Hope and Change: Move to repeal presidential term limits started
posted at 5:00 pm on January 13, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Maybe I’m just being too cynical, but somehow I doubt that Rep. José Serrano introduced HJ Res 5 in order to allow George W Bush to run for a third term in office. One week ago, the New York Democrat introduced a measure to repeal the 22nd Amendment, which provides the only term limit on federal office — the Presidency. The amendment, added in 1951, restricts anyone from seeking a third term in office, and Serrano wants that repealed.
Why now? Apparently, the notion of Hope and Change has overwhelmed Serrano to the point that he just can’t stand to see Barack Obama limited to two terms in office. Never mind the fact that Obama has yet to start his first term, and no one knows yet whether he’d get re-elected in 2012. Maybe it’s that New Deal vibe; Serrano may want to prepare the way for a more tangible comparison between Obama and FDR in 2016 and 2020.
Of course, a repeal wouldn’t just apply to Obama. What other former President might decide he wants to return to the White House? Someone who couldn’t quite close the deal by having his wife run for the office?
Normally, I don’t like term limits, but the office of the presidency has enough power to make the 22nd Amendment a reasonable limitation on it. So far, no one has added themselves as a cosponsor to Serrano’s bill, but if any do, perhaps Democrats might want to explain why they suddenly have a yen for Hugo Chavez-style executives after screeching hysterically about Bush’s ideas of the “unitary executive,” which they completely misunderstood anyway.
Update: Via Amerpundit in the comments, I see that this is an ongoing effort by Serrano. He introduced the same bill in 2003, when Bill Clinton would have been the obvious beneficiary. Steve Benen wrote an interesting history of it at the time.
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Stalin would be proud!
grapeknutz on January 13, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Go ahead and let it backfire when Obama gets beaten so badly after flushing America down the toilet that his replacement lasts four terms.
Grafted on January 13, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Why not? Obama is already the BEST PRESIDENT EVER!
BuzzCrutcher on January 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Keep term limits. After what Roosevelt did we had to cap the presidential term. Even Bush who I think did a great job doesn’t deserve a third term.
kanda on January 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Rep. Serrano — proceed at your own peril.
D2Boston on January 13, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Jimmah Carter licks his lips in anticipation.
a capella on January 13, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Jimmah Carter gets inaugerated next week for his second term…
SDarchitect on January 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Why stop there? Keep the amendments coming libs. Now’s your chance.
JiangxiDad on January 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Correction. Term limits ain’t what did Jimmah in,..it was performance.
a capella on January 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Stop Now
BobH on January 13, 2009 at 5:06 PM
I think in 2013, private citizen Barack Obama will be more worried about boredom, and all the free time he has on his hands.
RBMN on January 13, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Heh. Who can’t see the Clenis running against Obama in the 2012 primary, saying “Well, hell, he pretty much already appointed my whole administration to their old jobs, might as well have the real thing!”
Jaibones on January 13, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Don’t lawmakers have more pressing crap to tend to or is all the “crisis” talk just media BS? Because this just makes mockery of congress and a slap in the face of taxpayers who put them there.
Topsecretk9 on January 13, 2009 at 5:08 PM
President for life Barack Husein Obama
has a nice ring to it doesn’t it?
All of those presidents for life on the African continent did so well for their countrymen.
All of those presidents for life in the Islamic community do so well for their countrymen.
Just look at the economic mess we have now. It wouldn’t happen under a lifetime president.
Bush destroyed the economy just to screw up the next administration.
/ I think I’m starting to get the hang of this. I could become a loyal democrat. (I want my slice of the pie. Pay me.)
Skandia Recluse on January 13, 2009 at 5:08 PM
You all are assuming we’re still going to have a country in eight years.
BigD on January 13, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Proof positive that the Democrats have given up on Democracy and now seek to usurp the people through a “cult of personality” governance a la Hugo Chavez.
I don’t know of any true Republicans who’d support three terms for any Republican President. We recognize that a limit has to be placed on this office – otherwise we’re in danger of cementing a King or Dictator in Pennsylvania Ave. How ludicrous – yet the useful idiots in the American press will hail the idea as a stroke of genious.
Our Democracy is coming to an end.
HondaV65 on January 13, 2009 at 5:08 PM
God, It’s like a cult.
Rollie on January 13, 2009 at 5:09 PM
New Democrat campaign slogan: Unlimited Power for Unlimited Time!
