In a message Mike Freeman typed to Karl Smith  
 MF> However, I think it should be pointed out that the reason 
 MF> Presidential term limits were placed in the Constitution was 
 MF> purely political:  Republicans didn't want another FDR.  Nothing 
 MF> more, nothing less.
If that is true, how do you account for the fact that the amendment was 
passed during a time when the congress was democratically controlled?  From 
President Roosevelt's death until 1955, both houses of congress consisted of 
a democratic majority and the amendment was radified during the Truman 
administration.  the next Republican controlled congress was not seated until 
1955 during the Eisenhower administration.  
Also, the amendment contained a little known proviso that it did not apply to 
anyone holding office at the time of its radification.  So Truman could have 
run for as many terms as he wanted had he chosen to do so.  
Finally, 3/4 of the states also had to radify it before it could become part 
of the constitution so it was not just 2/3 of congress that was responsible 
for presidential term limits.  
The incumbent definitely has the advantage in any election and the more he or 
she remains in office the more powerful he or she becomes.  
Harvey  
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