Obama resigns, will miss key votes

This is a horrible idea for a news article! Obama will never back down. He is our FDR!

The title had me so excited! Obama Resigns!

Guess he will not get to vote "Present"

JFK was the last Senator to be in office while elected President. Before JFK was Harding in 1920, there are no others, so there is little precident on what to do after being elected. I can see how there would be a clear conflict of interest between Obama's responsibilities towards the people of Illinois and the more general interests of the American people. I suppose that in line with Obama's goal of tranparancy and a new era in political ethics, he felt that he didn't want the appearance of a conflict. I guess the best thing that could happen would be if Obama's and Biden's successors could be appointed immediately so they could help out in the senate.

JFK was the last Senator to be in office while elected President. Before JFK was Harding in 1920, there are no others, so there is little precident on what to do after being elected. I can see how there would be a clear conflict of interest between Obama's responsibilities towards the people of Illinois and the more general interests of the American people. I suppose that in line with Obama's goal of tranparancy and a new era in political ethics, he felt that he didn't want the appearance of a conflict. I guess the best thing that could happen would be if Obama's and Biden's successors could be appointed immediately so they could help out in the senate.

Just like with the Iraq vote that occurred before he was in the senate, he can wait till things are over then he can figure out which side is the most popular and say that was his position, what a tool.

Those of you who still think a U.S. Senator can vote "present" are mistaken.

Jesse Jackson...Really?

Even after the derogatory statements made regarding Obama during the democratic caucus?

How does a guy like that do enough political maneuvering fast enough to possibly get chosen as the replacement for the same guy who he used racial slurs against?

"Obama resigns"

Love to see that headline after January 29th, 2009

Lots of grumpy folks in this thread...

I can't wait to tell my friends, "I told you so..."

Why resign now? Does being president elect result in a conflict of interest between the legislative and executive branches?

Obama forgive them for they don't know what they are saying.

President-elect moves on from previously held post to focus on preparation on presidency. In other shocking employment news, baristas continue to fill up coffee cups, and surgeons strongly hint that they may be performing operations tomorrow. Now to the weather, where our experts predict a high probability that the sky may be blue.

Steady as she goes. Our new president is carefully steering his course, and laying the groundwork for success that will be benefit us all. Together. Yeah, he put the bad cop, Emanuel, in as chief of staff. Now he's free to surf above it.
Give the man a chance. He's our best hope. All of us... red, blue, and the rest.

Commenter 1, Obama was born in Hawaii. Hawaii's Health Department Director, Dr. Chiyome Fukino, and the Hawaii's Registrar of Vital Statistics, Alvin Onaka, have verified that the Health Department has Obama's original birth certificate.

Actually it is a sign of good character. He is president now, and he should be above the parties. We make have a REAL bipartisan leader, finally, after all the lies and promises I know that is hard to understand after 8 years of Bush.

Hey, fellow Americans, how about working together as one nation!

The present votes were a strategy pro-choice groups asked him to take. I am pro life but don't spin the crap just to please yourselves. As for the NAACP, where did you read any such claims>? Stop lying.

I think I missed something here, Obama voted more often than McCain during the campaign. These votes aren't that "Big" as well its gonna be hard to get the congress to do anything for a stimulus, and the decisions to punish Joe is irrelevant when you've become the president elect. He is trying to fill all of his appointments before he hits the whitehouse to make this administratino move more smoothly. I'm sorry but the campaign is over, and there is no use not supporting the new president. George Bush is my president until 1/20/09, and then Obama is my president. I am proud of this country, and of Obama, and I would rather him work on the future the toil and flounder in the past.

Way to mislead ... His opinions on those votes you deem "key"/"controversial" are being telegraphed in THE EXACT SAME ARTICLE. In no uncertain terms. He 1) supports a new stimulus package and 2) supports Joe Lieberman staying in the Dem caucus. WTF. Does an entirely ceremonial vote in the Senate "count" @ this point since he will no longer be in the body to provide input on THE WAY these two votes will be implemented? Especially since his POV on these matters is now strictly dominated by his WH power rather than his Senatorial power?? Jeezus, the "logic". He's not Cheney, neither here nor there between two branches of gov't.

