McCain releases strategy for Afghanistan, preempting and rebuking Trump

Washington Post ^ | Aug 10 2017 | Karoun Demirjian

[WilliamIII]

Sen. John McCain on Thursday unveiled a plan to increase U.S. air and ground forces in Afghanistan that would probably bring some American soldiers closer into harm’s way — a move that in effect rebukes President Trump, who has not yet decided on his preferred way forward in the war.

McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to present his plan as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill, upon his return to Washington in September.

[tumblindice]

Tumor has gone full retard.

[Pravious]

I’m truly sorry he is sick and wish him a miraculous recovery.
—
You’re too nice. I’m sorry he’s not sicker, and hope he dies... oh, I don’t know... would yesterday be too soon?

[Theoria]

McCain aside, Congress has way more responsibility when it comes to the military than any President. A President follows out what Congress directs and authorizes him to do.

[lurk]

Thanks to the people of AZ for giving us Mr McCain and Mr Flake.

Not sure why the Senator loves war so much. We need to pull the last man, woman and transexual out of Afghanistan before Christmas and let the savages figure out their own destiny.

[rdcbn]

I really don't like McCain but “skinny repeal” of ObamaCare was a disaster that deserved to be voted down and we really do need a strategy for Afghanistan.

My choice for Afghanistan would be massive air support for an aggressive indigenous Afghan force “advised” by American Special forces. This worked well the first time around

[Dapper 26]

McLame needs to recall that he did NOT win the presidency.

[t4texas]

McBrain Cancer has got plenty issues and must be in a way worse shape than he admits. He’s had more nonsense to spout in the last 3-4 weeks than the last 3-4 years.

[Architect of Avalon]

For what?

To prop up an Islamic regime?

[Redwood71]

Somehow this marks the thought of an oxymoron. A man with brain cancer determining US war actions. Huh?

rwood

[Fiddlstix]

[McGruff]

McCain should run for president if he wants to be it so bad. Oh wait, never mind.

[oldvirginian]

I do not hate the songbird, I pity him.

Going his whole life knowing that he would be a no-one with nothing without his courageous and honorable lineage behind him.
Knowing that every time he grabbed for the brass ring (POTUS) he fell short.
Knowing that he is a bitter old man who has accomplished nothing on his own.

I actually think he wants us to hate him so he can justify his emotional state.
THAT is why I choose to pity him instead of hate him.
Do not feed the monster.

[McGruff]

[henkster]

A President follows out what Congress directs and authorizes him to do.

Congress declares war, provides an army, maintains a navy, provides for the common defense and prescribes Articles of War. But Congress is NOT the Commander-in-Chief. Only the President has the power of Commander in Chief, which includes absolute control over military strategy and the prosecution of war. It has always been intended as such as stated in Federalist 74:

"THE President of the United States is to be ``commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several States when called into the actual service of the United States.'' The propriety of this provision is so evident in itself, and it is, at the same time, so consonant to the precedents of the State constitutions in general, that little need be said to explain or enforce it. Even those of them which have, in other respects, coupled the chief magistrate with a council, have for the most part concentrated the military authority in him alone. Of all the cares or concerns of government, the direction of war most peculiarly demands those qualities which distinguish the exercise of power by a single hand. The direction of war implies the direction of the common strength; and the power of directing and employing the common strength, forms a usual and essential part in the definition of the executive authority."

While Congress has the power to commence hostilities and to fund them, there is not and never has been Constitutional authority for Congress to "direct the president" in regard to conduct of military operations.

[brewcrew1965]

While I understand and appreciate your sentiment, I can not pity a man who brought it all upon himself. May he rot in hell.

[RooRoobird20]

Hey McLiar, stick your plan where the sun don’t shine!

You obviously are confused and delusional: you are not the President of the United States. You are a washed-up failed POTUS candidate and a petty, bitter old man. No one cares what you think.

Shut up, go away, we’re sick of you and we’re rooting for the tumor.

[Theoria]

'absolute control over military strategy and the prosecution of war.'

Yeah, at the declaration of War, that which is dictated by Congress. The President merely follows out the declaration and will of Congress. Congress and a state are the only delegated parties with the ability to get us into war.

The CiC doesn't mean much. The President doesn't set the rules and regulations of the military.

'there is not and never has been Constitutional authority for Congress to "direct the president" in regard to conduct of military operations.'

The President cannot conduct such military operations until Congress authorizes him to do it. Throw in letters of marque and general reprisal as well. We didn't even bring up the CiC.....when called into the actual service of the United States issue.

[Lazamataz]

McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to present his plan as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill, upon his return to Washington in September.

Hey McBrainCancer, who says you live that long? Your prognosis is poor.

I hold that as bad as he was, OBAMA was actually the lesser of two evils in 2008.

McBrainCancer would have gotten us in a full-on nuclear war.

[Lazamataz]

I am not a McCain fan, and have criticized him plenty, but we need to avoid reacting emotionally to anything the Washington Post spins and publishes. They have exposed themselves to be rolling around in the dirt, trying to destroy the credibility of the current administration, and essentially becoming an implement of propaganda. It's a far cry from what any credible and respectable media outlet should want to be.

EXCELLENT point.

[Songcraft]

Then John continued, "And when you're finished with that, Trumpo, I want you to immediately implement this new 'National Anthem', then report back to me pronto for further instructions".