I just heard Gwen Ifill of PBS refer to President Obama’s impending action on immigration as a “work-around” in the face of congressional opposition. I was working in the Reagan White House at the time of Iran-Contra, and man, I wish we had thought of that phrase!
“Mr. President, Congress is ‘dragging its feet’* on getting funding to the contras. But don’t worry, some of the fellas here have found a ‘work-around’ to make sure the contras get what they need.”
“Good work! If Congress won’t do its job, that won’t stop me from doing mine.”
I’m sure that the people who are applauding President Obama today would have been perfectly okay with that. . . . Right?
* Another tendentious phrase I hear a lot in this debate, It just puts a negative spin on the fact that Congress dares to disobey the policy wishes of a president.