> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On > Behalf Of Charlie Bell > Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2007 8:16 AM > To: Killer Bs Discussion > Subject: VP not part of Executive Branch? > > Now, I'm sure many of the finer points of the US political system are > beyond me... but isn't this, like, basic?
Well, I think the first step in understanding this point of view is to consider a lawyer with a weak case pulling out every possible argument to support that weak case. It's true that the vice president's office is in a unique position in the executive branch in that this office has some responsibility in the legislative branch. The vice president does preside over the Senate, in the same manner the Speaker of the House presides over the House. The vice president, in the case of a tie, casts the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. So, the argument isn't totally baseless. But, historically, the Vice President's office has been treated as part of the executive branch. Even Chaney, in claiming executive privilege, has presumed that it is part of the executive branch. In a sense, he's trying to play it both ways...I guess to wiggle out of any regulation he doesn't like. It's not going to stand up in court....but maybe he doesn't need it to. He's a short timer, and the appeal process may be long enough for him to lead office before the matter is decided. Dan M. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
