The Brits definitely do some things better. Like hats. And I’ll gladly defer to Freddy on matters related to classic novels and the proper use of clotted cream. But I’m less enthusiastic about importing random features of the parliamentary system.

Granted, eight years of Bushian “because I said so” gives John McCain’s transparency pitch a certain appeal. And PMQ’s is an entertaining element of the UK’s system. If we’ve got to take something, it beats powdered wigs.

But there’s this worn notion called separation of powers still laying around somewhere. (Contra the Bush administration, it doesn’t mean hoarding as many prerogatives as possible then invoking executive autonomy when the other branches try to get them back.) The president our Constitution envisioned was fairly constrained: he could execute the laws Congress passes, pardon criminals, serve as commander in chief, and—with the Senate’s support—negotiate treaties and make appointments. That’s it. He can’t decide which laws he likes, opt out of the Bill of Rights, bypass the judicial system, or go liberating at will. A properly limited executive shouldn’t have much to say to Congress. Indeed, Jefferson thought it too “kingly” to convene both houses for an annual address—much less regular chats—opting to deliver the State of the Union in writing instead.

McCain would never stand for that. Much as Bush sought the shadows, he craves the spotlight—which may not be preferable. This latest ploy isn’t about accountability or exercising his inner Anglophile, but keeping his name in the headlines.

And if senators won’t listen, McCain knows someone who will. Bloggers! He promises to hold conference calls so that people in their pajamas can wax eloquent on affairs of state. The White House hasn’t been this user-friendly since President Jackson received a 1,400-pound cheese and invited the public to stop by for a bite.

The White House Historical Association recalls, “Bits of cheese were ground into the carpet and smelled for a long time after that.”