Branch Relations

1,889 days and no vetoes: Bush gaining on Jefferson
By Richard Benedetto, USA TODAY Updated 3/23/2006 7:34 AM
WASHINGTON — President Bush Thursday becomes the longest-sitting president since Thomas Jefferson not to exercise his veto, surpassing James Monroe.

What is the story here -- that Bush has masterfully worked with the Congress, or that Congress has abandoned its institutional role? Not surprisingly, we see both points made in the article:

Some analysts say Bush's failure to use his veto shows an unwillingness to confront fellow Republicans who control Congress. "He doesn't want to fight battles unnecessarily and create a distance between himself and his party," says Mark Rozell, a George Mason University political scientist who has studied presidential vetoes.

Others say Bush's avoidance of the veto is a sign of strength. "Bush and his party are so close on most issues that there's no need to veto," Mackenzie says.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., scoffs at that: "This is a rubber-stamp Congress. Why would he veto anything?"