I was amused by the comment that he should have "stuck with the job he was elected to do". George Bush in running as governor of Texas swore to the people of the state that he would complete his term - he began his campaign for the presidency within 2 years...

JESSIE JACKSON JR IN 2016..............SHOOT ME NOW..................

No one cares if Obama resigns his seat. If he were there he would only vote 'present'. By past experience, he cannot make a decision. He needs someone to tell him how to vote. It is going to be a tough 2 years. Yes, I said 2 because by the next election I am sure even the Democrats will have had enough and will vote all the seats that are coming up for election Republican.

To some of the other commentors: My goodness. Ready to hate much? The minute Obama was elected to the presidency he left the legislative brance and became part of the Executive branch of government, and rightly so. In our constitution we seperate these two branches as a way of checks and balances. (anyone remember US History in school?) Seems to me that it is entirely appropriate for this man to focus on leading our country and to an extent the entire world in just a little over 2 months, not to mention setting up a new administration and hiring literally thousands of positions. . Besides, any votes he cast in the Senate at this point would only by used by the opposition as an argument against him.

We really have forgotten how to be fair in this country.

And his resignation will affect lawmaking how? The man votes "present" most of the time anyway.

Still getting hang-overs over the devastating defeat I guess.

sore losers! If it were McCain you'd all me saying: he's right. Now he he to focus on the presidency. Reps scrude up big time voting Bush twice and now act like crying babies. Sore losers...

"Jesse Jackson...Really?
Even after the derogatory statements made regarding Obama during the democratic caucus?"
-----------------------
Jesse Jackson JUNIOR is in the running - SENIOR made the derogatory comments, and JUNIOR basically laid the smack down on Dad for them. Pay attention, Steve.

I guess you don't want to stick to the job you were elected to do....so you could start making some CHANGE
-------------------------------------
No, Obama just happens to be ethical enough to be aware of the serious conflict of interest there is if he votes as a Senator when he is already President-Elect. I know "ethics" is a baffling concept to someone who voted for McCain, though, since the old man has few.

Obama is doing the responsible thing and resigning so he does not steal the thunder from his fellow Senators. It has nothing to do with virtually anything mentioned above.

Lots of bitter commentators on this blog ...

Get Over IT ...

He is here to stay for at least 4 years ...

What is Obama?Maybe Osama!!!:) Its no good for US...

LOL. It's fun and amusing to see the Republicans posting here are still bitter, still filled with hate and narcissism. LOL. Get over it! You lost...and you got whooped. Go away and grow up.

Good Lord. He can't win with you sore losers. If he had stayed and voted, you would all be whining that as incoming president he shouldn't have taken sides by voting. Not to mention the reporting on his votes would completely overshadow reporting on the actual issues. If he steps aside to focus on his transition team, you're going to rip on him for not voting. And then we have the crybabies STILL talking about his birth certificate when even the RNC admitted they were barking up a tree on that one? Geez.. I guess it's obvious who will be throwing away their votes on Falin in 2012 (if she isn't killed in a "hunting accident" before then).

.

To all the negative people who have written their comments which really have no substance: What is all your bitterness about?
YES he can, and yes, we won.

"Lots of grumpy folks in this thread"......above commentor

funny, that is what I thought for the 'past 8 years'

Sounds more like a lot of racist folks in this thread..... Bush had his chance and blew it. Everyone is complaining about the economy and how they can't pay their bills because they have lived beyond their means for the last 8 years.

Give the guy a chance to govern and help you out. He just might help you keep your home, your boat, your Hummer, and your greedy lifestyle.

Still waiting for the Resignation from Presidency, that will make my day!!!

What a chicken !!!!!! Yes, it is true that he needs to resign his position as Senator before inauguration, but to resign at this time just shows what an elected president (by the press) he is going to be. What else is he going to run away from when he is in the White house other than a shadow perhaps.
Not only will he not vote as a Senator and show us where he stands on the stupid things in this world, he hides with his fancy words of being happy to serve from Illinois. What else is this guy going to do to us before the collapse of union? and the States?

Tom-Those of you who still think a U.S. Senator can vote "present" are mistaken.
yeah tom you are right, the state made him say something. In the U.S. Senate you can just stand there and say nothing and not even have to speak.

I was hopeful, for a minute there...

