Morning constitutional
Dramatis Personae
Barack Obama, President of the United States
Joe Biden, Vice-President of the United States
OBAMA: I have one small concern about our health care proposal.
BIDEN: What’s that, boss?
OBAMA: Don’t call me “boss.”
BIDEN: I’m sorry — I thought that was the lingo. You know, jive talk.
OBAMA: As you know, I’m a constitutional scholar; and as such, I know Congress’ enumerated powers under the Constitution — in the sphere of economic activity — are limited to the Commerce Clause, which allows it to regulate interstate commerce.
BIDEN: Yeah, so?
OBAMA: So, if we’re not gonna allow health insurance companies to sell policies across state lines, how can our regulations relate to interstate commerce?
BIDEN: It can’t.
OBAMA: Then, how can we constitutionally regulate health insurance?
BIDEN: Via the Commerce Clause.
OBAMA: Have you’ve been listening to me at all?
BIDEN: Listen, boss — nobody cares what’s written in the Constitution. Not the Democrats, not the Republicans — not the Supreme Court. Basically, if it feels good, do it.
OBAMA: Really?
BIDEN: What are you doing, boss?
OBAMA: Throwing you out the window.
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If only.
It’s kind of heartening to think that the president might actually know something about the document he swore to preserve, protect, and defend when he took the oath of office.
Well, someone has to play the straight man in these dialogues.