so why didn't Chimpco just add a signing statement to the funding bill

[NMDemDist2]

telling Congress he wasn't gonna follow the deadlines???

It's his usual MO to do such a thing, why did he choose a showdown instead? Especially since he/they KNOW the American people aren't gonna support him?

What are they up to up there??

[irish.lambchop]

1. I have been wondering the same thing as well.

It's been his usual pattern - unless, of course, they're afraid that history of ALL his signing statements will come to light.

[Uben]

2. My guess is....

....he probably doubts the legality of the signing statements. And, since he is certain he is not going to follow the letter of the bill, he just vetoes it instead.

[Tellurian]

8. No, Congress holds the purse strings...

The Executive Branch doesn't control the money. Congress holds power over the appropriation of our money.

Bush would have boogied on down the road long ago, if he had that power.

[Doctor_J]

3. Probably because he knew he'd get his way

It would be like the New England Patriots cheating in a game against the local high school team. What's the point?

[MadMaddie]

4. Why does he choose a showdown?

Because he wants to prove to the world that he is a cowboy and he has testosterone? His arrogance, stupidy and unwillingness to compromise to bring our troops home. Every time he pulls 9/11 out and tries to tie it with Iraq he loses points....his big stupid mouth is becoming his downfall....

[Cameron27]

5. That's it!

[NMDemDist2]

6. from your Keyboard to Congress' ears

and I think you're correct

[RC]

7. Good question.

I was wondering that myself. Most likely because this signing statement would be with a Democratic Congress, not the rubber stamp he is used to. Too high a profile. The rest of his signing statements could be exposed to the light of the sun. Then Poof! He would have nothing.