A “lame duck” president is nearing the end of their term. They lack the power or influence they once had. This usually happens between the election of a successor and the transfer of power. But as usual, the media won’t tell you what is the core of it.
The term comes from 18th-century England. It described stockbrokers who could not pay their debts. They were compared to a duck limping helplessly. In the U.S., it was first used in the 19th century. It referred to officials with limited time and authority.
The lame-duck period begins after a presidential election in November. The outgoing president serves until January. Their influence weakens during this time.
Still, lame-duck presidents can act in their final weeks. They may issue executive orders or grant pardons. They can also push through policies to shape their legacy.
There are thousands of patron-client relationships
The Big Banks, super-rich families owning them, the FBI, the CIA, lobbyists, multinational lobbyists. All they want is to have influence over POTUS or have significant influence over judicial, legislative and executive power.
Also, American banks have tons of assets that influence the decisions as well, for example a religious clintelism.
So since we live in capitalism, the bigger money you have, the more powerful you are.
They are complex and they reshape when a lame-duck president comes to the scene.
Lame-duck president: The politics in the shadows and the truth
Since new POTUS is elected, all the power structures swirl around him. The new POTUS wants to consolidate power, playing around all the interest groups (or thousands of patron-client cliques; of course he won’t mircromanage them).
A president negotiates, intrigues, make diplomatic efforts meanwhile the lame duck president is found with less and less power.
A lame duck president has limited power but still controls key decisions. They often use their final weeks to shape their legacy. This period can include bold or controversial actions.
They might issue executive orders. These do not need Congressional approval and can have immediate impact. They often focus on policies that reflect their priorities.
Presidential pardons are common. A lame duck can pardon individuals convicted of federal crimes. These decisions are sometimes controversial and shield allies or associates.
They may also finalize international deals. This includes treaties, trade agreements, or troop withdrawals. These moves often aim to cement foreign policy goals.
Regulatory changes are another tool. Outgoing presidents often push through last-minute rules. These affect areas like environmental protection or industry regulations.
Appointments can also occur. A lame-duck may try to fill judicial vacancies or other key roles. This ensures their influence lingers after they leave.
In short, a lame duck president focuses on actions that require little external approval. These decisions define their last days in office and often provoke strong reactions.
Lame-duck president: It is an euphemism
The lame duck president is a tool with waning value. Their term is ending, and they are out of favor. Big banks, super-rich families, and multinational corporations lose interest. These groups move to secure their influence with the incoming administration. But the lame duck still has uses. They can issue pardons, push executive orders, or finalize deals. These actions often serve the elite, tying up loose ends before the power shifts.
The incoming president is the new asset. They are surrounded by promises, deals, and compromises made during the campaign. Lobbyists and power players focus on appointments. They want control over the judiciary, intelligence agencies, and regulatory bodies. This ensures their influence extends across all branches of power.
The legislative agenda of the new president is a battleground. Multinationals and the super-rich push policies that favor their interests. They target taxation, trade, and regulation to keep systems working in their favor. For these forces, the incoming president is a long-term investment. They are a blank slate to mold into a tool for maintaining power and control. So lame-duck president is a kind of euphemism.
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