Bill Clinton Supports Changing 22nd Amendment on Presidential Term Limits
- Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:08pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Former President Bill Clinton says he supports a new “rule” in dealing with limits to presidential governance. After individuals serve two terms, he says they should be able to serve a third — with a few caveats.
First and foremost, this regulation, should it be adopted, shouldn’t apply to anyone who has already served. Also, the former president would want the individual seeking a third round in the White House to take some time off after his or her second term.
Clinton was speaking to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” where he was promoting his new book, “Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy.”
When co-host Joe Scarborough asked, “Shouldn’t a president be able to take two terms, take time off and run again? Shouldn’t Americans have that choice?,” Clinton answered affirmatively, saying:
“I’ve always thought that should be the rule. I think as a practical matter, you couldn’t apply this to anyone who has already served, but going forward, I personally believe that should be the rule.”
Watch his comments, below (comment about presidential terms around 18:30):
Clinton is no stranger to making this proposal. In 2010, he appeared on the same program and made very similar statements. Here’s some of the transcript from his past comments:
“That is, if I were writing the rules, I think there was a very strong argument for telling — for saying you shouldn’t serve three terms in a row…. People get relaxed, there’s too much opportunity for people — even if not for corruption — just for bad things happening for the taxpayers by the same crowd being in all the time. [...]
And if we change the constitution it shouldn’t apply to me. That is, it shouldn’t apply to anybody who served. It should be all forward-looking so no one would think it is personal. But that’s kind of what I think it should be.”
Here’s the video:
And in a 2009 debate with Bob Dole on CBS News, he said, “I think presidents should be limited to two consecutive terms, then after a time out of office should be able to run again.” Clearly, Clinton sees the current rules as a restriction on the rights of both candidates and the American people.
Of course, the two-term limitations can’t be lifted easily. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1951 following Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four consecutive terms in the 1930s and 1940s, would need to be rescinded or amended. Currently, the amendment reads:
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.
Changing this law, of course, is an extensive process that isn’t likely to happen in the near future. One wonders: How would such a proposal impact the political landscape? Furthermore, it would seem that, in light of the nation’s problems, tackling such a contentious issue won’t be on the agenda in the near future.
What do you think: Should presidents be able to run for three terms? Take our poll:
(H/T: Politico)
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Comments (375)
Daniel4
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:21pmCan you say “CONFLICT OF INTEREST”? Sure, I knew you could… This is pure ego and a craving for power speaking.
As much as I would have loved having President Reagan around for another term, FDR was sufficient proof that two terms was more than enough. Heaven help us if Wilson had been able to ‘serve’ for three terms. I think that they got the 22nd Amendment right.
Report Post »Philo Beddoe
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:39pmOnce obamDUH give AMNESTY, the 22nd Amendment will be long gone
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:47pmHugo Chavez upped the term limits before making himself President Indefinitely.
Report Post »SoProundofMexicoWhyRUHere
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:56pmFirst President to refuse to show a valid birth certificate.
First President to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he
was a foreigner.
First President to have a social security number from a state he has never
lived in.
First President to preside over a cut to the credit rating of the United
States .
First President to violate the War Powers Act.
First President to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil
Report Post »drilling in the Gulf of Mexico .
First President to defy a Federal Judges court order to cease implementing
the Health Care Reform Law.
First President to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third
party.
First President to spend a trillion dollars on shovel-ready jobs and later
admit there was no such thing as shovel-ready jobs.
First President to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies
to his union supporters.
First President to by-pass Congress and implement the Dream Act through
executive fiat.
First President to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the
deportation of 20,000,000 illegal immigrants
across the U.S. , including those with criminal convictions.
First President to demand a company hand-over $20 billion to one of his
political appointees.
First President to terminate America ‘s ability to put a man in space.
First President to encourage racial discrimination and intimidation at
polling places.
First President to have a law signed by an auto-pen without be
the hawk
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:59pmI think the poll say’s it all .
Report Post »Shiroi Raion
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:00pmThen the Progressives could push for a fourth term, then a fifth, then for life. Progressives like to take snips of freedom until they think they can get away with taking a chainsaw to it. Two terms is plenty. I’d be all for limiting the Senate to three terms though!
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:01pmI think they should NOT be able to serve more than 1 term consecutively.. Since the job of the PRESIDENT is to lead the military and after 4 years if we are in a war and still haven’t WON it they need to go anyway.. there should also be 8 years before being allowed to run again.. BUT lets face it CLINTION, KENNEDY’S , BUSH ETC really think it should be a MONARCHY..
Report Post »Morris
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:05pmOne term of Dictator Barack Hussein Obama our Muslim-in-Chief is one term to many for our
Report Post »America!
