So... who wrote the NYT op-ed?

[GMDino]

(09-10-2018, 04:50 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: I think it is an especially precarious situation when a former president does it. The norm we're talking about isn't just a matter of stability. The reason this norm was established throughout the years is because it is important to the peaceful transition of power. The reason a president removes themselves from public life, for the most part, once they leave office is because of that transition. I know I can often take these sorts of things into an extreme example, but this is why it happens, to keep those extremes from occurring. We get comfortable with things not happening because of these norms, not thinking about them, and then we end up going down a path we oughtn't.

Washington retired to Mt. Vernon after his two terms because he knew that staying in the public eye could cause a conflict of leadership. Sure, it's not as extreme as the whole two popes situation we had, but it's a similar thing. Obama violating that norm can create this sort of conflict, especially when there is currently no individual on the left that really stands out as the leader for 2020.

Maybe I think about political/democratic theory too much with these things, but I just see the cracks in the walls of the house that is our democracy widening before our eyes.

Yeah, it's not Washington's time and people don't want to make anyone king.  They want full sentences, clear thoughts and some getting along.  (All extremists aside.)

I don't see it as cracks anymore than when we see anyone speaking up about the current situation in Washington.  Maybe I don't care as much, or maybe it's just time for a change in the way things are done.

Honestly I wouldn't have any problem with any past POTUS speaking out about his successor.  They are American citizens and have that right, even if the normal protocol is to be quiet.  It doesn't affect the change of power and if the current leadership in the party doesn't like it they can speak out against Obama too.

Like I said other than Clinton who could have?  Who was young enough with the background to do it?  JFK?

A person who leads wants to lead.  I have no problem with it.