Obama: President does not have power under Constitution to unilaterally authorize military attack...

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Last edited Tue Aug 27, 2013, 12:09 PM - Edit history (1)

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Barack Obama's Q&A
By Charlie Savage
Boston Globe, December 20, 2007

1. Does the president have inherent powers under the Constitution to conduct surveillance for national security purposes without judicial warrants, regardless of federal statutes?

BO: The Supreme Court has never held that the president has such powers. As president, I will follow existing law, and when it comes to U.S. citizens and residents, I will only authorize surveillance for national security purposes consistent with FISA and other federal statutes.

2. In what circumstances, if any, would the president have constitutional authority to bomb Iran without seeking a use-of-force authorization from Congress? (Specifically, what about the strategic bombing of suspected nuclear sites -- a situation that does not involve stopping an IMMINENT threat?)

BO: 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.

read: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/CandidateQA/ObamaQA/

related:

Obama weighs limited military strike on Syria
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/2013/08/26/599450c2-0e70-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_story.html

Roll Call ‏@rollcall 9m
Strike on Syria Coming Soon — With Hill Informed, but Not Asked for Permission: http://roll.cl/17c7OEB via @davidhawkings

[Hell Hath No Fury]

1. Hopefully President Obama --

will listen to what candidate Obama had to say on the matter.

That hasn't always been the case in the past.

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2. hopefully

. . . Congress steps up and challenges him on this point. Traditionally, though, they've been satisfied to have the Executive take most of the initiative and keep the illusion of clean hands in the event something occurs they might get blamed for. Can't see the republican congress paving his way. He'll be damned if he does, damned if he doesn't, with that crowd.

He doesn't really have any support more sustaining than his earlier convictions, at this point. He does, as you say, need to listen to his inner, candidate self.

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3. .