While the news that Trump has tested positive for Covid-19 is worrisome, true fear about the future of the Republic shouldn’t settle in until either the vice president falls ill or the vice president takes over, writes author Garrett M. Graff
The letter of agreement between Kennedy and Johnson read, in part, “The Vice President agrees to serve as Acting President ‘after such consultation as seems to him appropriate under the circumstances’” and allowed the vice president to operate “with a free mind that this is what the President intended in the event of a crisis.” JFK’s assassination raised new problems and concerns and left Johnson without a vice president for 1964.
Dick Cheney himself figured out the first problem in the 25th Amendment itself: There is literally no mechanism for removing an incapacitated vice president from the line of succession. As Cheney—whose heart problems were well-documented—took office in 2001, he kept thinking about Woodrow Wilson, whose stroke had left him incapacitated for the final year and a half of his presidency and left his wife secretly managing the nation’s affairs.
Addington slipped the resignation letter inside two manila envelopes, and hid it in a dresser drawer at his home—where it would be safe from even a crisis that destroyed the White House. Cheney told President Bush what he’d done and that Addington had the letter, if the need ever arose. Other than that, their plan remained secret throughout the presidency.
Legal scholar Akhil Amar told Congress during one post-9/11 hearing, “The current Presidential Succession Act, 3 U.S.C. Section 19, is in my view a disastrous statute, an accident waiting to happen. It should be repealed and replaced.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fox’s ‘Let’s Be Real’ Skewers Politicos With Robert Smigel’s Brand Of Daring HumorThe Fox show Let’s Be Real is an all-new election-themed puppet special executive-produced by Robert Smigel, the satirist best-known for Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and his Saturday Night Live car…
Read more »
Investor Jonathan Litt on NYC real estate post-pandemic, what's booming and the future of retailNew for subscribers: Investor Jonathan Litt on NYC real estate post-pandemic, what's booming and the future of retail Check out CNBCPro today.
Read more »
Introducing the Real Mel CMore than two decades after the release of her first solo album, MelanieCMusic is finally ready to open up with her latest studio album. And more important, she’s ready to be herself.
Read more »
What's on TV Thursday: 'Let's Be Real' on Fox; MLB PlayoffsWhat's on TV Thursday, Oct. 1: 'Let's Be Real' on Fox; MLB Playoffs; 'CripTales' on BBC America
Read more »
Biden Beauty Is A Real Thing, We Just Don't Know From WhoHere's what we know about Biden Beauty, a new venture to encourage voting for Joe and beating your face.
Read more »