Should the laws apply to presidents and ex-presidents?

[kentuck]

As the head of the Executive Branch of government, they take an oath to see that the laws of the land are faithfully "executed".

They should be held to a higher standard. They should be punished severely if they break those laws.

We are not a nation of royalty or kings, as much as some might wish. We are a nation of laws, not a nation of men.

There should be no question about it. Those that are chosen to lead our nation should set an example.

Those that break that oath should face the wrath of our justice system, in my opinion.

[Irish_Dem]

1. Apparently, presidents and ex-presidents are on a voluntary honor system.

1. There are quite a few loopholes that give them a pass.

2. There does not seem to be the political will to go after the ones who break the law.

I base this on historical and current fact.

[Demsrule86]

2. That is exactly right...which makes prosecuting Trump especially difficult.

[Irish_Dem]

5. Yes

[Demsrule86]

6. Over the years, congress has ceded much of their power to the presidency, IMHO they didn't want

to make hard decisions...the filibuster protects Senators somewhat too...this has led to what is called by me and others- the imperial presidency. We have more of a king these days than a president. And it really needs to change. Trump showed the threat of having a scoundrel as the president who could use and abuse executive power.

[Irish_Dem]

7. On the other hand they fight Dem presidents tooth and nail.

Take away legitimate power, like they did with Obama and SC nomination.

Like McConnell did by flipping two sitting Dem senators to his side.

[Demsrule86]

9. We fought Trump as well thankfully...They never managed to end the ACA...Trumps most

fervent desire. They passed one tax bill using reconciliation...and they had a bigger majority also. I know some see the judges and think that Democrats didn't fight hard enough...but if there are votes in the Senate, you can't stop judges. This shit about not voting for judges started with Pres. Obama. I highly doubt any president will get judges unless they hold the Senate as well. I sincerely hope that Manchin does not block our SCOTUS pick. I wish some would quit criticizing him. It doesn't help us. I have never known him not to vote for one of our judges before.

[Irish_Dem]

14. Managing Manchin is a bit of a conundrum.

What do we do?

On the one had we have to face reality and be honest with ourselves. On the other hand we do not want to drive him further into McConnell's arms.

I personally believe that McConnell has planned it all out about how Manchin will vote on any issue. We will get some crumbs.

[Demsrule86]

10. That was and I hate to use the word...unprecedented. It had never happened before. I doubt

as I just said I doubt that any president will get a judge on the bench without holding the Senate. We have had gridlock now since the end of the Bush administration and it is bad for the country. I wish the filibuster would end...the sooner the better.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

3. Yes

[LiberalFighter]

4. Past presidents have taken their oath and duty seriously. For the most part.

[uponit7771]

8. Laws would apply if the ex prezs were female or non-white

[Demsrule86]

11. Pres. Obama was not charged with anything. I hope you are wrong.

[uponit7771]

12. Cause he didn't break any laws openly like Benedict Donald

[lame54]

13. They can't even seem to get Gaetz