Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom_PM
People are bitching at Obama if he doesn't strike, the way he's spoken already, if he does strike, if he strikes alone, if he doesn't strike alone, if he strikes before asking congress, if he doesn't strike before asking congress. At least this way nobody can come back and say it was all him. Pretty shitty position to be in but at this point he's WELL schooled in how it's going to go down. Just imho.
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This is a perfect example of how a liberal thinks. With emotion. Emotional responses, leading to inaction due to an inability to accept some obvious and unpleasant truths.... that there are no good decisions but they must be made swiftly and action must be carried out swiftly. ALL OF THIS stems from his single remark about "crossing the red line". Thats it. Otherwise, he would not be compelled to act at all. Obama put himself in this place. Its not anyone else's fault but his.
He is asking congress because he has to. Not because he does not have the authority to strike on his own, but because he and Biden spent a great deal of time arguing that Bush was Hitler II and had no authority to do anything with the military without the consent of congress. Biden practiced constitutional law as did Obama. Obama tried to say something and not sound weak and it was an empty remark that of course was soon tested. Once it was tested, it was quite clear that he had no plan.. in fact, he hadn't thought about it past his "red line..." remark.
“The president does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation,” Obama 2007.
“The Founding Fathers were, as in most things, profoundly right. That’s why I want to be very clear: if the President takes us to war with Iran without Congressional approval, I will call for his impeachment.
I do not say this lightly or to be provocative. I am dead serious. I have chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. I still teach constitutional law. I’ve consulted with some of our leading constitutional scholars. The Constitution is clear. And so am I.”
Biden 2007
"The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.
As Commander-in-Chief, the President does have a duty to protect and defend the United States. In instances of self-defense, the President would be within his constitutional authority to act before advising Congress or seeking its consent. History has shown us time and again, however, that military action is most successful when it is authorized and supported by the Legislative branch. It is always preferable to have the informed consent of Congress prior to any military action."
Obama 2007
Obviously the whole "President and the use of force/War Powers Act" stuff is not clear at all if no one can agree on it on either side of the aisle. But when it was Bush in the hot seat, they seemed to be pretty clear that the President using the military without taking it to Congress was an impeachable offense. Of course, today.... now that roles are reversed and its Obama that has to contemplate the use of military force.... not so much.