Dictator Obama talked about this 2-Years ago, (HE WANTS TO SERVE 12/YEARS IN OUR WHITEHOUSE)?
Dictator Barack Hussein Obama our Muslim-in -Chief has almost destroyed our America with
his first 2/Years in office!
Now we have Bill Clinton, The sex Education Teacher of our Whitehouse,Start asking about
having Dictator Barack Hussein Obama to have 12/Years in our Whitehouse?????
Think that Dictator Obama has “CONVERTED ALL OF THE DEMOCRATS TO ISLAM”?
Dictator Obama is out to destroy our America, Can,t beleive that Bill Clinton is asking for
Dictator Obama to have 3-Terms!(12-YEARS)?
Was a Democrat all of my life, But watching Dictator Obama and his Mexican Muslim Loving
Administration destroying our America, Well I would not vote for a Muslim Democrat ever again!
I will never vote Democrat again!
Dictator Obama is Working with “CAIR”, Saudi Arabia, and The Muslim Brotherhood, I think that Dictator Obama has “CONVERTED THE COMPLETE ADMINISTRATION TO ISLAM”?
Dictator Obama working with Saudi Arabia and “CAIR” are out to turn our America into their
“MUSLIM TOTAL WORLD DOMINATION”!
The Islamic Barbaric Muslim Satan Cult of Islam said that they will have complete control and the takeover of our UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE YEAR 2050?
America, “WE THE PEOPLE” Must STOP DICTATOR OBAMA AND HIS SAUDI ARABIA FROM
KILLING OUR AMERICA!!
IMPEACH OBAMA,SAVE OU
motonutt
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:12pmJoe…..What’s that brown spot on your nose?
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:16pmSounds like Clinton wants to create a dictator.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:17pmClinton just wants four more years of sex….not including Hillary.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:19pmI thinks it’s time to invoke the 10th amendment and use it across all aspects of government intrusion of states and thus citizens rights. It‘s time to hold down the lying dog that is Washington and pull all it’s teeth out.
Report Post »79USMC83
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:20pmThe problem with the “Government Stupid” is THAT we have CAREER politicians. WE THE PEOPLE need TERM LIMITS NOW !!!! for Congress ans the Supreme Court !!! Nothing will CHANGE unless get these people out and back the public sector !!!!
Report Post »TunaBlue
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:20pmHey Slick, here’s my plan. One term of five years, and then get the he11 out. No corporate donations, no union donations, no K Street donations. Private sector, individual donations only.
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:21pmWe should have term limits for congress – with no retirement bennies – ie public servant not self servant!
Report Post »YoungBloodNews
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:28pmSure Bill, then three will become four and four, five.
Then we end up with a dictator like the current oval office occupier who would love nothing more then to be declared king.
Report Post »ACLUHater
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:37pm12 years of Liar-In-Chief? Put me out to pasture.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 2:01pmSure, change it. The American people don’t care enough to do what it would take to stop you.
Report Post »beebacksoon
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 2:33pmBill has had a hard time letting go. He just will not go away! GO AWAY, BILL!
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 2:36pmIMHBLO, 2 terms is 1 too many.
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 3:12pmOh dear God, please make both Clintons go away permanently. Some place, any place but America.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 4:16pmI wonder if our national hemmorhoid . JIMMY CARTER has an opinion on this ? Democrat presidents never seem to go away, they just itch and burn for twenty five years ….
Report Post »jcannon98188
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 4:24pmPersonally I don’t see why not. I never really liked the idea of term limits much, to me if the American People want someone in power long enough, they should be able to stay in power. I also like the idea of them having to take a break between their 2nd and their 3rd run. That way we don’t have any “dictators” that stay in office forever. And who knows, maybe someone like Ron Paul will come along and win, again and again and again. The country would most likely be better for it. Besides, people are sick of the presidents after 8 years, what are the odds that they will put up with one for another 4?
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 4:48pm@jcannon98188,
Ummmm… does the Marxist FDR ring a bell? Dole out money and one could be in for life.
Report Post »drhusker66
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 5:26pmYou are soooo correct. I think we need to term limit the pigs we currently have in DC! Congress, Justices, Federal Union workers…everyone that works for govt should be term limited!! ARRRGGGGHH this is driving me crazy…Nov. can’t get here soon enough.
Report Post »SonOfaCommunist
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 6:32pmWilly should have had his Willy bitten off by Monica! Maybe he’d be more mellow and amiable and not aggressive against freedom and liberty!
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 6:43pmDoes anyone see the occupy crap as being left to fester till next fall.
