The Disingenuous Presidency: Reagan’s Veto and the “Make-My-Day” President

Abstract

AbstractIn many respects, the presidential veto is an under-appreciated litmus test of presidential activism and power with respect to the legislative realm. This article offers insights on the interplay of symbols and actions in the Reagan presidency by examining the administration’s use of veto powers and veto issues, including Reagan’s veto rhetoric versus reality, veto strategies, and veto threats. These examples support the conclusion that Reagan sought to narrow the gap between presidential expectations and presidential reality that dogs the modern presidency by pursuing a unique strategy: rather than lowering expectation-inflating rhetoric, or more aggressively pursuing conventional political solutions, the administration sought to transform rhetoric into reality, cultivating a “disingenuous presidency.”