The White House has long been obvious in its effort to run out the clock on the constitutional challenge to the subpoenas for former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten. As a court found, the White House arguments are meritless, but the Administration has been relying on the calendar more than the Constitution. This week, that strategy succeeded with an appellate court issuing a stay that guarantees that the subpoenas will expire with this Congress.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia granted the White House a stay after concluding that the matter will not be resolved before the end of this Congress: “Even if expedited, this controversy will not be fully and finally resolved by the judicial branch … before the 110th Congress ends on January 3, 2009. . . At that time, the 110th House of Representatives will cease to exist as a legal entity, and the subpoenas it has issued will expire. In view of the above considerations, we see no reason to set the appeal. If the case becomes moot, we would be wasting the time of the court and the parties.”
Just last week, the Department of Justice’s Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility issued a 356-page report on the U.S. Attorney firings that “found significant evidence that political partisan considerations were an important factor in the removal of several of the U.S. Attorneys.” However, the Congress has been stymied by an obstructionist position of Attorney General Michael Mukasey. The Democratic leadership was unwilling to use the full powers available to it to force the question, including the possible use of inherent contempt authority. As a result, this was a pre-ordained conclusion. Once again, the entire exercise seems designed for public consumption to give the appearance of aggressive pursuit of these officials.
The next Congress can renew this effort. However, it is widely expected that it is not likely to continue with the new Administration.
For the full story, click here
rafflaw
1, October 8, 2008 at 7:37 am
CMM,
I agree with you that Obama won the debate last night. He won it handily in my opinion. McCain, once again, used false statements and lies about Obama’s tax plan and Obama came back at him to deflect the misinformation. He has to do that again next week in the final debate. It is his election to lose now.
What I saw for Obama last night was a Gregory Peck like moment. Here was the calm, cool candidate, who has had his race dragged through the mud by McCain and his new henchwoman, Palin, (who’s been out there labling him a terrorist sympathizer while simultaneously running from any reporters or journalists questions and interviews that would challenge her smearmongering campaign of hate) yet he never stopped smiling.
And he has a GREAT smile.
He just sat there, calm, cool, Gregory Peck like, towering over the little old meanmouthed man standing next to him, mocking him, calling him “that one”, and didn’t miss a beat.
But when his moment came, was when McCain tried to interupt him, and started across the stage to try and intimidate him, and said “thank you”, interupting Obama. Obama instead of “reacting” just sucker punched him as we walked right into it. It was the ole “ONE TWO”.
He smacked him down on the BombomBom Iran song, AND his statements on anihilating North Korea.
McCain visibily REELED at this one, and I felt for a moment there that I was watching a prize fight where the knockdown blow had just been delivered.
Obama, like Gregory Peck, showed the coolness there of a man who “walks soft, and carry’s a big stick” something Mccain was bragging about, and that made the debate for me a clear win.
I didn’t give the last one to Obama. I called it a wash. But this one, … this one Obama bitchslapped him across the room there, and there is no doubt, who was victorious last night.
😐
Thank God.
BIL,
“An Obama victory brings the promise of justice.” Only if people keep his feet to the fire. Obama does not have plans to pursue the illegalities committed by cheneybush. His campaingn manager this morning said Obama wasn’t ready to renegotiate mortgages. Obama voted for FISA and the bailout. That’s why I worry so much about people’s ideas that Obama will “bring justice”. Obama has many flawed policies. They indeed look good in comparison to McCain but they are still flawed. If the left wing will not hold Obama accountable no one will. We have had 8 years of complete unaccountability in our politicians. We cannot afford any more of this. I feel so strongly that we cannot afford any illusions about Obama. People in power will do as they please unless the people say NO. If he’s given a free pass by the left wing, he’ll take it and there will be no justice. I completely share your concerns about McCain and believe with you that people are very angry. We do need justice and American has lost all moral authority due to the lack thereof.
CMM,
I agree with you that Obama won the debate last night. He won it handily in my opinion. McCain, once again, used false statements and lies about Obama’s tax plan and Obama came back at him to deflect the misinformation. He has to do that again next week in the final debate. It is his election to lose now.