Presidential Candidates and issues they can't do anything about.?

Question

I'm so tired of candidates running on canned slogans about what they are going to do about stuff that the presidency just has no control over -- usually because the issue is a constitutionally reserved state power, not a federal one. Example: education.
I realize that Congress can issue funded mandates to states that have to somehow be met, but generally they renege on the funding part and the mandate turns out to be a major fiasco in the end.
What I really want is a candidate who very honestly states what the president CAN do -- i.e. foreign trade agreements, veto legislation, seat supreme court judges, order the army around the globe (and hope that congress will agree), and present the face of America to foreign powers. Is that too much to ask?

Answer 1

I don't understand why people focus on abortion and gun control so much, besides nominating judges, the Pres has no real power over these things.

We should be focused on the Iraq war, Trade policy, foreign policy, the IRS and taxes.

RON PAUL 2008

Answer 2

good point. I agree.
Also along those lines I get tired of hearing, generalities. like my plan will reduce the deficit, ... how?
I want to hear some actual ideas. a specific thing or two they can show us instead of illiterating their intended wonder accomplishments.

Few years back there was a guy running for Gov in my state and he was claiming he would give teachers a raise, reduce classroom size by x amount etc.. and he said he would not raise any taxes to do it.
So i emailed the guy and said ok well then you are going to need X amount of new teachers, Y amount of new schools, Z amount of more administrators, which is going to cost roughly XYZ amount of money. ... where are you going to get it??

He never answered of course.

Answer 3

I agree with you. The one issue I disagree with is universal health care. Although everyone would love for all Americans to have health care, taxes would be sky high and lets face it, they are already high enough. But unfortunately presidential candidate say what the people want to hear, therefore we get all these promises that we know cannot be fulfilled

Answer 4

They are setting expectations that they simply cannot meet. We need someone to step up and actually do some thing. Things are better done than said.

Answer 5

yes, its too much to ask. it doesn't self their own self interests.

Answer 6

"Promise them everything - and give them nothing."