OMG present votes are a procedural tactic in the IL state leg
OMG, it’s also a way to sit on the fence to protect your politcal career:
The measure passed both houses overwhelmingly. In explaining his present vote on the floor of the Senate, Mr. Obama said there was no proof that increasing penalties for young offenders reduced crime, though he acknowledged that the bill had fairly unanimous support.
“Voting present was a way to satisfy those two competing interests,” Ms. Radogno said in a telephone interview.
Aka, it’s a way to sit on the fence and try to appeal to both sides.
Oh, and OMG OMG OMG :ohnoes:
it’s a way to show you have a concern about a bill you otherwise support. Life is gray areas.
Did you even read that whole article?
True. However the president isn’t voting on legislation. And even when he is signing into law he can still issue signing statements (up until Bush II manly used to this reason and not what he uses them for which is to say he doesn’t have to follow the laws).