Go figure; the nothing senator resigns his post so he can pursue being the nothing president. Typical of him. If this moron can't handle two tasks at one time, how in the world is he going to handle the presidency? Oh, I forgot... Mr. "Change" has brought back the Clinton administration to do it for him. Never saw that coming... right!

Actually Jesse Jackson, Jr roundly criticized his father, Jesse Jackson, Sr for the comments he made about Obama. Before some of you folks criticize Obama's Presidency, you should wait until he is actually sworn in in January.

Americans need to grow up and not behave like kids. Of course it is right for him to resign so that there is no conflict. Keep up the Good work

Thank God for free speech. What would we do without allowing a large number of imbeciles speak their tiny little minds? Did Rush give you all his approval before you posted?

sounds like you conservatives have been eating some sour grapes, Mr. Obama was elected because of his clear level-headed approach to any number of challenges that he faced during this election,and a LARGE majority of Americans could sense. Face it, WE put forth the better reasoning; and all you guys (losers) have is hyperbole, propaganda and stale greedy white men.

Gee, Obama resigns. It's not like he cast many votes anyway. This way he wont be held accountable for anymore screw-ups by the Senate. Oh boy are we in for some change. I am actual surprised they have not move the inauguration up to get him into office sooner, so he can start making all those changes he has been promising.

Obama will have his hands full working on the transition. Given that he is going to be replaced in the Senate anyway, what's wrong with having it happen sooner rather than later? I read that the governor gets to appoint his successor, so it's not like they are waiting for a special election.

Steve, this is his son, not Jesse Jackson. His son's been part of Obama's campain and denounced his father's remarks.

Wow, would the McCain supporters please just realize that most of America had a different idea about who was most qualified to be President and get over it and support our new elected leader??!! Of course Obama must resign his senate seat now, how can he fully commit to the people of Illinios, while establishing the team that will be responsible for navigating the most troubling economic times since the depression? Be logical people, this is not news.

Poor posters! Don't understand that the prompt resignation allows the governor to appoint a successor, whose seniority begins the day SHE takes the oath. Some people are either stupid or deliberately obtuse or just mean. GO

Come on people. Sure are some sorry losers out there..
Steve#18 It is Jesse Jackson Jr. Watch cnn sometime.

Agree with NOYB; GOP- grumpy old people

I don't think grumpy has anything to do with it.
Has Biden resigned yet? I'm looking forward to that article.

I can't believe the Republicans are whining already and Obama is not even in office. At least us dems gave GW a chance until he proved he was a total tool (we all know he was), but Republicans voted for the bugger anyway.

I don't think grumpy has anything to do with it.
Has Biden resigned yet? I'm looking forward to that article.

Well, I guess I can empathisize with those in the MINORITY who are dreading the Obama presidency since I suffered through eight years of George W. Bush's bumbling administration.

This is what I endured:
Job loss, savings loss, severe depression, severe anxiety, nightmares, night sweats, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), gastrointestinal disorders, dramatic weight fluctuations, hair loss, skin problems, migraines and random pain.

Since the election, I have been sleeping better. Therefore, I must express my sincere gratitude to those who voted for President-Elect Barack Obama.

Idiots
First to the last posts it's Jesse Jackson (JR) who pretty much told his dad to STFU when he berated Obama.

Second to all you republican dogs, stop believing everything the failed Mccain coalition fed you, and remember that just to even become a presidential canditate the CIA, FBI and probably several other agencies with no name went through Obama's history with a fine tuned spectrum analyzer. Thus making absolutely sure he has no "true" terrorist ties and that he was born in America.

The people in this thread think is such a simple way. I agree with the person who wrote about conflict of interest. He is now president-elect. His vote will carry a lot more weight. His vote will not be interpreted as the vote of a junior senator from Illinois, it will be interpreted as the vote of the President of the United States, even if he does not take office until 1/20/09. There will be so much over-interpretation and misinterpretation. He made a very smart move. But I guess for those of you who are still feeling the sting from last week's results, you're just looking for something to grumble about.

"what was America thinking when they voted Barack?"
Probably Iraq, katrina, c average intelligence, recession, bailout for the rich,
Blackwater, Taliban, hmmm

Too bad he'll miss voting on this one:

S. 1173, The Freedom of Choice Act (53 comments ��)
S. 1173 would protect, consistent with Roe v. Wade, a woman's freedom to choose to bear a child or terminate a pregnancy.

