Please define: shady bush
D | Monday, August 01, 2005

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1. n - a low shrub with many branches, under which one can find relief from the sun

2. n - occurs when the President bypasses Congressional approval using a recess appointment for an incredibly controversial UN ambassador

So Bolton is on the job via a recess appointment. This "presidential liberty" is designed to fill a vacancy with a qualified candidate that the Senate would confirm if they were in session, not to sidestep Congressional approval with a candidate that has kicked up a media storm the likes of which has not been seen since Clarence Thomas and Anita Hill. A "Shady Bush." But, that's just my opinion (and yes, it has been pointed out to me that Clinton did this as well with some Circuit Court judges and a gay ambassador to Luxembourg (or someplace), so yes, I know Bush isn't the first).

D | 8/01/2005 05:21:00 PM |   Post your comment

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Comments:

Unfortunately there are some Presidential powers used for reasons other than their original purpose. It's hard to say why the President can appoint during recesses. On the one hand, yes, perhaps it has to do with approving someone Congress would have approved anyway but couldn't get to because the recess came up at the wrong time. On the other hand, I could also understand the argument that the President, as executive, has a very broad appointment power as it is, only checked by "advice and consent" from the Senate which has its own set of interepretations. Along those lines, perhaps the power is in place to allow him to appoint people that he finds crucial to his goals but which the Senate is unjustly holding up because each Senator has his/her own agenda.

As far as the particular situation involving Bolton goes, I haven't read enough about the guy to know whether I like him or not. But as you mention that Clinton did similar things, I'm sure the move isn't as dramatic as the media makes it out to be. But that's just my opinion on the issue.
Ruvym | August 02, 2005 8:37 AM | permalink
 

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The President can do as he sees fit. My real issue is that Senate confirmation was a long way off. Why not withdrawl Bolton as nominee and take another swing with a new person when Congress comes back in session (or recess apoint a new, less controversial person)?
D | August 02, 2005 4:00 PM | permalink
 

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Why not change the nominee? Because Bush is known for doing what he wants. For good or bad, he's pretty stubborn about those kinds of things and I guess he saw this as the perfect opportunity to progress his agenda without having to deal with Congress. Technically he's allowed to do it, and I guess he wasn't too concerned with the backlash.
Ruvym | August 02, 2005 5:35 PM | permalink
 

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