PS 140B Final Question 3

Skills

Neglect Overzealousness Assertiveness Legislators are strategic Win

Samuel Kernell's Opinion

"going public" has replaced traditional bargaining Decline of traditional bargaining (1)Decentralization of policy authority in congress, committee system. (2) Interest group influence adds another variable and makes it more uncertain. (3) Divided government makes it yet more costly and more uncertain.

Obama Example

In Ohio's 10th district, attracted Kucinich's vote for healthcare bill. Significance: modern governance is a "permanent campaign." Bargaining used to be more private and emphasize compromise. Now it is a process of maintaining support from one's constituency to secure reelection. More like demagoguery approach.

Informal bargaining advantages:

Institutional prestige Campaign aid in exchange for support Pork Barrel spending: attracting support from congressmen by bribing them with local, unrelated spending projects. President has influence in this area

Going Public

Presidential attempt to alter a legislator's vote by appealing to his/her constituency, therefore affecting chances of reelection. Can be done through president's management of public opinion using the techniques of modern public relations Presidential grassroots lobbying: TV, radio, personal appearances Turn district/state constituents into presidential lobbyists Jeffrey Cohen calls this strategy "going local"

Professional Reputation

To overcome the constitutional limits on presidential authority, a president needs a particular personality type, skill set, and leadership style The president's perceived skill and will to use their bargaining advantages to create optimal results A president's power to advance policy initiatives is determined by capacity to bargain A Capacity to bargain is determined by professional reputation Neustadt says that a president's power to advance policy initiatives is determined by capacity to bargain

Question 3

What is the president's "professional reputation" and how does it work to enhance presidential influence in Congress? Why does Samuel Kernell believe that "going public" has displaced presidential bargaining skill as the centerpiece of the president's leadership arsenal?

Skill v Will

Willingness: some presidents don't like personal politicking. Skill: the ability to employ and manage informal resources.

Kernell's professional reputation

a president's "professional reputation" with legislators in now founded on - credibility when threatening to go public - willingness to "go public" - skill with which they have "gone public" in the past