Obama Introduces Iran Measure: Bush Has No Authority for War With Iran

[WilliamPitt]

Obama introduces Iran measure
Democrat Obama to Introduce Resolution Saying Bush Has No Authority for War With Iran

NEDRA PICKLER
AP News

Nov 01, 2007 20:36 EDT

Democrat Barack Obama introduced a Senate resolution late Thursday that says President Bush does not have authority to use military force against Iran, the latest move in a debate with presidential rival Hillary Rodham Clinton about how to respond to that country's nuclear ambitions. Clinton's campaign accused Obama of playing politics instead of taking a leadership role from the outset.

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said the Illinois senator drafted the measure in an effort to "nullify the vote the Senate took to give the president the benefit of the doubt on Iran." Burton was referring to an amendment sponsored by Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and Joe Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut, that passed 76-22 on Sept. 26 and designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

Clinton was the only Senate Democrat running for president to support the measure, and her rivals have argued that Bush could use it to justify war with Iran. Clinton insists her vote would not support military strikes and instead was a vote for stepped-up diplomacy.

Last week, the Bush administration declared the Revolutionary Guard a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction and announced new sanctions meant to isolate Iran. The Iranian government contends its nuclear program is aimed only toward providing nuclear power. Clinton and 29 other senators wrote to Bush Thursday to tell him he has no congressional authority for war with Iran.

More: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2007/11/obama_introduces_iran_resoluti.php

[H2O Man]

1. Very important.

This is a good move on his part. We have to contact our elected representatives, and requesr that they support this.

[MethuenProgressive]

2. Too bad he skipped the vote on Kyl Liebermann

Crooks and Liars » BREAKING: Senate Passes Lieberman/Kyl Amendment ...The Kyl-Lieberman amendment, in substantially revised form, passed 76-22. The most egregious saber-rattling language was removed. ...
www.crooksandliars.com/2007/09/26/breaking-senate-passes-liebermankyl-amendment-house-vote-to-condemn-moveon/ - 717k
----
What was his excuse again? It was a "surprise" vote?
98 Senators knew there was a vote, stayed for the vote, and voted, but Obama was "surprised"?
Does anyone really buy that?

[papau]

3. What was wrong with Webb bill? - Why did Obama (and Biden) not sign letter like Dodd & Hillary re no

authourity to go to war with Iran?

This is getting either illogical or just confusing for at least one of the older folks reading it. :-)

[Toots]

4. How can he do this, doesn't he know the votes aren't there?

Is he not paying attention to his Party Leaders. They say nothing can be done because the votes aren't there so how dare Obama go against their wishes...