Government

Flashback: When Biden Called Military Action Based on UN Resolutions ‘Monarchist’

Earlier today, Rep Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) told you what Barack Obama thought back in 2007 about presidents taking military action without the blessing of Congress — mainly, that he was apposed to it. Now, CNS News reminds us what Vice President Joe Biden once had to say about the matter: he was opposed to it, too.

In a speech on the Senate floor on July 30, 1998, Biden gave a Constitutional history lesson of sorts when he decried the practice. “Joe Biden determined that the Founding Fathers had vested the power to authorize even the limited use of military force in the Congress not the president — unless it was necessary for the president to act swiftly to repel an attack on the United States or to rescue U.S. citizens,” is how CNSNews.com sums up his argument.

The news site goes on to detail the speech:

“The rationale for vesting the power to launch war in Congress was simple,” Biden said in a Senate speech delivered on July 30, 1998. “The Framers’ views were dominated by their experience with the British King, who had unfettered power to start wars. Such powers the Framers were determined to deny the President.” [...]

In his speech to the Senate in 1998, Biden accurately summarized the notes of the Constitutional Convention.

“The original draft of the Constitution would have given to Congress the power to ‘make war.’ At the Constitutional Convention, a motion was made to change this to ‘declare war.’ The reason for the change is instructive,” said Biden.

“At the Convention, James Madison and Elbridge Gerry argued for the amendment solely in order to permit the President the power ‘to repel sudden attacks,’” said Biden. “Just one delegate, Pierce Butler of South Carolina, suggested that the President should be given the power to initiate war.”

Citing Federalist No. 69, Biden noted that Alexander Hamilton, who among the Framers was perhaps the greatest champion of a strong executive, argued that the Constitution gave the president the authority to direct the military in action only after that action was authorized by Congress.

“Even Alexander Hamilton, a staunch advocate of Presidential power, emphasized that the President’s power as Commander in Chief would be ‘much inferior’ to the British King, amounting to ‘nothing more than the supreme command and direction of the military and naval forces,’ while that of the British King ‘extends to declaring of war and to the raising and regulating of fleets and armies–all which, by [the U.S.] Constitution, would appertain to the legislature,’” said Biden.

“Given this,” Biden concluded, “the only logical conclusion is that the framers intended to grant to Congress the power to initiate all hostilities, even limited wars.”

The speech, CNS says, introduced legislation replacing the 1973 War Powers Resolution and restricting the president’s ability to commit U.S. troops indefinitely without the approval of Congress. Biden’s bill would have only allowed presidential-sanctioned military action in certain circumstances, such as:

(1) To repel attack on U.S. territory or U.S. forces; (2) To deal with urgent situations threatening supreme U.S. interests; (3) To extricate imperiled U.S. citizens; (4) To forestall or retaliate against specific acts of terrorism; (5) To defend against substantial threats to international sea lanes or airspace.

Interestingly, Biden’s exceptions did not include a UN resolution, such as the one that Obama based Libyan intervention on. In fact, he even bashed President Truman for such justification in Korea, calling that action “monarchist.”

But unlike Obama who seems to have flip-flopped, Reports are that Biden has stayed somewhat true to the convictions outlined in his 1998 speech. As was noted in a piece posted on the blog this weekend, Biden was one of the few dissenters who did not support a no-fly zone in Libya. Still, apparently the president assuaged those concerns with his plan and Biden got on board.

Again, he stayed somewhat true.

Get more details of Biden’s 1998 speech from CNS News.

Comments (98)

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  • matt708
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:48pm

    hey Joe it’s biting you you know where. All your BS is coming back, hope you enjoy it.

    Report Post »  
  • Susan Harkins
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:25pm

    It is VERY CLEAR that the majority of our elected DEM. & REPUB. officials do not feel obligated to follow our Constitution. They just want YOU to follow it (along with every other restriction that they can vote on).

    Personally, I am to the point where I will do just as they do. I refuse to play along with this one-sided game. All bets are off. Go ahead and make laws — I will ignore them. PERIOD.

    I smell tar and feathers, right around the corner. Tic-toc; tic-toc. Time is a‘tickin’!

