Presidents affect things in the Now. If they are lucky, their agenda lives a few years past their term, referred to in (one hopes) nostalgic or precedent-setting ways, but utterly at the whim of the new incumbant, of whichever party.
But one thing a president can do that will live long after him — court appointments, especially to the US Supreme Court.
Romney has Robert Bork as a chief judicial advisor, and has said that he will turn to Bork when it comes to justice selections. He's declared he's looking for justices in the mold of Thomas, Alito and Roberts.
If there was nothing else, that, in itself, would be sufficient to cause me to cast my vote (and donate money) for Obama.
(h/t +George Wiman)
Reshared post from +Guy Kawasaki
(Mon05) I voted for Barack Obama because nothing is more important to me than the preservation and expansion of the rights of my daughter. While I don’t believe that any president can fix the economy or ensure the safety of 285 diplomatic facilities 24 x 7 x 365, I do believe that a president can change the composition of the Supreme Court and reduce the rights of my daughter.
My father was a state senator in Hawaii, and I saw him stand up for what he believed in—including when it cost him his reelection. I’m now fifty-eight years old, and it’s time to follow his most -xcellent example.I’m thankful that I live in a country where people can disagree on politics but still come together when it matters. At the very least we can agree to disagree. No matter who you support, cast your vote, and let's get to work because we have lots to do.
President Barack Obama walks down the Colonnade with his arms around daughters Malia and Sasha, right 3/5/09. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Google+: View post on Google+
Well, appointments still need to be approved by the senate, and are thus susceptible to filibuster. That said, the President also affects the foreign policy and military policy here-and-now. I think that both point to the same conclusion in a Romney v Obama decision.
Oh, there are certainly short-term concerns — saber-rattling over Iran, for example — but I find longer-range concerns like judicial appointments (esp. at the top) to be at least as important.
And, yes, such appointments need Senate approval. Which didn't stop Alito, Thomas, Scalia, or Roberts off the bench. A huge factor is who gets nominated in the first place; only the most radical folks get actually blocked (e.g., Romney's advisor on such things, Bork).