Great…
myrenovations on January 13, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Might was well just burn the Constitution and all the amendments now…
Freedom from government tyranny was fun while it lasted.
kirkill on January 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Oh good lord.
CP on January 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
I knew this idea was coming, just not so quick. What scares me is the idea that BHO may buy off so many voters through his wealth redistribution programs that there may be no stopping him. Hopefully that was just a bad nightmare.
ImRight on January 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Good LORD… And if the Republicans had done this in 2004 the looney left would have declared civil war.
Skywise on January 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Serrano tried to do the same thing in 2005.
amerpundit on January 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Jimmah Carter licks his lips in anticipation.
a capella on January 13, 2009 at 5:04 PM
They’re just chapped from kissing up to all the enemies of America.
kingsjester on January 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM
He never got a second one. He’s still eligible.
Esthier on January 13, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Calls for repeal of the 2nd Amendment in 4…3…2…
catmman on January 13, 2009 at 5:12 PM
It was H.J.Res. 11 and was introduced alongside another attempt to repeal the 22nd Amendment, H.J.Res. 25.
amerpundit on January 13, 2009 at 5:12 PM
I dont think an HR, with no co-sponsors constitutes a “movement”
If so, there are lots of movements that get started each day up there.
lorien1973 on January 13, 2009 at 5:12 PM
figures, and with Obama’s age he could be POTUS for decades to come. of course he smokes.
man these people are determined to relive the new-deal.
jp on January 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Why don’t the Libs just make the play? We all know how they feel about the Consitution en toto, why not just move en masse?
catmman on January 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM
FDR at least had to do something to earn the breaking of tradition to get a third and fourth term (ironically his best terms because of his prosecution of WWII). Just save us the trouble and crown him president for life already. I’ll be in Australia.
Defector01 on January 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Are you kidding? He’s a Chicago pol, he’s going to be thinking about how he’s going to spend all the money coming his way.
johnsteele on January 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
And so it begins.
redrock on January 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
The lack of term limits for the Senate and House are is the reason we have fools who believe they are entitiled to do as they please instead of the will of the people.
I completely support term limits: 2 in the Senate, 3 in the House.
madmonkphotog on January 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Oh, wait. It was introduced in 2003.
amerpundit on January 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Viva Reagan!
t.ferg on January 13, 2009 at 5:15 PM
its not just the presidency, its Downticket Democrats this helps.
Obama on the ticket got alot of other Democrats elected. NC elected an idiot for Governor thanks to it.
McCrory got 60% of the Election Day vote, yet lost by a few points to an idiot, who obviously carried the Early voting which was heavy Obama
jp on January 13, 2009 at 5:15 PM
What we need is for a Republican congressman to say that things have gotten out of hand and if Obama is the next FDR he promises to stand up for the rights of his Japanese constituents.
Two terms is enough, we don’t want anyone sticking around well beyond the point they should have (FDR) and dying in office after keeping the Vice-President as uninformed about the ongoing war as possible.
amazingmets on January 13, 2009 at 5:16 PM
He needs this if he’s going to be there for 8 to 10 years.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on January 13, 2009 at 5:16 PM
AWESOME!
After the Disaster-in-Chief falls on his face he will be easy to beat in 2012.
I say we nominate W for a third term.
DeweyWins on January 13, 2009 at 5:16 PM
That’s funny, because what would they fight with? Sharpies?
kirkill on January 13, 2009 at 5:17 PM
We ought to be glad they’re still bothering to even pay lip service to elections.
Mike H on January 13, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Elections? Elections are for the proletariat, the DFL majority would simply appoint Obarfa to his next few terms.
Besides, if this limit gets repealed, they could always repeal the citizenship requirement which would allow someone really enlightened and hip to be appointed….Kofi Annan, for example.
Bishop on January 13, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I think you mean “muerte.”
Esthier on January 13, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Oh dear God.
capitalist piglet on January 13, 2009 at 5:19 PM
The Obama could just declare himself “President for life”
AlanC on January 13, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Wow, people have very short-term memory.
In the beginning, there was term limits because the Founding Fathers were smart enough to know that giving unlimited power to one man/one party is very dangerous. They didn’t want to create a royal family or an authoritarian society.
The law was repealed and FDR got to serve 4 terms (well, 3-1/2) and the Congress re-enacted the term limit. There is always talk about repealing the law- it won’t happen. They tried it with Reagan, they will try it with Obama. Like Mr. Morrissey says, Obama hasn’t served Day One yet… of course the Obama-bots are putting the cart before the horse. In four years, they may be running Barry out of town on a rail too.
