Why is the expression, “Lame Duck,” now being applied both to Congress and President Clinton?
Greenbelt, Maryland – 11/3/00 “Lame Duck” is used to describe not only a President, but any public office-holder who will not be returning when his/her current term ends. They may not be returning because they are not seeking re-election, or they were defeated in an intervening “The Post-Season Parade” by Clifford Berryman First published in the Washington Evening Star, March 5, 1915 – U.S. Senate Collection, Center for Legislative Archives election, or their office is term-limited, as in the case of the President. The expression is also applied to a Congress which reconvenes after an election. A lame duck Congress continues in session with Members known not to be returning still serving in it. The 106th Congress is set to return to sesson on November 14, 2000, a week after the election. The decisions they make prior to final adjournment will be made by a mix of returning Members, retiring Members, and those who were defeated in the November 7 election. All of these outgoing office-hol
