Lame Ducks and Sour Grapes
In 1800, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were not on good terms . The election that year was a bitter one that caused much divide and vehement disagreement within the infant United States. After Adams lost to Jefferson, Adams was a “lame duck” president. However, Adams, not being the idle sort, decided that while he was waiting to not be president, he might as well find something to do. This resulted in what is known as the “ Midnight Judge Appointments ”. Adams installed a bunch of Federalist judges as a final attempt to continue his policies. Jefferson, being a Democratic-Republican, took this as a slap in the face. Despite his entire party being trounced in the election of 1800, Adams’ last move was designed to insure his policies endured. Sound familiar? This is a common final spasm for lame duck leaders. However, over the last couple weeks, President Obama has given us a demonstration of the lamest of all lame ducks. No offense to the ducks. Obama’s Lame Duck Spasms