As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
John Yoo ·
May 20, 2011 at 8:27am
In my article in today's Wall Street Journal, I observe the running out of the 60 day clock in the Libyan operation. Under the terms of the War Powers Resolution, President Obama must end U.S. involvement in the Libyan war. Obama isn't going to do that, so if he were honest, he would rely on the same executive power in foreign affairs invoked by every president since the Resolution was passed in 1973. But since Obama cannot enrage his own antiwar base and doesn't want to contradict yet another of his campaign positions, expect Obama today to make up a trick such as stopping the war and then restarting it, or claiming that NATO leadership means the U.S. isn't really at war.
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Apr '11
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
Would that really work? Legally I mean. How long would you have to keep it stopped for the 60 days to reset? Also if no one challenges him from the congress does he even have to make any excuses?
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
My bet is that it will not be NATO he refers to. It will be the vote taken in the United Nations Security Council. It is that which, in his belief, makes the action legal. Congress is no longer needed.
Jun '10
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
"It's not war. It's security support for a peacekeeping effort." Look for some version of that.
Oct '10
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
Rules are for the other guy!
May '10
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
Thing is, he could easily get authorization. Congress doesn't cut a war off at the knees. He just doesn't want to remind people about the war. Nobody mention it.
I'm interested to know if there's a constitutional process for the official Declaration of Shenanigans. And in true South Park fashion, does it involve getting out the brooms?
Mar '11
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
In the company of such esteemed Professors I hesitate to point out that this is a kinetic military action, not a War and, anyway, tis the UK and France dropping the kinetic things, not the USA - Mr Obama is leading from behind, and therefore the 60 day limit does not apply.
And, even if it did, he is a Democrat.
Aug '10
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
I think we should leave the decision in the capable hands of Samantha Power. Look at the great job she did with that speech the other day about handing over Jerusalem to Hamas.
Imagine what they will do, as in the past, when confronted with the symbols of the religion of the crusaders. Portapotties in the pews was the usual answer.
Shameful, it's what's for dinner in America today !
Oct '10
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
I am amazed at the zero reporting in the left wing establishment media on the War Powers Act on Libya. NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, MSNBC and even Fox have not really called out this issue. If Bush did it, this would lead the news cycle with a countdown clock running.
Then I remember that the US Constitution and the legislative branch doesn't matter when Democrats run the White House.
Mar '11
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
David Williamson: In the company of such esteemed Professors I hesitate to point out that this is a kinetic military action, not a War and, anyway, tis the UK and France dropping the kinetic things, not the USA - Mr Obama is leading from behind, and therefore the 60 day limit does not apply.
And, even if it did, he is a Democrat. · May 20 at 9:49am
I agree. Obama will ignore the 60 day limit. The media will give him a pass and 99% of the country will not even be aware that he did anything illegal. Congress will do nothing. A few conservatives will fume and rage and be dismissed as racists.
In other news, the sun will rise in the east tomorrow.
Mar '11
Re: As the Clock Runs Out in Libya, Expect Shenanigans from Obama
Am I right, or am I right?
This guy is too predictable.
Edited on May 20, 2011 at 9:04pm