    Report Post » Susan Harkins  
  • Ohio4Tea
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:25pm

    @ JUSTATHOUGHT
    That was hilarious. Thanks.

    Report Post » Ohio4Tea  
  • bobster67
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:21pm

    I don’t support Obama at all. But its about time that someone took gadaffi out. He should have been taken out years ago. Bush should have never let him off the hook with all the lawsuits either, and taken him off the the list of countries that support terrorism. That was shameful thing to do. And now the French need theiir “pure oil”, so its time to get tough! Yeah right! But at least its getting done. I hope!

    Report Post » bobster67  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:16pm

    Yea, but that was then, this is now. Can you say Flip Flop? Joe doesn‘t believe he’s every wrong!

    Report Post »  
  • clockwatcher
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:10pm

    Joe Biden cheated in college as smart as a dried turd.

    Report Post » clockwatcher  
  • JustaThought
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:09pm

    So the other day I was talking with my nine-year-old daughter, Amy, about nuclear proliferation and she informed me that this Biden fella is the vice-president of the United States. Of course, I replied that wasn‘t possible since Kings don’t have vice-presidents. Then she told me that we didn’t have a King but instead a president and that his name is Barack Hussein Obama. I laughed at that since that’s Arabic for “The Blessed One, descendant of the Prophet”. And then I sent her to her room without her favorite Koolaid, Barry Juice, figuring that she had gotten into my acid again.
    Kids!

    Report Post »  
  • Susan Harkins
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:01pm

    Amazing how a made-up “security council” from a made-up organization like the U.N., where 99% of its members are NOT EVEN AMERICAN, can order the American Taxpayer to pay for bombs that they will use to further their political agenda IN ANOTHER FRIGGEN COUNTRY!!!

    It is mind-boggling!

    It will only continue until it is stopped by the U.S. citizens. And if there is a revolution, watch these apologetic, finger-pointing, cowardly rats jump a sinking ship. They can only pull off this garbage because Americans have not gone after them in droves, with pitchforks, to date.

    Report Post » Susan Harkins  
  • TrumpHuntsman2012
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:59pm

    I am all for a United States of the World, if the rest of the world’s countries adopt the Constitution of our Founding Fathers and true American, free enterprise values and join us as states. Of course that is not gonna happen.

    Report Post »  
    • mike1029
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 7:17pm

      But then we would be the only country NOT following the constitution.

      Report Post »  
  • Sinista MACE
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:55pm

    When Bush did it, it was illegal, and he and Cheney should be prosecuted.

    Obama is doing it now, its illegal, and he should be impeached and prosecuted.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • Spartan
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:53pm

    Joe who?

    Report Post »  
  • Cherynn
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:47pm

    The party of lie, cheat and steal can be hypcrites when it suits them. They make up the rules and change them every day.

    Report Post » Cherynn  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:42pm

    d o u b l e t a l k , that is how communist elites do it, now that shoe is on their feet,i just wonder how long it will take them to blame bush or the tea party ????? they all or crooks and should all be tossed out of this country.

    Report Post »  
  • TAKE_NO_PRISONERS
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:41pm

    Biden?……I flunked the test.

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:41pm

    How dare anybody question King Obamas’ decisions. Who do they think they are? This was exceptable when we were a democracy but things have changed! He won the election for king so shut your mouth, pay your taxes and keep your opinions to yourself before you wind up over on the most wanted list on the post office wall. Don’t you know, peasants should be seen and not heard. Remember his slogan when he was a canidate after decoding was make me God & King. Geez people get with it!

    Report Post »  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:37pm

    Ah, now the Dems get caught in the magic web they wove and you will see that all they said about Bush and “his” war is just as equally true with Obama. Now, where did congress go?

    Keep talkin’ Biden, keep running your mouth.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
  • SHOESHINEBOY
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:36pm

    That is because G.I. Joey was not the one calling for the action. It is completely fine since it is done by the Democrat Administration, Lord Barry and G.I. Joey….no problem there..

    Report Post »  
  • Rob_M
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:36pm

    How odd that now they are the bosses they’ve changed their minds about how much power the bosses should have.

