messages, statements of administration policy (SAPs) and informal persuasion.

As for the former, note how both President Clinton and President Bartlet used the Antiquities Act. In this case, as in others, have presidents overstepped their authority?

As for the latter, shall see a classic video presentation of LBJ working his will on Congress. Here is an audio on the same topic. (And another.) Could you picture similar conversations with President Bush?

On Wednesday, we take the view from Capitol Hill. How does Congress seek to influence or restrain the president and the rest of the executive branch. The ultimate weapon is impeachment, which Representative Kucinich tried to use last week.