Bill Press: Obama's Acting Like Bush, 'And We Are All Engaged In One More Illegal War'
Hand it to Bill Press. He's one of the rare liberals who's upset at Obama's dismissal of the War Powers Act. On his radio show Thursday, Press went after the White House claims that there were no American "hostilities" in Libya that Congress needs to ratify:
Let me tell you something: I don't buy it, and I don't think the American people ought to buy it. First of all, the War Powers Resolution says -- I got it right in front of me -- "In the absence of a declaration of war in any case in which United States armed forces are introduced into hostilities" -- they say these are not hostilities. We're bombing Libya! What the hell is that? "Or in any case in which United States armed forces are introduced into the territory, airspace, or waters of a foreign nation."
Press insisted the U.S. is the largest force in NATO, and is spending hundreds of millions. He said Obama was betraying his mantras as a MoveOn-pleasing candidate:
I can't believe that Obama would take this position. As candidate Obama, we loved it when he accused George W. Bush of ignoring the War Powers Act and said as president he would comply with it. And here he's got a chance to, and he's thumbing his nose at it. This reminds me of when George Bush said that Iraq was a different kind of war -- remember? Alberto Gonzales said, because this is a new kind of war, the idea that the Geneva accords applied and we could not torture people was -- remember his word? -- quaint. Quaint. Old-fashioned. This is Bush-isms that Obama is using today saying Libya is a different kind of war and it's not really a war therefore it doesn't really matter and we don't have to comply with the law of the land.
Press complained that if Bush had done this, Democrats would be raising hell. He even complained the news media isn't reporting on this betrayal enough!
This is just another case, I think, of a president trying to act above the Constitution, above the law. Barack Obama doing it just like -- I hate to say it -- just like George Bush did, dammit! And this is supposed to be different.
...If the president doesn't, and he says he not, seek authorization by Congress by tomorrow, he's in violation of the Constitution and we are all engaged in one more illegal war.
- Tim Graham's blog
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Comments
→ Press is lying
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:07pm.
Bush notified Congress according to the War Powers Act.
Yep
Submitted by Galvanic on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:51pm.
Press's knowledge of history is no deeper than the slogans on protest signs he's seen.
But we're making progress!?!
Submitted by Newsbubba on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:08pm.
The libs have moved on from, "It's Bush's fault" to "Obama's acting just like Bush."
Somehow that still sounds like they're at least implying that, "It's Bush's fault."
Not sure about that.
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 9:13pm.
One implies that the TOTUS is doing something because of Bush whereas the later is comparing him to Bush. At the very least he puts the blame of the actions where they belong regardless if others have done the same or not. Clearly he is blaming the TOTUS but had to take a shot at Bush cause it's in their sick DNA.
Yes he did.
Submitted by Optionyout on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 4:52pm.
There shouldn't be any comparison to Bush as he followed the word of the law.
Time to impeach Barry, Bill?
Submitted by Red Jeep on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:15pm.
...and don't forget Yemen!
Oh silly me, we an't possibly impeach the first "sort of black" president, not PC.
Jeep, ...
Submitted by Newsbubba on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:10pm.
... it's not "sort of black." It's "latte" which will help him get the Latino vote.
Ahhh.....Oh, I see. 2 for 1
Submitted by Red Jeep on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:23pm.
!
toothless Republicans
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:15pm.
If Republicans don't call obama on this then they are just enablers to obama's shredding of the rule of law (to say nothing of common sense).
Maybe our brave leaders can bring it up after a hearty round of golf. Well... unless it's been a particularly good game and they don't want to put a downer on a great friendship. The country can wait.
When it comes to stopping the progression of Obamunism...
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:46pm.
...the republicans are about as useful as a pellet rifle in a tank battle.
I'm starting to think there are a lot of repubs in congress that secretly support what Obama is doing, because they have done damn little outside of lip service to try and stop him.
They haven't even't managed to slow him down.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Dave
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:54pm.
I've been thinking the same thing. What has changed since the GOP took over the house? Nothing that I can see. Time to clean house. AGAIN.
We already know McCain is cheerleading this over in the Senate
Submitted by lsudolemite on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 2:34pm.
and wants us to actually arm these people. I don't know whose political stupidity is worse in this: Boehner for intentionally giving Obama an out by doing an end-run around House defunding, or Obama for arrogantly rejecting that move.
he's just trying to 'nudge' Kaddaffi
Submitted by MidAmerica on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:32pm.
Obama is showing why he was uniquely qualified to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Who else is able to drop bombs and missiles, patrol an air space with killer drones while knocking down palaces,bridges and killing tanks but STILL not be engaging in hostilities?
just another summit
Submitted by Agnostic on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:38pm.
beer summit - golf summit - missle summit
Obamaman
Submitted by Jerry Mack on Sun, 06/19/2011 - 12:21am.
Who can drop the Bombs? The Obamaman!