They even talked about repealing the American-Born requirement for a possible Schwarzzenger run. Hell no, that won’t happen either.
Don’t worry, it’s just talk. Something to keep the Cult of Obama obsessed.
stefystef on January 13, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Reminds me of another senate making Julius Caesar emperor for life and thus making themselves his slaves.
snaggletoothie on January 13, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I’d ok modifying it to “two consecutive” terms.
mojo on January 13, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I think in 2013, private citizen Barack Obama will be more worried about boredom, and all the free time he has on his hands.
Obarfa will buy back his senate seat and serve a few dozen more terms.
Bishop on January 13, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Why am I not surprised.
Johan Klaus on January 13, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Why not President for Life, like his brother Hugo?
Zelsdorf Ragshaft on January 13, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Nobody gives a damn about Serrano. He does these stupid things to garner some attention. He is a fool who should have been out of office a long time ago.
Obama won’t last past 2012 because the people will have enough of the destruction of our economic system and his peacenick ways with the dictators.
Palin 2012.
jencab on January 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM
I’ll clone Reagan. Gipper 2.0: Reanimated and mad as hell!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM
I’ve thought the 22nd amendment is a bad idea. But, any repeal shouldn’t take effect until after the incumbent at the time of repeal is out of office.
ddrintn on January 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM
“Normally, I don’t like term limits.”
IMO term limits on all elected positions is the only thing that can save this country. Term them all out in all parties. Rank newbies can’t do any worse and the political ruling class we have growing here disguste me.
America1st on January 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Serrano? Isn’t that a type of pepper or ham?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
We need more term limits at the federal level, not less. Even the USSC should have term limits(HAHA)
Corsair on January 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
I realized that after my post. See below.
a capella on January 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
^ Then we’ll see how much enthusiasm there is for repeal among moonbats. This is just an Obamaton proposal.
ddrintn on January 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
ddrintn on January 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Exactly; they’ve still got a week…
catmman on January 13, 2009 at 5:24 PM
He’ll be planning the fourth biographical novel installment of his Presidency, ghostwritten by Ayers, of course.
Enoxo on January 13, 2009 at 5:24 PM
They are gonna crash SO HARD when he fails.
aero on January 13, 2009 at 5:24 PM
“I say we nominate W for a third term.”
Please. I never want to see or hear the name Bush and the presidency mentioned except in a history class. No more Clintons no more Bushes No more Bidens or Pelosi’s. This family dynasty Poiltical madness has to stop.
America1st on January 13, 2009 at 5:25 PM
I don’t know why they feel the need for a Constitutional amendment. Since when was the idiot messiah subject to the prescriptions of the Constitution? He can do whatever he wants, and most of America is scared to challenge him, lest there be mobs running wild in the streets.
But, I am impressed that there are still some leftards who know that there is a Constitution.
progressoverpeace on January 13, 2009 at 5:25 PM
jp- McCrory did a bang up job here in the Queen city. /sarc
Still, he’d be better than Bev.
c.u.shoeless on January 13, 2009 at 5:25 PM
“Proof positive that the Democrats have given up on Democracy and now seek to usurp the people through a “cult of personality” governance a la Hugo Chavez.”
And look how great that is going. And and how about that Cuba.
The same leader for almost 50 years and what a great job Castro did!
izoneguy on January 13, 2009 at 5:26 PM
isnt this nice. I think they need term limits for Congress and the Senate…and the POTUS.
Isnt this something that the people need to vote on? Not just Congress?
becki51758 on January 13, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Good looking out, ameripundit. Looks like someone forgot to do the research.
It is now updated, but the update fail to mention Republican attempts at this in the 80’s.
This is nothing but a little paranoia. Term limits for the President is a good thing, and will not be overturned.
sandman on January 13, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Ah. I missed that one.
Esthier on January 13, 2009 at 5:27 PM
becki51758 on January 13, 2009 at 5:26 PM
A vote?
Obama will simply utter, “So let it be written, so let it be done.”
catmman on January 13, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Congress introduces. State legislatures must ratify.
progressoverpeace on January 13, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Term limits for all elected officials above city mayor. Move up to the next higher office after two terms, or return to the economy you helped crash and burn.
