Can A President Be Forcibly Removed For Medical Reasons?

[arwalden]

There was brief mention yesterday about the possibility that Bush* may have suffered brain damage from a mild stroke, or possibly from decades of binge drinking.

That started me wondering, what are the legal options available when it's clear that a sitting president is medically and intellectually incapable of performing his duties.

Is impeachment the course that would be taken? Or is impeachment supposed to be for high-crimes?

-- Allen

(Clearly I wasn't paying attention on the day that this was covered in my HS government class.)

[No Mandate Here.]

1. If memory serves, ask Mrs Wilson.

Woodrow's wife was the day to day Pres in the later part of his term. At that time, it all depended on who wants what change how badly.

[Trailrider1951]

2. If shrubya is removed,

we get pResident Cheney. Four more years anyone?:nuke:

[terrya]

4. President Cheney with a heart condition, no less. Two bypass operations..

and a pacemaker.

Now, that's REALLY reassuring, huh?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

3. Amendment XXV....

Amendment XXV
(The proposed amendment was sent to the states July 6, 1965, by the Eighty-ninth Congress. It was ratified Feb. 10, 1967.)

Section 1



In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.


Section 2



Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.


Section 3



Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.


Section 4



Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

[bobd]

5. Article XVIV Reads

"A president may only be removed from office when there is credible evidence of illicit sexual activity including but not limited to blow-jobs. Republican presidents may never be removed."