The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency

by John Dickerson

When a president speaks, lobbyists and special interests hand out luxury earmuffs. Any issue important enough to require sustained presidential action that hasn’t already slipped into law will have lobbyists and special interests protecting the status quo. There are more lobbyists than ever before in Washington, and their ties to lawmakers are more robust. Many of them are former lawmakers who have special insight and ability to influence the process for private clients. Of the 106 members who exited their congressional offices in January 2019, 41 percent now work for a lobbying firm.52 Of the former members of the previous Congress, the number was 60 percent.53 Presidential rhetoric has to be so strong that the public pressure it creates is specific, and sustained enough to make lawmakers worry about their political future more than they worry about that future when they disappoint the lobbyists who are a crucial source of campaign cash that will help them get reelected.