Hog Wild on January 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
“I don’t know of any true Republicans who’d support three terms for any Republican President.”
That is the problem in a nutshell. Half the Country (Liberals) will sign on en masse for this idea and take the entire country to ruin. It never ceases to amaze me that we are painted as the fantaics when we would just as vehemently oppose “one of our own” in this situation as one of them.
America1st on January 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
That &%$^&*% thing is golden!
thomasaur on January 13, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Er, indeed. Ronald Reagan himself opposed the amendment.
amerpundit on January 13, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Chaves would be proud, too.
Mazztek on January 13, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Remember anybody who has read my postings at HA over the last two and 1/2 months that I said this would be something that Obama would make a huge priority in the next 4 years. This is the only way Soros and the Marxist elitists could guarantee that they would retain power. Most of you conservatives have been complacent, thinking that Obama will be out in 8 years and we will have our chance again. What if Obama potentially could be president for the next 30 years–would that change your opinion of the damage that Obama could do to America and the Constitution?
technopeasant on January 13, 2009 at 5:31 PM
what about a single, 6yr term for POTUS and all Senators?
jp on January 13, 2009 at 5:31 PM
OT: More Hope ‘n Change!
Guess what. They don’t like Obama either. I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell you.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5510665.ece
capitalist piglet on January 13, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Ahh, but how does Madam President Kennedy sound to you?!
heh.
Enoxo on January 13, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Serrano ham (Spanish). Poblano chiles.
BigD on January 13, 2009 at 5:32 PM
jp on January 13, 2009 at 5:31 PM
That would be RAAAAACIST!
or something…
catmman on January 13, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Actually, it was never a law until FDR. The President only served two terms until FDR based on a precedent started by George Washington. This worked well until FDR decided to break said precedent because he wasn’t allowed to let a measly thing like the historical precedents get in his way…. Heck, he tried to run around a little thing called the Separation of Power and Checks and Balances because the Supreme Court declared some of the New Deal unconstitutional.
Illinidiva on January 13, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Damn, you crackers are already trying to evict a black man from his house!
Jim Treacher on January 13, 2009 at 5:37 PM
“His Royal Highness, Professor, Doctor, Field Marshal, President for Life Barrack Hussein Obama?”
Mmm, no.
coldwarrior on January 13, 2009 at 5:38 PM
This is the reason that Sarah has to run in 2012. Obama has to be stopped ASAP. My prediction is-if Obama is re-elected some way some how the 22nd Amendment will be repealed and Obama will run for a third term–that is if elections are still permitted in America in 2016. Think I’m being funny. Many Germans, especially the elitists, also thought Hitler was a buffoon when he was appointed Chancellor in 1933.
technopeasant on January 13, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I completely support term limits: 2 in the Senate, 3 in the House.
madmonkphotog on January 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Ditto. If they can’t make themselves and family members rich off of taxpayers in that amount of time, they should leave and let someone else have a go at it.
Cody1991 on January 13, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Thank you. So the will of the people doesnt count for sh**.
becki51758 on January 13, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Personally I’m partial to Honky.
thomasaur on January 13, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Then, again, in the manner of the Dear Leader, Kim Chong-il, seems that an ancient petroglyth, in the form of an “O” (imagine that?) has just been discovered under Lake Michigan that dates back several thousands of years.
coldwarrior on January 13, 2009 at 5:45 PM
President for Life, Generalisismo Obama
…or maybe the Iranian’s can throw him a couple of spare titles and we can kiss his collar instead of his um, ring.
Laura in Maryland on January 13, 2009 at 5:45 PM
President of the World is the only title he wants. Get it right.
Enoxo on January 13, 2009 at 5:47 PM
It’s all moot, anyway. In today’s USA, the mob rules. Threats, and/or fears, of violence move our policies. Welcome to the
bravecowardly new world.progressoverpeace on January 13, 2009 at 5:48 PM
8 years seems about right. In Australia only 2 Prime Ministers have served for longer – Menzies and Howard.
Eventually people get tired of a President or Prime Minister and vote them out.
Crux Australis on January 13, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Agreed.
becki51758 on January 13, 2009 at 5:52 PM
lord god king bu-fu?
Laura in Maryland on January 13, 2009 at 5:54 PM
The only real limit is that there appears to be no limit on the amount of crap that can be shoveled upon the crap sandwich being fed to us with each new day. Please bring on the revolution already!
Viper1 on January 13, 2009 at 5:54 PM
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