President Obama taught constitutional law. If I were one of his former students, I'd want my money back.
Obama said in a news conference this week that the Supreme Court would take an "unprecedented, extraordinary step" if it overturns his health reform law, because it was passed by "a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress."
It's embarrassing for liberals—but mostly for the president—to argue that if the court differs from their beliefs, they're making an "unprecedented" decision. Especially coming from a law professor—and commander-in-chief—it's a direct snub on the federal system that gives the Supreme Court the ultimate authority on the definition of what's constitutional and what's not.
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I'm not surprised Obama made comments about his law, talking about all that's good about it and encouraging the justices to uphold it—I'm fine with that. Politicians do it all the time.
But I was taken aback by his comment about them being "an unelected group of people," suggesting he might make an election issue of those "partisan judges" if they throw out the PPACA.
Threatening political backlash if he doesn't like what they decide makes him look foolish. First, it suggests he's not confident enough in his own law (that still the country remains divided on). And, most importantly, it's contrary to his responsibility to uphold the Constitution.
Of course, there's politics involved in this debate over health reform—for the most part, Democrats love ObamaCare and conservatives don't. But the Supreme Court is—well, should be—basing a decision on constitutionality. They have the ultimate power and we as Americans should trust they make the right decision.
Oh, and the president should, too.
Bullying doesn't belong in middle school or in politics. I just wish people knew better—especially our leader.
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