Time to downsize presidential power

Over at InsideSources, I have a syndicated column arguing that the presidency has grown too powerful. The best parting gift President Biden could give as he leaves office would be to reduce presidential powers.

I also argue that a good chunk of the blame for the overgrown presidency is on the public:

Presidential scholar Gene Healy observes that the public imagines the president as “a combination of guardian angel, shaman and supreme warlord of the earth.” People expect the president to say healing words at every tragedy or natural disaster, cure diseases, manage business cycles, and fight injustice worldwide. He is supposed to create millions of jobs and reimagine entire industries.

No human being can meet those expectations. No wonder presidents often leave office deeply unpopular. As Biden experiences the downside of this cycle, his parting legacy could be a legitimate effort to restore the presidency and break the unpopularity curse.

An idea from history could be useful today:

Triumphing Roman generals traditionally had a slave stand behind them on parade who whispered into his ear that he was a man, not a god. American presidents could use a similar aide. So, too, could the public.

Read the whole thing here. I also recommend Gene Healy’s excellent book The Cult of the Presidency.