Which, as Michelle points out, is an empty threat. The video is at the bottom of the post, but SFGate has the transcript for right now.

SCRIPT: John Edwards: “When I’m president I’m going to say to members of Congress and members of my administration, including my Cabinet: I’m glad that you have health care coverage and your family has health care coverage. But if you don’t pass universal health care by July of 2009 — in six months — I’m going to use my power as president to take your health care away from you. There’s no excuse for politicians in Washington having health care when you don’t have health care. I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.”

One eency weency little problem. Technical, really. According to Adwatchers, um, he can’t do that.

But in stating that he would use his power as president to do away with the health coverage enjoyed by members of Congress, Edwards leaves out one major step. “Offhand, I don’t have a clue as to where he would get the power to do that,” said Christopher Schroeder, a law professor and expert on constitutional separation of powers at the Duke University School of Law. “Perhaps it would be his bully pulpit power.” Indeed, a president has no power to unilaterally cut off congressional benefits.

Heh, what’s a misleading statement or two amongst friends? Edwards’ website “clarifies” his remark:

“On the first day of Edwards’ administration,” a Web posting says, “he will submit legislation that ends health care coverage for the president, all members of Congress and all senior political appointees in the legislative and executive branches of government on July 20, 2009 — unless Congress has enacted universal health care reform.”

See, but he told viewers that he would cut-off health care for the legislature if they didn’t pass his universal health care – not that he would submit legislation giving him the power to. Legislation which, by the way, uh, would never pass.

More at Hot Air.

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