THE GEPHARDT CAMPAIGN is invoking Harry Truman to defend his comments about Executive Orders and the Supreme Court. Phil Carter points out that Truman’s record with Executive Orders and the Supreme Court doesn’t really help the Gephardt campaign’s position. Carter points out that Truman acted by Executive Order in the Steel Seizure Cases and his action was overturned by the Court:

There is great irony in the assertion by Dick Gephardt’s campaign that he would follow the example of Harry Truman with respect to Executive Orders. Harry Truman did some great things unilaterally, such as his desegregation of the military and recognition of Israel, among others. But we can also learn what presidents cannot do from Truman’s experience in the White House. I hope that Mr. Gephardt learns those lessons as well.

Good point.