Sunday, August 09, 2009

Obama Lurvs Him Some Signing Statements

I remember when signing statements were a bad thing. But President Obama who condemned them during the campaign has--you guessed it--flip-flopped on the issue and now can't get enough of 'em.

In the presidential campaign, Mr. Obama called Mr. Bush’s use of signing statements an “abuse,” and said he would issue them with greater restraint. The Obama administration says the signing statements the president has signed so far, challenging portions of five bills, have been based on mainstream interpretations of the Constitution and echo reservations routinely expressed by presidents of both parties.

Of course he's using signing statements sparingly. Or not. But don't challenge him on it because Teh One gets testy about having to explain himself.

Fortunately, some Democrats aren't cowards about pointing out the hypocrisy of condemning an action during one's campaign and then wrapping that action in a big ol' bear hug once you're POTUS. But I don't expect to see many complaints from the leftosphere on the issue.