Especially given that he was a two term president. Despite the fact this wouldn't have gotten through the Republicans in Congress at the time, it would have been powerful to have a national discussion on the matter. If he truly felt that way, I don't understand what he had to lose from proposing the matter, even if he felt Congress was going to shut him down.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.