Another Broken Promise

"I will not use signing statements to nullify or undermine congressional instructions as enacted into law." - Candidate Obama

Another instance of Obama's untruthfulness: His failure to notify Congress about Gitmo detainee transfers. 

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/promise/516/no-signing-statements-nullify-instruction-congress/

Party Control of Congress and the Presidency

Some people were wondering about historical precedent regarding party control, divided government, etc. I found a website summarizing it here.

Executive Power

Recess appointments and NLRB v. Canning (see Pika 276-277)

Executive orders, proclamations, and signing statements



Turley testimony

Schroeder testimony

    

Neel Kashkari Election Party

Some of the members of the Claremont College Republican club had the opportunity to go to Neel Kashkari's election party last night in Orange County.  We were invited to stand on the stage behind him as he gave his concession speech.  On stage was Libby Ramsey, Jennifer Sitton, Cameron Ridley, and myself.  It was pretty exciting for those of us who had never been on TV before.

Here's the link to a brief segment of Kashkari walking on stage and us in the background.

I believe he received about 41% of the vote last night compared to Governor Brown's 58%.  Kashkari's focus for his campaign was "Jobs and Education. That's it."  In his speech, Kashkari announced he was"just getting warmed up" and he challenged Gov. Brown to "be bold" his next four years. 

Also, Kashkari is a huge Michael Jackson fan.  MJ was playing when he walked on stage and throughout the night. 

Third Assignment

Choose one:

1. See a day in the Ford presidency or choose a day in the George H.W. Bush presidency or Clinton presidency. Did the president use his time wisely on that day? If so, why? If not, what should he have done differently?
2.  Anthony Kennedy has just retired from the Supreme Court. Whom should President Obama nominate in his place? Explain, considering qualifications and confirmability. 
3. Identify a personnel change that you would make in the Obama administration. In other words, whom would you sack and whom would you hire in that person’s place? Explain how your proposed change would serve the president.
4. Identify a policy change that President Obama could implement without Congress. What would be the legal basis for such an action? Would it be wise policy and smart politics? Explain.
5. Write on a relevant question of your own choosing, subject to my approval.

• Essays should be typed (12 point), stapled, double-spaced, and no more than four pages long. I will not read past the fourth page.

• Put your name on a cover sheet. Do not identify yourself on the text pages.

• Cite your sources with endnotes.  The page limit does not apply to endnote

• Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.

• Return essays to the Sakai dropbox by 5 PM on Friday, November 21.  (Yes, you have two extra days.) Essays will drop one gradepoint for one day's lateness and a full grade for two or more days' lateness. I will grant no extensions except for illness or emergency.

White House Staff

FEARLESS SENATE FORECAST!

• Inside the Obama White House
• Executive Office of the President
• All presidents worry about staff leaks. LBJ did. 
• The Cabinet

Evolution of Campaign Marketing Strategies

It is interesting to see the evolution of presidential candidates' campaigning strategies with the advent of technology.  The link provides images of posters/ flyers as well as TV ads used since the 1960 election. You can view changes in web technologies  - compare Clinton's 1996 website to Obama's 2012 homepage! You can also compare the improvement in Obama's campaign from 2008-2012. Obama e-cards? Nice.

http://www.4president.org/index.htm