Question about transfer of power

[zappaman]

I was wondering what goes on between the election and the innaguration.
Let's say Kerry wins. Can Bush decide to attack another country before January or does Kerry have the final say regarding what happens in those 2 months?

[Tesibria]

1. Bush remains president w/ all the powers of the presidency

Kerry has NO say (under law) until he becomes president.

[zappaman]

3. and that is officially...

...in January?

[catzies]

5. Yes. On Inauguration Day.

n/t

[Richardo]

6. 12 noon on January 20th to be precise.

[geniph]

7. January 20th

until January 20th, even a lame duck is still President, with all the powers of that office.

I'll bet the first thing he does is issue a full pardon to Ken Lay, though.

[jean]

10. bush will probably go on a month vacation and cheney will be left

to work his usual, actually his final evil, on the country and the world.

[deadmessengers]

2. No say whatsoever.

Bush will have as much control over this country in the last 8 weeks of his administration as he did during the first 8 - he can 'push the button', commit troops, sign wacky-ass executive orders, pardon anyone he damn well wants to (Ken Lay, perhaps?) or further wreck our economy to leave Kerry a REALLY big mess.

[Richardo]

4. He could, and MOST administrations would consult with the POTUS-elect

But all bets would be off with Bushie.

One reason Clinton did not move after the attack on the USS Cole was because it was too close to the election (and then the transition).

[zappaman]

8. Okay

This is not a good thing.
These guys seem like the type to "burn it all down".
Just a reminder that after Kerry wins tomorrow, we can't let our guards down.

[Bridget Burke]

9. Remember Somalia?

With only weeks left in his term as president, George Bush responds to the UN request, proposing that US combat troops lead an international UN force to secure the environment for relief operations. On December 5, the UN accepts his offer, and Bush orders 25,000 US troops into Somalia. On December 9th, the first US Marines land on the beach.

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ambush/etc/cron.html

An invasion without the UN's approval would be more difficult. But this is one of many reasons not to get too cocky. Kerry will probably get more votes. But they need to be counted. The Supremes need to be kept out. What else can Bush & co. ruin before the Inauguration? And what plans are the Republican congressmen making?

Be of good cheer but don't be complacent.