Another myth created by the Dems.
Dozens of times this year, the White House has threatened to veto a Republican bill that everyone knew would never reach the president’s desk.
But if the fall elections go as poorly for Democrats as expected, that could change very soon.
On subjects as different as healthcare, jobs, taxes and environmental regulations, President Obama has put out official notice that he would veto House Republican bills up for consideration.
But in every single case, the real veto was wielded by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who has frequently kept the bills from even coming up for a vote. Nearly six years into his presidency, Obama has vetoed only two bills.
Still, the White House sees veto threats as an effective political tool. […]
In recent years, the bark of a veto has been worse than it’s bite. President George W. Bush issued just 12 vetoes and Bill Clinton just 37.
By comparison, Franklin D. Roosevelt issued 635 vetoes; Grover Cleveland, 584; and Harry Truman, 250.
One major reason for the difference: It’s impossible to veto legislation that doesn’t get out of Congress. And in a divided Congress, especially of late, one chamber serves as an effective veto against the other.
White House officials defend the veto threats, saying the administration has the responsibility to explain where the president stands on legislation, even if it has no chance of passing.
“The veto threat carries weight to it,” said one senior administration official. “The president would prefer not to issue any veto threats. He would rather sign laws. But when legislation is bad for the American people, he’ll make his voice heard.”