Posted by
CarpeVeritas on Thursday, March 05, 2009 12:00:00 AM
President Obama promised accountability. Republican support for Presidental line item veto would place the Democrats in a difficult position.
Pragmatically the line item veto will allow President Obama to honor his promise to end Earmarks, and cleary depart Democratic Entitlement party lines. Should President Obama not use "this" newly acquired line item veto, he would then be abdicating his promise to reduce/end Earmarks.
This would also force Senators and Representatives to go "on the record" about Earmarks, and the Budget. No more blaming the past administration(s). Eventually you can't talk your way out of something you behaved your way into.
Those opposing Republicans may want to consider that the line item veto would also apply to future Presidents, ensuring creater checks on future earmarks; so opposition would be very short sighted.