Who can fire the Missiles? The Obamaman!
Who can patrol with killer Drones? The Obamaman!
Who is the Worlds biggest Liar? The Obamaman!
Who do the Lamers cover for? The Obamaman!
forgive and forget
Submitted by Tjexcite on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:38pm.
He will still forgive whatever Obama does. He will promote and vote for Obama. Until a new Messiah shows up as a non-Obama vote is a vote for a evil republican..
This farce that Obama is losing the base is just a ruse to rally the base and allow them to primary him. If they did not make this smoke screen they can not primary him and have the MSM who still loves O take it seriously.
GWB had congressional authorization for Iraq and Ashcanistan
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:39pm.
...and Bill Press knows that.
I have some issues with the War Powers Act, and I don't have much of a problem with a CIC bending it up to a point on occasion when our interests are truly threatened, as I don't trust the worthless and useless gas bags in congress when it comes to defending the real interests of America.
However, this particular CIC hasn't even attempted to make the case that either Libya or Yemen is a threat to us or to any of our allies, and if he has intel that they are, then it's time for him to spill the beans and make his case, before things escalate further.
As such, It's time for congress to force the issue - If they actually have the guts to challenge Obama on anything that matters as so far, they haven't demonstrated that they do.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
What the GOP needs to do
Submitted by mustango on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 12:44pm.
Credit where it's due to Bill Press for consistency anyway. Yes, he has selective memory about Iraq and Afghanistan, but at least he recognizes that if Bush's actions were illegal it's totally hypocritical to not say the same of Obama.
Free tip for the House GOP: Pass a bill repealing the War Powers Act. If nobody has the guts to demand its enforcement, then let's get rid of it, or at least try to. It was a lousy law passed with no other purpose than to stick it to Nixon anyway. At least let's get this debate out in the open!
Except that Press is playing the old Obama-phile game
Submitted by Galvanic on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:17pm.
He's expressing a disappointment in Obama for waging an illegal war like Bush did. This is what Dems do whenever Obama is criticized for not living up to his promises: "Bush did it, too."
But to do that, he has to lie and assert that Bush-43 was not compliant with the War Powers Act, when in fact, we know that he was in compliance,
Ipso facto, Obama is waging an illegal war, which is something that not even Bush-43 did. Few on the Left are willing to concede that. Reid and Pelosi merely dismiss the notion that Obama is violating the WPA by declaring that the Libya operation does not meet the criteria.
Not all on the Left are buying that, however. As Rep. Kucinich (D-OH) pointed out weeks ago, Obama has probably committed an impeachable offense, unless he can get Congressional approval.
Listen, here's the crap you're getting served.
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 9:21pm.
When asked about an inexcusable illegal, disreputable wrong headed action(s), the libs point to someone else and said he did it too.
Wait for it....
THIS IS NO EXCUSE AND DOES NOT BUY THEM A PASS. YOU PARRY this with: "We can talk about this other issue later, at the moment let's focus on the deed in question."
End of story, disarm the morons. Don't allow them to misdirect. That's their game.
Shut up! Stupid
Submitted by rammingspeed on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:03pm.
Hey, Billy Boy! Along these lines, Obama's is invoking rightful executive privilege, even if this particular endeavor is uncalled for. Bush did it right. A president is confronted with harsh reality, from which people - like YOU, Billy Boy! - are carefully sheltered, and they sometimes forced to act in ways you can't understand. I'm sick of stupid, ignorant, I-refuse-to-grow-up bullsh*t from "progressive" drips like you and Chris Matthews and Bill Maher and all the rest in the American media culture who operate beneath the scum level on the scale of intelligence. Shut your goddamned mouth, you vapid, vacuous, bucket of vomit!
Dont be shy
Submitted by Boudin on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:13pm.
Tell us how you really feel
The Rule of Law
Submitted by HardRightTurn on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 1:45pm.
Beware, leftists of all stripes. Obama thinks he is above the law. If he can do it to others, he will do it to you too.
__________________________________________________________________________
To more fully comprehend the Left, one must read “Leftism As Psychopathy” by John Ray, M.A., Ph.D. Caution, it might scare you a little bit.
http://jonjayray.tripod.com/psycho.html
Surprise! Obama's a deranged lawless fascist narcissist
Submitted by russedav on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 8:48pm.
Surprise! Obama's a deranged lawless fascist narcissist. Who knew? I did. How blind and gullible can Americans be to fail to be nauseated at this infantile barbarian who never worked an honest day in his life. Any civilized person must vomit when considering his vile, reprobate insanity.
Relax Bill, I have full
Submitted by LAM SON 719 on Sun, 06/19/2011 - 5:47am.
Relax Bill, I have full confidence that Barrack Omugabe will come up with an excuse so you can feel good about voting for him again.
broken clock, blind squirrel
Submitted by wizardjr on Sun, 06/19/2011 - 1:24pm.
etc.
.