Would it help if the President were required to cut party ties?

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 09:00:55 -0400

This is something that I have wondered for quite a while, but haven't ever had much of a serious discussion about. I have come to value the opinions found here, and was wondering what you all thought of this: If the President, once elected, were required to renounce all ties to whatever their previous political party was, do you think this would help with objectivity, and acting in the best interest of the Country first, rather than "toeing party lines"?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2014 9:11 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 09:11:06 -0400

And what happens when it's time to run for reelection?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 2 at 2014 9:37 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 09:37:15 -0400

While it sounds like a great idea on the surface, it would require a total revamp of our entire political system. As discussed in a previous thread, it takes an enormous amount of money to be a viable candidate, let alone win a presidential election and the vast majority of those dollars come through the political party...this is the root of the evil of our political system. Quid pro quo. The 'party' got you elected, therefore you owe the party. Right or wrong is another debate entirely, but it is what it is.
Also, how would such a policy be enforced? There would be continuous allegations of the sitting president 'favoring' the party of their political roots, whether substantiated or not, which would lead to increasing distractions from the major issues...it could even be used as a 'red herring' to distract from issues.
Also, any candidate is affiliated with a certain party due to their own personal beliefs and values. Are you saying that they should put their own values and beliefs aside? Easier said than done.
Again, while it sounds good; and would be a noble thing to do, I don't see it as a possibility.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2014 11:58 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:58:03 -0400

SGT Richard H.. This would deprive the Office of the President of several of its major tools for exploring, promoting, and implementing policy. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Sep 2 at 2014 12:32 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:32:56 -0400

The proposal is inconsistent with the 1st amendment.

It also would not likely have the desired effect.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 9:49 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:49:58 -0400

Great in theory, but I don't see how it could be implemented. Just because someone stands up and declares themselves to be independent doesn't make them so. They can (and probably will) still favor the party that got them to the point they are at, out of loyalty and/or the hope of future support. This is particularly true if the candidate ran as a party member, and "cut ties" only upon assuming the Presidency.

As for cutting ties prior to running, that would cut off one of the major sources of funding for any candidate. They would be left with either accepting huge donations from special interest groups (which would lead to exactly the same sort of bias you're trying to avoid with party ties), or else they will not be able to get their message out there and will be defeated because they don't have name recognition.

Response by SGT Chris Furry made Sep 9 at 2014 3:20 PM

SGT Chris Furry — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:20:43 -0400

Have you ever heard a phrase similar to "You can take the man out of the _____, but you can't take the _____ out of the man."? This is true with political parties. Candidates joined those parties because the are aligned with their personal belief system. Forcing renouncement of a political party won't remove bias or beliefs simply labels.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 9 at 2014 3:35 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:35:23 -0400

As many have already said, this is a good idea in theory, but the truth is that, regardless of whether the President renounces his/her political affiliation or not, he/she will always be identified with the party that put him/her in office and will be his/her prime supporter for reelection. (Yes, I know -- a lot of he/she and him/her, but it is a reflection of today's reality).

What we really need is a President to work with everyone, regardless of political party, to get the job done. Although we have had a few do that, they have been very few and far between. Our present system is pretty dysfunctional. Selfless, non-partisan service by politicians is a rare commodity.

Response by Sgt Nate Hazen made Sep 11 at 2014 12:47 AM

Sgt Nate Hazen — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:47:43 -0400

It's an interesting idea, but the President's ideology isn't going to change just because he's renounced his party. It will end up with the president cutting ties with a wink and a nod to his party colleagues. Sorry if that sounds cynical, but I'm pretty cynical of politicians in general.