The Dual Presidency

Gary Wills, a noted historian and commentator on things American,* has his own take on the Clinton/Clinton campaign in today's New York Times. He's against 'em, and for an interesting reason: the country doesn't need two presidents. What is most fascinating about this opinion is that it is based on an analysis of what the original framers of the Constitution wanted and the failure of the Bush/Cheney dual presidency.

Here's Wills' conclusion:

We have seen in this campaign how former President Clinton rushes to the defense of presidential candidate Clinton. Will that pattern of protection be continued into the new presidency, with not only his defending her but also her defending whatever he might do in his energetic way while she’s in office? It seems likely. And at a time when we should be trying to return to the single-executive system the Constitution prescribes, it does not seem to be a good idea to put another co-president in the White House.

I am slowly, very slowly, coming to agree with him. I suppose I must to stay true to my 'Spirit of Ball's Bluff' campaign. No political restorations. No incumbents. Throw the bums out.

Stay tuned for November.


*his latest book is Head and Heart: American Christianities."