Does the President Elect have any executive power?

[tridim]

I'm guessing he doesn't by law, but historically have past President Elects suggested policy before being sworn in? I'm wondering because when Kerry wins it's imperative that he get to work fast, fixing what Bush has destroyed. I hope Kerry assumes the role of President on Nov 3, even if he's not yet living in the WH.

BTW, I think this is what DU will be talking about on Nov 3, or whenever the results are finally settled.

[cardlaw]

1. No power under the Constitution.

[murielm99]

2. He doesn't have power.

Remember all the crap lame duck Bush I pulled?

He sent troops to Somalia. He pardoned all those Iran Contra people, basically shutting down the investigation.

Baby Bush* will probably do much worse.

When he does, we need to be sure we scream and yell about it, the way THEY did over the Clinton pardons, and then some.

[carpetbagger]

3. He has little executive power, but gets the bully pulpit.

He would control a modest budget for staff and office space to organize his administration.

Unofficially, he does get to set the agenda, and the opening weeks of Congress under the lame duck president are mostly taken up by the president-elect's nominations. Any foreign government, corporation, or person who thinks they can buck him must do so with the realization that they will have to deal with him shortly.