Today, Explained Abolish the lame-duck period?
Jan 19, 2021
Ian Millhiser, a legal expert focusing on the Supreme Court for Vox, dives deep into the complexities of America's lame-duck period. He argues that this two-month window offers potentially dangerous power to outgoing presidents, as seen in recent political turmoil. Millhiser highlights how historical transitions, like those from Buchanan to Lincoln, underscore the risks of inaction. He calls for a rethinking of this tradition, suggesting that reforms could enhance democratic accountability and ensure smoother governance during transitions.
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Buchanan's Lame Duck
- The worst presidential transition was from James Buchanan to Abraham Lincoln.
- Buchanan's inaction during the lame-duck period worsened the secession crisis, contributing to the Civil War.
Harrison's Economic Crisis
- After Grover Cleveland defeated Benjamin Harrison, Harrison refused to address a market collapse during the lame duck.
- This inaction by Harrison and his Treasury Secretary contributed to a depression.
Hoover's Obstruction
- During the transition from Hoover to Roosevelt, Hoover tried to convince Roosevelt to abandon his New Deal plans.
- This delayed the response to the Great Depression, highlighting the problems of lame-duck periods.