Political Quotes

“I rise this afternoon to talk about the President's sixth State of the Union Address tomorrow night. Although I do not think the Framers imagined the pageantry that has come to accompany the State of the Union, it certainly is enshrined in the Constitution. According to article II, section 3: The President shall from time to time, give the Congress information on the State of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. ``Recommend for Congress consideration such measures''--I note with interest in today's Wall Street Journal on the front page that President Obama intends to assert a unilateral agenda at the State of the Union, according to press reports, at least in the Wall Street Journal. The article begins: President Barack Obama Tuesday night will seek to shift the public's souring view of his leadership. It goes on to say in paragraph 2: Mr. Obama will emphasize his intention to use unilateral Presidential authority, bypassing Congress when necessary, to an extent not seen in his previous State of the Union speeches. This certainly does not sound like article II, section 3, where the State of the Union is anticipated by our Founders as an opportunity for the President to make recommendations to the Congress, but we shall see. It should not be difficult for President Obama to outline a number of national priorities that are necessary and expedient for the Congress to consider.…”