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Bush Could Block Probes Even After He Steps Down

Soon-to-be ex-prez has Truman, Nixon precedents for keeping executive privilege

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 13, 2008 5:34 AM CST

(Newser) – President Bush may be able to maintain his executive privilege to block investigations even after he leaves office, the New York Times reports. Harry Truman successfully claimed he had the right not to testify in 1953, nearly a year after he left office, and Richard Nixon later used Truman's case as a precedent. Experts believe Bush will revive the claim if subpoenaed by any of the congressional committees probing alleged misdeeds during his administration.

Investigations into the Bush administration are proceeding on several fronts, including probes into the harsh interrogation of detainees and the firing of multiple US attorneys. Congress looks likely to pursue the probes with or without the blessing of Barack Obama, who says he is keen to avoid a "partisan witch-hunt"—but also believes that if the Bush administration has committed crimes, officials should be investigated.

George W. Bush speaks at the 2008 Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner in Washington yesterday.
George W. Bush speaks at the 2008 Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner in Washington yesterday.   (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Thepresident waves after speaking at 2008 Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner in Washington yesterday.
Thepresident waves after speaking at 2008 Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner in Washington yesterday.   (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
The president reacts to the audience after making remarks on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday.
The president reacts to the audience after making remarks on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush waves to a group of spectators as he exits Air Force One last year.
President Bush waves to a group of spectators as he exits Air Force One last year.   (AP Photo, Jerry Larson)
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The Bush administration overstepped in its exertion of executive privilege, and may very well try to continue to shield information from the American people after it leaves office. - Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
jaguarj
Nov 13, 2008 9:05 PM CST
Go Congress! Wipe that smirk off his face...

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