Detailed Summary
Status of the Legislation
Points in Favor
Points Against
Detailed Summary
Freedom of Choice Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to: (1) bear a child; (2) terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or (3) terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health.

Prohibits a federal, state, or local governmental entity from: (1) denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or (2) discriminating against the exercise of those rights in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information. Provides that such prohibition shall apply retroactively.

Authorizes an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief, including relief against a governmental entity, in a civil action.

Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 4/19/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Points in Favor
(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)

BUT WAIT! He can still maintain his Pro-Abortion stance with support from other like-minded individuals, no matter what their political affiliation! This legal form of genocide will be perpetuated while Roe v. Wade is still "legal". As always, divine law supersedes human law where the two conflict. Just hope and pray the "cult of death" does not prevail and that the RIGHT TO LIFE is restored! Remember, GOD IS PRO-LIFE.

Points Against
(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)

I saw that headline and nearly smiled. then I realized that it was too early. He hasn't had the chance to screw up our country even worse than it already is.

I heart you ignorant people up in BAASTUN! When you were growing up in the &)'s you spent all your time rocking school buses instead of "rocking" it in the class room. Your guy and his hillbilly running mate LOST. Enjoy the serving of crow!

You see the only people commenting are people who have nothing to backup their statements. I believe most people who are against Obama are racists who do not want to see a black man in office straight and simple. I really enjoy reading people's comments in regard to Obama being extreme liberal...you know even if he is more liberal than other presidents in the recent past it's because WE the 18 to 30 y/os who out voted the 65+ years old this year actually want to see some policies from the same old hat we've all been forced to wear.

Seems the President-elect has found a new way to vote "present". Or is this "not present"?

How interesting that this man does not want to be on the record for anything. How will he pull that off for four years?

The same 'o' same 'o'. Voted over 100 times present in the Il. Senate and many times as a US senator or was missing from the hall setting up his run for the Presidency that first year. Nobody ever saw him in the US Senate. Now again, he is straddling the fence. Won't stay and commit to a YA or NAY vote. It's along time to Jan. 20th 09. The only President Elect that had no experience as a leader ever voted in as President. Palin has more experience as a leader and higher Security Clearence than Obama, McCain or Biden. Obama's never sat or voted on any top committee in the Senate. Yet, HERE is OUR SAVIOR>

Not grumpy...sour grapes

You can't complete a transition while serving in the Senate. The transition is much more important...

What a bunch of idiots. . .still spouting all the McCain campaign commercial crap. Even McCain has move passed all the spin acknowledging that it was all political posteuring. No matter what Obama does or doesn't do, we are all still in a terrible mess. If he stays in office you same idiots would say he is trying to undermine the current presidents agenda. Why don't you cry-babies find a way that you can help us and contribute to the rebuilding of our country and way of life. Here are some areas where we need help: Economy, Housing Sector, Healthcare, the two wars we are involved in, our crumbling infrastructure and the upcoming energy crisis.

As a consolation, the gov. should have Sarah Palin replace Obama as senator. She's proven herself to the American people, and deserves something for the effort. Plus she got the second most votes to Obama in the election, so it would be fair for her to get his old seat.

"The power of America�s mass media and entertainment image-making machine was harnessed to a candidate for national office. Obama became a feel-good brand that would magically repair America�s damaged reputation in the world and her economy at home. But the Obama brand has all the depth and staying power of a catchy pop tune. It�s like Mountain Dew, all sugar rush, no nutritional value. You feel better but you�re not getting any healthier.�
More politics as usual. Obama obviousely had a chance to participate in a monumental session at a critical time that will undoubtedly affect his term in office and he backs out. It does not make sense based on what he's campaigned. I am obviousely not a supporter of Barack but I felt relieved when he was elected because he sounded good and I could stop doubting and start hoping that it was not just rhetoric. This does nothing to add confidence.

That's because most of the smarter people didn't want an inexperienced tool in the white house. Maybe we will get lucky and he'll quit being the President early too!