Report Post »Then miraculously being declared a national emergency and the elections
Foregone by executive order. Hence dictator hussein more then one way
To demolish a country
Viet Vet
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 7:47pmLeftists favor dictatorships, no news here.
Report Post »theaveng
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 1:36am>>>”Can you say “CONFLICT OF INTEREST”?”
Can you say “I don’t read”? I knew you could. Clinton stated he would be ineligible to run a third term.
Report Post »revel222
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 9:01amShouldn’t this current situation we are in…..be enough reason why this is such a bad idea!
Report Post »naed5048
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 10:32amI believe he realy thinks that he had something to do with the prosperity during his term. When in fact, it was the republican majority in both houses is the reason. It started to go wrong when it started to switch directions…….period……. It’s it so nice to keep hearing from the democractic presidents LONG LONG LONG after their term…………..Why is that?
Report Post »hud
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 7:09pmTO: NAED—- Because they don’t have the decency to shut-up and die.
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:21pmsorry about the multiple posts people…didn’t look like my post was showing up
Report Post »MIBUGNU2
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:32pmOne Term for this current POS..Can you say Lame Duck ???
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:21pmOh no no no no no, 8 years of any of you is enough, in this case 4 is too many.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:23pmI agree …except that I was done with Obama on day one … even before that!
TEA!
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:36pmUntil Obama came along, I was always in favor of them having a single 6 year term. No wasting time on campaigns, no speeches allowed for the next guy…nothing. To be realistic, it is tough to get much done in 4 years between settling in at the start and then wasting 12-18 months campaigning for your next term. They could get something done in 5 years and then risk being stonewalled the last year as they slander you in hopes of getting their guy elected in the go-round.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:38pmOMG 8 years of SlickBilly was ENOUGH!!!
Watched SlimeballJoe with MeekaBee this morning for about 60 seconds
SlickBilly remains his narcisstic self
MeekaBee was nearly drooling over him
NO BO in 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »MIBUGNU2
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:42pmDefinitely NEED Term Limits for CONGRESS !!
Pelosi and Reid, Good examples ……
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:20pmno they shouldn’t
Report Post »db321
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:27pmOK – let’s think about this – Clinton we would let you run for a 3rd term if you allow the Media to scrutinize and demonize you like they are doing to Cain. 1st question did you Billy boy and your staff destroy parts of the White house as you were leaving office.
Report Post »MIBUGNU2
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:37pmDid you smoke “The Cigar” Wild Bill ??
Report Post »noleftturn
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:19pmI agree! One term is plenty for anyone. Eliminates the need to raise money for re-election, the time from governing for campaigning. Also they could focus on the actual problems rather than stroking only their supporters.
Report Post »knockered
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:28pmThey are not limiting it to just 1 term, after 2 terms they want to come back for a 3rd term in office after a brief time off ( probably to count their money). I agree any of them should only be allowed 1 term at a time with it being ok to run again in 4 years. No campaigning while in office period end….
Report Post »Bill Wallace
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:19pmI think someone misses the action he got as President.
Monica no longer interested in him now that he isn’t the top dog?
Report Post »TelepromoterNChief
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:46pmHe is just a sickly old man now.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:05pmme and the majority of america just want bill to go away. he never met a camera he didnt like I am beyond tired of his blathering.
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:19pmno they shouldn’t…this guy in office now has done more than enough damage in 3 years …he doesn’t deserve 8 more years let alone the remaining 1 year he has left
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:19pmDon’t even think about more than even one term….obama. Clinton is a little wannabe and so is obama. I am for making them serve a one term and then run the chance of a no-confidence vote that would make their stay even shorter.
Report Post »americathebankrupt
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:19pmWhat do you think a soros pawn would say.
Report Post »Judith222
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:19pmNo way, Slick! We didn’t like you when you were prez. Why should we listen to you now. Can’t you just go attqck some more women? That‘s all you’re good for!
Report Post »karenjerry
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:18pmI’m not surprised that a Liberal is in favor of 3 Presidential terms.
Report Post »Next it will be 4 then 5 then 6——-get the point
Don’t you love the ten year old picture of slick willie on the cover of his book?
pacomj60
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 5:51pmI don’t really care one way or the other; however I strongly support term limits for the house & senate. I would like to limit the time anyone could be a Federal Judge.
Report Post »If anyone had asked me while Clinton was president I would have said what I say about Bush. My criteria for anyone running for office who is in my age group is “where were you when I was in Vietnam”.
Thus I carefully check each and everyone who is in this age group. Guess what Bush had walked away from his ANG unit. Title 10 of the US Code (UCMJ) specifically defines this as desertion. But heck money and daddy as a congressman rules.
