I offered a tepid defense of Obama on signing statements a few days ago, pointing out that Obama had acknowledged his intention to use signing statements during the campaign. At the time, I had not seen the video above (h/t), in which Obama seems to promise that he won’t do precisely what he is doing—using signing statements to protect executive power. So, yes, it appears that Obama has broken yet another promise, and I feel foolish for having defended him.
AWARD for the most disingenuous video on Tumblr today.
- Obama promises he won’t use signing statements to enhance executive authority—which he’s doing.
- Obama makes it seem as if George Bush pioneered the use of signing statements—which he didn’t.
- Obama claim he’s going to abide by the Constitution—which is laughable.