A lot of ignorance and simple mindedness on display in the comments from bitter conservatives. You can't vote "present" in the United States Senate. Obama voted "present" in the ILLINOIS STATE SENATE. Voting "present" in the Illinois Senate is not the equivalent of not taking a position. It can be and is used by Illinois State Senators when they are neither completely in line with the legislation as drafted nor outrightly against the legislation in principle. As captbilly pointed out there is a theoretical conflict of interest and almost no historical precedent for what a President Elect/United States Senator does in this situation. Speculation that his motivation to resign is to avoid taking a position on issues is just plain silly. It's not like he is going to be able to avoid taking a position when legislation passes across his desk as President.
@ John. It is inherently racist to assume that a qualified, let alone the best qualified candidate for his Senator seat could not be black and fundamentally naive and simple minded to believe that the best qualified candidate for any political office is always the one to be placed there regardless of race, creed or gender. Ironically you just proved with your own comment that yes you can in fact be racist in the United States and get away with it.

agreed,
i think these are the same people saying we would
never elect a black president...

I wish they would stop complaining and help us change the world.
It seems like there is an abundance of energy that could really go towards something useful and productive for our country.

All the anti Obama comments are great. Too bad W can't run for a third term.

Please put in Jackson he will be fodder for the right wing and will lose the seat in 2 years to the Grand Old Party.

I am surprised at the amount of sinicism and even bitterness expressed. He has done the right and honorable thing, and should be acknowledged for it. I, for one, hope that he restores this type of non-partisan dignity to government. That is why I voted for him!
Harry, Buffalo, NY

Hey Brooks
If a white person who does not like Obama is a racist isin't a black person who does not like mccain also a racist?
Unless you are saying that while most black people voted for Obama because of policy reasons that most white people who voted for Mccain were racist, that would be racist in itself would it not?

You are some sad sad people. So negative and bitter.

While the President Elect is living the life of his dreams with a can-do positive attitude, I suspect most of you here are living the lives you deserve with your negative attitudes. It just doesn't have to be that way. But its your life.

Enough with the voting "present" bashing, already. He only voted present in the ILLINOIS Senate. NOT the U.S. Senate. Also, voting "present" means voting "no."

Stop just repeating every freaking thing that you hear from Sarah Palin.

I remember after the 2004 election, that most Republicans told the wild and wacky liberal left that was angry, distraught and upset about the election, to shut up and support George Bush because he's still our president. I've personally extended the courtesy to let them be mad, but obviously not everyone has done that. At the same time, I find it interesting that those same Republicans that railed against the dems and liberals that lost, and still continued to cry foul, hoot, hollar and beat their chests in anger, and told them to get behind the president to get back to the important work that needed to be done, are now doing the exact same thing. i guess there isn't much difference between Conservatives and Liberals. We're both sore winners and sore losers. I say everybody, get over it, stop over analyzing what everybody and anybody does, and just chill out.

It's not the end of the world, the United states has been around for 200 years it'll survive another, and Obama is unlikely to do anything to cause the downfall of our country. If anything will do that it will simply be that our economic competition (china, india, russia, iran) outplay us in the economic arena. And i don't think there's much anyone can do about it. The world is changing people. Live with it. And instead of whining and complaining away your problems, why don't you change along with that world.

Ugh! This is why I hate people.

Wow, there sure are a bunch of sore losers on this thread. Even us democrats weren't this bad after y'all re-elected chicken brain in '04. Pretty sad to watch.

Also, there is an astounding amount of mis-information in these comments above. Are these intentional lies, or just ignorance? Did someone seriously call Mr. Jackson a bigot? Wow. You people need to start actually reading the news, not just making it up as you go along.... THAT is why the GOP lost this round; people finally got tired of being lied to. Have a wonderful next 4 years!!!! HAHAHAH.

Obama is not pro-abortion, okay? Please go educate yourself before people start listening to you.

Obama is *PRO-CHOICE* -- meaning, that in certain very limited instances, he supports a woman's right to choose to possibly have an abortion (she could also choose adoption).

What are very limited circumstances? RAPE, INCEST, CERTAIN DEATH. Not as terrible as you think he is, is he?

