Is a First Couple moving back into the White House a violation of presidential term limits?

2016-04-09T21:57:32-04:00

Federal law limits an elected President to two four-year terms. In recent times, the First Lady has proven to have a growing influence on public policy. I wonder what it would be like for a First Couple who were in the White House for eight years, to move back in for four - or more. Roles would be reversed, but how different is it from the political influence of a third term? Is it time to look at how we define presidential term limits? Or is there no issue at all with a First Couple moving back into the White House as long as roles are reversed?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 9 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-04-09T22:00:38-04:00

It may be a violation CH (MAJ) William Beaver; but, this potentially is completely new territory for constitutional checks and balances. I hope that Hillary Rodham Clinton is not elected as POTUS because the idea of impeached former POTUS William Jefferson Clinton being the initial First Gentleman of the USA is somewhat revolting - interns may need to run and hide. :-)

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 9 at 2016 10:01 PM

2016-04-09T22:01:55-04:00

There are plenty of political "proxies" well beyond "First Couples." For example, when then VP George Bush was voted as President, he had already been Reagan's VP for 8 years. Was his Presidency an extension of Reagan? And if that's what the people want, is that a bad thing?

There are also plenty of people who are very similar to a sitting or past President in style and principle, but that doesn't mean they should not be eligible candidates.

There are rules in place; two terms per President. Other than that, let the People elect whoever they want as their leader.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 9 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-04-09T22:16:00-04:00

Interesting question, easily answered. No. Hillary Clinton was not President (even though she often claimed "We are the President" during Bill's Administration)

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 9 at 2016 10:41 PM

2016-04-09T22:41:25-04:00

No. The first Lady/gent is more like the only cabinet member who serves without pay, and the Senate doesn't get any advise and consent.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 11:34 PM

2016-04-09T23:34:18-04:00

That's a pretty weird one sir.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 12:14 AM

2016-04-10T00:14:32-04:00

No issue

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Apr 10 at 2016 1:31 AM

2016-04-10T01:31:37-04:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 2:58 AM

2016-04-10T02:58:14-04:00

No reason for concern. It's not like when someone is elected president, and then just eight years later his son is, and he brings all his dad's officials in to be his advisers. ;)

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Apr 10 at 2016 4:31 AM

2016-04-10T04:31:03-04:00

Maybe there's a Mr. Lewinski waiting in the wings.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 5:06 AM

2016-04-10T05:06:09-04:00

Sir, the term limits are for the office of President not the residence.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Apr 10 at 2016 5:41 AM

2016-04-10T05:41:07-04:00

I'm not really sure how this could be seen as conflicting with any regulations. If someone can find me one that states "Presidents are never allowed to set foot in the White House after serving two terms" then I'd say you have a point. Other than that, no, the "president's spouse" is not a constitutional position.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 10 at 2016 7:35 AM

2016-04-10T07:35:40-04:00

I wish the claim against term limits could be made, but I can't see it being remotely possible. While I don't want a Democrat win, if Hillary does win the White House might get some furniture returned.http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=121856

Clintons Return White House Furniture

Former President Clinton and his wife, Sen.Hillary Rodham Clinton, have sent $28,000 worth of household goodsback to Washington after questions arose over whether the itemswere intended as personal gifts or donations to the White House.“We have been informed that it is being shipped back,...

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 10 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-04-10T12:31:29-04:00

The POTUS is limited to a total of 10 years. There are no limits to serving as VPOTUS to my knowledge and certainly no law prohibiting a role reversal as in the possibility of Clinton moving back to 1600 Penn. Looking at things from a purely logical POV. My guess is most of the country is fed up seeing the name Clinton and Bush in the WH. Most people under 30 only know of 3POTUS'. Living in Asia I do not have to see all the BS ads on the TV and only have to decide on my own research and opinions.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 10 at 2016 1:24 PM

2016-04-10T13:24:28-04:00

President Clinton and HER wife??? Lmao

Response by COL Ted Mc made Apr 10 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-04-10T13:56:51-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver - Captain; Grasping at straws are we?

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Apr 10 at 2016 6:51 PM

2016-04-10T18:51:58-04:00

Seriously?

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 12 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-04-12T18:34:52-04:00

yes it should be