Slideshow prepared for a series of lectures on the American Presidency and Vice-Presidency for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
63. “ I find these signing statements are to Bush and Cheney's presidency what steroids were to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding. Like Schwarzenegger with his steroids, Bush does not deny using his signing statements; does not like talking about using them; and believes that they add muscle. But like steroids, signing statements ultimately lead to serious trouble. ” John Dean, former Nixon White House Counsel
64. Signing Statements Statements appended to bills signed into law by the president which function as directives to executive branch departments and agencies as to how they are to implement the relevant law.
75. Generally, President Bush's signing statements tend to be brief and very broad, & seldom cite the authority on which the president is relying for his reading of the law.
82. “… the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.” John Adams, the first Vice-President
83. “… not worth a pitcher of warm piss.” John Nance Garner, the 32nd Vice-President
84. “ Once there were two brothers. One went away to sea; the other was elected Vice-President of the United States. And nothing was ever heard of either of them again.” Thomas R. Marshall, the 28th Vice-President