Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump playfully hints at considering a third term sparking conversations.
– The 22nd Amendment only allows an individual to be elected twice as President of the United States.
– Changing the Constitution would require a two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate, and the approval of three-fourths of the states.
– Past presidents such as Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Ronald Reagan have also expressed thoughts of serving beyond two terms.
– Many are speculating that the idea, if entertained, could allow a backdoor for younger former Presidents to return to the office.
Excitement Over a Trump Third Term
In recent news, President-elect Donald Trump sparked a conversation with Republicans. His joke about a third term has raised eyebrows on both sides of the political aisle. This isn’t a new notion, former Presidents have also considered serving beyond two terms. But what does it mean for the Constitution and our elections?
The Constitutional Hurdle
The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution clearly states that no person can be elected as President more than twice. This roadblock means Trump, who according to himself won the 2020 elections, has hit his limit. While it’s clear, it doesn’t stop conversations around amending the Constitution. But that’s a path rarely taken with strict prerequisites.
Constitutional Amendments
Changing the Constitution isn’t an easy or common occurrence. It happens on average only once every 10 years. The process begins with Congress and requires a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. The majority in both chambers is currently held by Republicans but by a slim margin. Moreover, the proposed changes would also have to be approved by three-quarters of the states. There’s another way around this via a convention proposal but it’s something that has never occurred so far.
The Fear of a Power Play
Despite the tall order, unease lingers. Rep. Dan Goldman, who was the lead counsel for one of Trump’s impeachments, put forth a resolution to definitively thwart a future Trump third term. This proposed resolution would seal the language of the 22nd Amendment to cover Trump specifically. Despite the determination, skeptics worry about potential manipulations.
Lessons from Past Presidents
Trump isn’t the first President to consider a third term. Former President Bill Clinton had shared his thoughts on changing the Constitution to allow Presidents to serve more than two terms. Even Barack Obama in a comic avenue had indicated he wouldn’t mind a stand-in third term.
Considering Longevity
As Presidents live longer and stay active, the prospect of serving beyond two terms becomes more appealing. This is not only true for Trump but for ex-presidents such as Barack Obama, who is much younger, and Bill Clinton. If a change to the Constitution is enabled, these former leaders could also potentially re-enter the race.
The Prospect of a Family Ticket
With Trump’s vigor and stamina, the prospect of him getting elected multiple times isn’t implausible. In fact, it paints a picture where we might see a father-son ticket, something never before seen, with his son Barron.
In conclusion, while Trump’s third-term tease is most likely in jest, it opens up a wide array of discussions. From constitutional amendments to the return of former Presidents and even marking new territories with family tickets. Only time will tell if this playful suggestion evolves into a serious proposition.