Can one us president cause an unchangeable mistake during his term? (I'm not talking about war)?

Question

Something that could effect us past the next to be president's term? Or is that why they are only given 4 years 8 max?

Answer 1

Yes, Bill Clinton forever changed the balance of power by giving the Chinese the technology to successfully launch space vehicles/ missiles. Before he allowed them the technology was beyond them, they couldn't get a balloon off of the ground, and now we have their aggression to worry about in the future relating to Taiwan, etc.

Answer 2

Sure. But many major decisions require the consent of Congress, so it's not as risky as it seems. That's the reason for the checks and balances system.

You could argue that the biggest mistake a Cold War President could make would be the use of nuclear weapons. While the President's final approval is needed---he handles the "football"---there are many other people who play a part in that decision, so I'm not sure you could blame that entirely on the President.

To the other posters:

I'm dying to know what Bill Clinton did for feminism in this country besides effing his intern with a cigar.

If you believe that Richard Nixon's only legacy was Watergate, you've forgotten about a little country called China.

Why are the Libs so blind to the faults of their own and so focused on the faults of Republicans? Yeesh! Have a little Kool-Aid, rock on to heaven already.

Answer 3

Bill Clinton did way more for Americans in terms of the economy, human rights, the environment and feminism than any other President since WWII, except for John F. Kennedy. On the other hand, Bush is a warmongerer. I only recall Clinton's human intervention in Haiti to reinstall a President who was democratically elected. He was thrown out of office by a dictator from the military. To prevent social unrest and guerilla warfare that would cost civilians their lives and freedom, he sent a small contingent to intervene. There was no element of war involved. That is what a military should exist for.

If you want to hate him for sleeping with Monica Lewinsky, she never accused him of taking advantage of her. I believe he was truly sorry and not the type of man to take advantage of a woman's emotions. His wife was one of the most powerful, ambitious and dynamic First Ladies. She was far better than Nancy Reagan. At least there was some element of feminism during their tenure.

Answer 4

To answer this question you'll need to look at the presidential career of Richard M Nixon. The unchangable spot in his political career was Watergate and the cover-up of the burgalery of the Democratic offices within this complex back around 1973. Nixon tried to hide the evidence of the break-in by erasing crucialo evidence which in tern led to his downfall and resignation from public office.