THE DISINGENUOUS PRESIDENCY - REAGAN VETO AND THE MAKE-MY-DAY PRESIDENT

In many respects, the presidential veto is an under-appreciated litmus test of presidential activism and power with respect to the legislati ve realm. This article offers insights on the interplay of symbols and actions in the Reagan presidency by examining the administration's us e of veto powers and veto issues, including Reagan's veto rhetoric ver sus reality, veto strategies, and veto threats. These examples support the conclusion that Reagan sought to narrow the gap between president ial expectations and presidential reality that dogs the modem presiden cy by pursuing a unique strategy: rather than lowering expectation-inf lating rhetoric, or more aggressively pursuing conventional political solutions, the administration sought to transform rhetoric into realit y, cultivating a ''disingenuous presidency.''