14th. Amendment

[Gramps]

Can Obama legally use this as an option to raise the debt ceiling?
Section 4.
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

 

[milohimself]

This while time I've been under the impression that its possible but wouldn't get to that point.

 

[rjd970]

Would be a political loss for him, it would be viewed that he couldn't lead and come to an agreement, whether true or not.

 

[sjt18]

I would say he could for things that had been authorized by Congress. It would probably freeze him under the last authorization bills though.

I don't even think Dems in the Senate would tolerate him assuming Congressional power. The Supreme Court would also stop him as soon as suit was brought... and it would be brought quickly.

 

[volinbham]

Part of the argument would come down to defining "debt" in the clause above. We bring in enough to pay service on the debt (about $20 billion month). It sounds like you might connect pensions to veterans based on the above and possibly SS. Not sure Medicare, Medicaid, and any number of payments fall under the description of debt so technically revenues are sufficient to cover the "debt".

On a practical side, I agree it would be a loss for the POTUS but everyone is tarnished no matter how this goes down.

 

[sjt18]

On a practical side, I agree it would be a loss for the POTUS but everyone is tarnished no matter how this goes down.

That would seem to turn it into an issues of "base" power then, right? Since about 40% identify with conservativism, 20% identify as liberal, and an overwhelming number support a smaller gov't and balanced budget... it seems the battlefield terrain should support the GOP. That said, they have a long history of failing to play their strengths and punish Dem weaknesses.

Washington DC probably hasn't seen as much strategic incompetence as the GOP has displayed in this budget debate since McClellan. They had EVERY advantage. This fight should have been over... but they were too cautious and were naive enough to unguardedly believe in Obama's "good will".