However by Clintons second term I had a different view. He actually created 22 million jobs and left a surplus the only time it has occurred in US history. Bush created the depression and went into Iraq to steal oil costing all of us 3 trillion dollars all paid for by debt. If given the chance I would easily elect Clinton again. At least he isn’t a religious freak and actually understands the Constitution I upheld and defended for 3 decades.
In the future I hope those serving today use the same rule I did. Where were you when we invaded Iraq and ignored Afghanistan?
thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:18pmno they shouldn’t…this goof in office now has done more than enough damage in 3 years …he doesn’t deserve 8 more years let alone the remaining 1 year he has left
Report Post »Docrow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:18pmI’m for one 6 year term with no re-election. Same for congress. Just do your job and go home with skin in the game and live like the rest of us.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:35pmNo because there would be NO accountabilty . that is what scares me so much about an Obama second term .. look at what he has done with executive orders .. imagine what he would/will do with no “fear” .. take away executive order power and make IMPEACHMENT EASIER and I would consider it .. how about the ability to have a vote of the people of no confidence and throw out the bum!
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:36pmI love it. But what would Obummer do if he didn’t have to campaign?
Report Post »packardnut
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:47pmExcellent post. I was thinking the same thing just before I read yours. One six year term for everyone.
Report Post »President, senate and house. I am sure some of these people go to Washington with the best of intentions but get corrupted by the system.
Docrow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:17pmI would be for making impeachment easier. Accountability is needed.
Report Post »Lloyd Drako
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:55pm1 term, 6 years. Not a bad idea. One of the few good ideas that was actually written into the Constitution of the Confederacy!
Report Post »Values101
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:18pmHmmmm……Hugo Chavezzzesk….State seizing power from its Citizens..I’m sure the UN approves of this..
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:18pmno they shouldn’t…this mo ron in office now has done more than enough damage in 3 years …he doesn’t deserve 8 more years let alone the remaining 1 year he has left
Report Post »americathebankrupt
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:18pmWhat would you expect a SOROS Stooge to say.
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:17pmno they shouldn’t…this malaka in office now has done more than enough damage in 3 years …he doesn’t deserve 8 more years let alone the remaining 1 year he has left
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:17pmI would go the other direction and limit it to one six year term to prevent decisions being made on re-election and campaigning while in office.
Report Post »TXVET48
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:42pmAgreed. And not just for the president. Senators, as well.
Report Post »Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:26pmI thought that too Gonzo but can you imagine if Obama had 3 more years right now? There’d be no America left.
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:17pmno they shouldn’t…this din gle berry in office now has done more than enough damage in 3 years …he doesn’t deserve 8 more years let alone the remaining 1 year he has left
Report Post »thefnshow
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:16pmno they shouldn’t…this dingleberry in office now has done more than enough damage in 3 years …he doesn’t deserve 8 more years let alone the remaining 1 year he has left
Report Post »tmplarnite
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:15pmSlick Clinton: Typical progressive liberal he and they “ALL” hate the Constitution and want to be a dictator…Phooey to this hooey merchant!
Report Post »takingonissues.com
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:15pmOMG – now the left has gone too far. If this is allowed we are finished as a country. They can then make any rule they darn well please. We must stop, stop, stop these out of control liberal politicians, they along with Obama are destroying America. http://www.takingonissues.com
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:02pmsorry to inform you…it’s not just the left that feels this way…I have seen many of interviews over the years of many politicians speak these same words…its not a new idea by any means. i can’t recall specifics off the top of my head..but i have heard this more than once..Heck, there‘s that lady from the Carolina’s who would like to stop an election altogether ..oh, but she was just joking…this is prolly gonna happen without a public vote…i hope people are listening real close on this one.
Report Post »jihadazzkicker
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:14pmThese people are sick ….. hell there needs to be TERM LIMITS for everyone one these people who “serve the public”
Report Post »Ajohn
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:25pmServe the Public? I am tired of politicians saying they serve the public. They serve no one but themselves wanting no term limits to ensure their hold on power, money and prestige.
Report Post »Morris
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:19pmThey should all have 2-Year Terms, If they are no good for “WE THE PEOPLE”, VOTE THEM OUT!
IMPEACH THIS MUSLIM DICTATOR BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA OUR MUSLIM -IN-CHIEF,
Report Post »SAVE OUR AMERICA!
FedUpWithLeft
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:13pmYes this is what we need another Democrate servind 3 terms because all they needs is 1 term, like Obama ruining our country now, for Dems. Bill clinton is such a dope like his wife.
Report Post »nohussein
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:12pmA prog supporting a dictatorship, what a shock.
Report Post »