Some one tell Obama that change does not mean rehiring a bunch of Clinton hacks and that he should have waited at least a month before dropping his iron clad pledge against hiring lobbyists, it has been a little more than a week since the election and he has already reneged on two major promises, hold on to your wallet middle class America, the Clintonian style flip flop on taxes is soon to come.

What conflict of interest? Dick Cheney's claimed to be part of the executive and legislative branches for the past 8 years, and look at all of the great things he's done for the American people.

A quote from a poster here" "..... to all you republican dogs....."

Is this an example of the liberal tolerance of other opinions, that we are constantly told about? Or do you need to know the race or sexual orientation of the poster, before you display the famious liberal tolerance?

Sad to see how many bitter republicans there are.
Seems to me if you can do a better job maybe you should run for office.
Otherwise shut up and let the man lead.

What no "present" votes??? Oh well those never mattered anyway. Some on this site might want to check his voting record! Not only did he vote present he several times had his vote changed after voting. Hope he get it better as President.

Change is along time coming with all these racist comments.

He was in a no-win situation here. If he had stayed on, people would have accused him of using his influence as President-elect unfairly. If he resigns, people it's just like voting "present" (HA HA HA!!!! Did you guys think of that all by yourselves? God, that's witty.).

As usual, Obama did the right thing.

I look forward to Barrack Obama for president of the United States.

Painful reading this blog. Whining is such a waste of time. He is exercizing his rights, written, passed by our founding fathers Along the way he has a whole lot of decks to swab, messed up by the 2 preceeding Presidencies. He obviously knows a great deal more about Constitutional law, than we posters here, He is exercizing those rights,.Bet on his superb brain power, I.Q, education, clarity & political skills, as a Senator, now President-Elect. He's catching the balls which have been pitched at him, and possesses superb qualifications to act on same.

All this hate-filled Neanderthal right-wing palaver from you guys in Massachusetts? What's going on? Way too much talk radio, I guess.

Obama is now president elect. He represents the interests of the US and is a member of the executive branch. Why then should he vote on matters that effect the legislative branch. Anyone who thinks that Obama could devote sufficient attention to his legislative responsibilities in addition to paying attention to his responsibility in forming a new government has a lower standard of performance and competence than Obama does or they believe he is a messiah.

In either case they do not understand Mr Obama.

good, maybe he will "retire" half way through his white house term

I see that some conservatives are drinking their own 'kool-aid' these days... regurgitating the same right-wing radio, ignorant hate speech.

Also take some time to do your research...
McCain was the most absent senator in the entire senate missing over 20% more votes than any other senator including Obama.

As a life long democrat and John Edwards supporter, I still am amazed that the far right wing of the GOP never made issue of his parents never being legally married. Not that it would make a difference one way or another, but sleaze is sleaze, and I find it hard to believe that they let that go unchecked.

Oh I can't wait to hear the campaign being repeated over the next 4 years. Talking points don't govern a country, leading does. The people believed Obama could do a better job than McCain and we, the American people, need to give the man a chance. Get your facts straight before you start criticizing and think about what your reaction would be if the shoe was on teh other foot. Bitterness will not help this country get out of the mess that George W got us into.

"Why resign now? Does being president elect result in a conflict of interest between the legislative and executive branches?"

Yes. As Senator his job was to look out for the interests of Illinois first and also the nation. In practice Congressmen and Senators work for the people who hire them - local voters and campaign contributors, and work for the national interest only as seen from their district. A President is expected to consider the whole country as his "interest group", or at least the section that voted for and contributed to him/her. The President and the Congress obviously work on the same legislation and you can't serve two different constituencies at once. Thus there is a conflict of interest in remaining Senator, probably something they needed to hash over for a while since this has not happened recently.

The article +/or Obama's press team should have explained this.

He's doing the right thing for his administration.

"Stop just repeating every freaking thing that you hear from Sarah Palin.
Posted by whuddadumbsn November 13, 08 07:01 PM "

Yes, by all means, STOP REPEATING EVERY FREAKING INCORRECT THING YOU HEAR ABOUT SARAH PALIN!

Let see, preparing to be president for the next 4 years or serving as a senator for a few more days? HHhmmm touch choice if you are a moron. People he is preparing for to be the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!! Oh good lord some people are just dumb

Lest we forget that this also prevents him from having to cast a vote about an auto industry bailout.