FBCI

Over the weekend I was thinking about something from last week's topic. It is small and relatively unimportant, but I was curious about it nonetheless. I was wondering about the Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. I imagine it has played a significant role during the Bush presidency in catering to the religious voters. But I was thinking about the role this office would have in a Romney administration. Just how much does the religious preference of the president influence this office? Would Romney use this office to promote a Mormon faith-based agenda? Or would he specifically refrain from this? I also was thinking of what would happen in a Giuliani presidency, where faith clearly is not of much of importance. How would this office look under his stewardship? I guess I am wondering whether this office tends to be filled by members of the president's church, or if it is simply given (almost like a cabinet position) to someone who will please religious supporters.

Campaign Strategy in the Democratic Primary

According to this Politico article http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/6816.html, it looks like Clinton and Obama are taking opposite strategies. Clinton opts for the partisan technique, rallying the base and "turning up the heat" against Republicans. Obama, on the other hand, is going for the "nation healed" motto and seeks to "reunite the country."

Why do you think these two candidates are going for these distinct strategies? What about Clinton makes "turning up the heat" more appropriate versus "a nation healed?" Also, what about the enviornment? When does the political enviornment call for a more conciliatory approach?

Also, does anyone know of examples in history where multiple candidates ganged up on the front runner in a primary and that front runner lost? If so, which underdog took the nomination? Has this proven to be a successful campaign strategy?

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.

Generational test for Republicans

Politico featured this article about global warming and the Republican party. I think there are two things our class can take away from it.

The article addresses young voters and how they can sway public opinion and the election. Several Republican legislators have begun to change their minds about global warming because of the environmental movement led by our generation. Activists have used the election effectively by putting pressure on candidates to say something about the issue. The Democratic candidates have all discussed global warming , and the trend is affecting Republicans. Grassroots movements can utilize election season in this manner.

On the other hand, this issue brings to light how superficial campaigning can be. The authors mention that the candidates are trying to stay away from addressing global warming in detail because the solutions are too expensive and therefore turn off the general public. While Republicans and Democrats are starting to agree that this is a real issue, they will use traditional campaign strategy and gloss over it with vague statements. The authors believe that it will be a while before their is action on the political front.

The President and the Bureaucracy

In current news, as Alannah points out below, Pat Robertson has endorsed Giuliani. Maybe he did not catch the YouTube video featuring Giuliani with Donald Trump.

As for the vice presidency and the 25th Amendment ....

Click here for information on the Clinton cabinet and here for the Bush (43) cabinet. Consider the criteria in Pika (p. 230):

• Political experience;
• Clientele or ethnic identification;
• Technical expertise;
• Pretenure friendship.

Here is a long list of independent agencies.

Here is information and rules and executive orders.