Why didn't Bush OK the stem cell bill, then issue a signing statement?

[Atman]

Does Bush's veto today nullify his use of Signing Statements? Of course not. But it should. It should be Exhibit A in front of the Supreme Court. Bush's veto today proves that Bush doesn't need to use signing statements at all because he is, after all, perfectly capable of simply signing a veto if he doesn't like a bill. Otherwise, Bush could have approved this bill, speechify about it (as he already did), then issue a signing statement saying that he won't allow any funding or some such typical shit.

So? There has to be a legal term for this, right? The one event (the veto) basically calling "bullshit" on the signing statement thing?

Oh, WTF...it is George Bush. The law means nothing to him anyway. He just makes it up as he goes along.

[arcane1]

1. my guess- vetoes get attention, signing statements don't

and they like it that way

[Avalux]

2. Because it was a dog and pony show for his base.

It's an election year, and the veto was a signal to the fundies.

[AzDar]

3. It's all about the SHOW for the Potemkin President...... n/t

[uppityperson]

4. Legal term is politicizing

[Joe Fields]

5. It is no coincidence that this came to a vote at this time,

during the election cycle. Bush's base is eroding fast, there is trouble with Christian conservatives, and he needed something to prove he is still with them. He may save a few votes for the repubs by doing this. Or, at least he, Cheney and Rove think so.

[obreaslan]

6. Because he didn't plan to personally violate * this* law...

just the rest.

:grr:

[Atman]

10. Good point

He only issues signing statements re: laws which impact his ability to war and maim and kill freely. This law will have absolutely no impact on Georgie whatsoever, so he isn't going to risk one of his precious Notice Of Intent To Ignore The Law statements.

[novalib]

7. Here Are The Reasons

Here are the Reasons the White House Idiot did what he did today:

1. Election Year

2. Pandering

3. He is a complete and total moronic idiot.

4. He doesn't care about poor people who suffer.

[librechik]

9. He promised Satan, and he had to make it public this time

to "honor" his contract.

[ladjf]

8. The purpose of the signing statement is to allow him personally

to disobey the law. In this case, the signing statement would have to apply to the scientists. That's too complicated. And as the previous poster said, he wants to make a show of his official disapproval.