President Obama hardly seems like an “audacious” fellow.
Remember the “No Drama Obama” mantra during his first term in the White House? That was meant to describe a president who disliked being overly aggressive in the pursuit of foreign or domestic policy.
I guess that’s about to change now that the president is entering his final year in office.
He wants to ponder “audacious” executive actions, things he can do unilaterally without the approval of Congress.
Presidential prerogative is an important element of governing. I’ve long believed in it, given that the president is elected nationally.
Barack Obama has used the power of his office — granted by the U.S. Constitution — relatively sparingly during his seven years in the White House. However, some of the orders he’s issued — such as those on immigration and on gun control — have caused considerable consternation.
Are they illegal? Is he “lawless,” as some Republican presidential candidates keep alleging as they toss out the red meat to their supporters from the stump? No on both counts, in my view.
But the president’s “audacious” use of executive authority clearly must have its limits.
I will continue to have a large measure of faith that the legal eagles in the Justice Department and in the White House’s West Wing know the limits set forth in the Constitution. What’s more, the president keeps reminding us that he taught constitutional law once.
So, if Congress isn’t going to help govern the country along with the White House, proceed, Mr. President.
But please, young man, be careful.
