Does anyone think that the call by Dennis Kucinich for impeachment of President Obama for commencing military action in Libya without a vote in Congress, is ever going to go anywhere? And if not, what is the point exactly? Dennis Kucinich is not a stupid man. So he must know that impeachment of the president is never going to happen. It seems questionable anyway to claim, especially at this very early stage of military action, that the President has done anything exceeding his Constitutional authority. In addition to obtaining a Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force, and briefing heads of appropriate Congressional committees, the President did immediately inform Congress in writing of these activities, pursuant to the War Powers Act. In any event, the US is not invading Libya, only attempting to stop the government there from slaughtering its own civilian population. And the US is only leading this mission for a few days, so it appears to be exactly the kind of military action that the President is permitted to commence without a formal vote of authorization from Congress. At most, some Congressmen might feel miffed that they were not provided with more detailed consultations, or given a chance to vote. Calling for the president's impeachment can only make them sound ridiculous. Surely Kucinich can't be so childish that he would just grandstand about this issue to draw attention to himself. He can't just think it's fun to bring up the impeachment issue no matter who is President.
No, he must have a higher purpose in mind. Perhaps he thinks that if people perceived as fringe Democrats, aligned with fringe Republicans such as Ron Paul, are calling for the President's impeachment over military action in Libya, that can only solidify the President's base of support among the all-important moderates and independents, who will ultimately determine the President's fate in the 2012 election. Maybe the President's supporters should thank Dennis Kucinich for being willing to appear foolish to help the President out in his re-election bid. On second thought, it would probably be better if Congressman Kucinich would just chill out and wait at least a few more days to see how this is playing out.
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