    Report Post » Rob_M  
  • wrecked
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:36pm

    Just another one of those democrat party “ do as i say not as i do things”. What did we all think they would say?

    Report Post » wrecked  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:36pm

    unless it was necessary for the president to act swiftly to repel an attack on the United States or to rescue U.S. citizens,”
    ———————-
    There, right there is the justification for this war on Libya ..can’t you see ???
    Q-daffy was planning to attack us after we pulled our citizens out of there .

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • exdem
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:35pm

    Republicans oppose Obama care because the dems are for it????
    Your kidding right?
    Was that sarcasm?
    We oppose socialism no matter who is for it!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:34pm

    That Obama would consult with the UN on this and not with Congress says it all.

    Report Post »  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:31pm

    If he ever returns to the United States, Obama is gonna have to deliver one helluva speech to quiet his base, Congress, and We the People!

    He is in deep doo. Messed in his nest and fell back in it.

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • CatB
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:30pm

    Where is Biden?

    Report Post »  
    • Tnredneck
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:37pm

      Where is Biden hiding? He’s hiding up his own azz

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:39pm

      CatB
      Where is Biden?
      ———–
      Still at an unenclosed location I’m afraid

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Cabo King
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:41pm

      he with nancy pelosi, oops did i say that

      Report Post » Cabo King  
    • shorthanded12
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:49pm

      Hes at the train terminal securing his seat on AMTRAC after the 2012 elections.

      Report Post »  
    • RLTW
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:07pm

      Joe cannot be held responsible for anything he said prior to his last hair plug, Come on everyone should know this, it’s on page 1577 on the obama care bill.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:22pm

      I don’t know, but Glenn Beck’s ears are smoking! He’s talking a mile a minute…and making sense, shooting down FairyKan, and shedding light!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • redneck
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:28pm

      House arrest in White House Bowling alley. Lucky guy.

      Report Post » redneck  
    • mike1029
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 7:13pm

      That‘s so secret even Biden doesn’t know.

      Report Post »  
    • NOBALONEY
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 8:20pm

      He‘s in elmo’s closet.

      Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:30pm

    “Given this,” Biden concluded, “the only logical conclusion is that the framers intended to grant to Congress the power to initiate all hostilities, even limited wars.”

    That’s good enough for me.

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:50pm

      I propose a new nickname for President Obama : “Tut”
      (as in The Boy King)

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • nptden
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:55pm

      Joe is having a hard time adjusting to the NWO crowd. He slips into the old ways…Now Barack and Hillary have been fully indoctrinated. http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/09/barack_obama_and_the_strategy.html

      Report Post » nptden  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 4:57pm

      I think Biden is way out of line on this. He is NOT a Costitutional Law Professor of Harvard with an IQ in 4 digits. What does he know ? He should refrain from giving his opinions about the US Constitution and just do his job –bow to the Emperor . The Emperor decides what the Emperor decides

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:03pm

      ^__^__^
      Why do those on the right continue to allow the left to get away with murder with their constant double standards. They are a bunch of hypocrites whether its Smoking Joe, Alien Boy Kucinich or whomever. When GWB (I never liked him ) was Pres they came out of the woodwork to denounce any and all military actions uner BHO no problem. Under GWB everything was about oil, its all his fault he is only doing it to make money for his oil buddies etc, look how high the prices are yadda yadda; we are in the same boat and it still goes on. Where are the bleeding hearts who denounced Bush’s actions which are identical to what BHO is doing?

      The hypocrisy is off the charts at this point and Im getting quite tired of it. Just more proof of a two headed one party beast.

      SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • Gas137
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:06pm

      Obama argues that we are following an international mandate to establish a no-fly zone. We have not declared war on Libya. All that is true, but people throughout the world will accuse us of waging war on another Muslim country.

      Report Post » Gas137  
    • Leadthemtothelight
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:12pm

      Mmmmmk F bomb boy aka Bite me aka Biden…..the circus continues on and on. I wonder if Mr. Bite me is offended that a large portion of the US public has no idea who he is? Probably not ignorance is after all bliss right?

      Report Post » Leadthemtothelight  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:23pm

      Gas137
      Obama argues that we are following an international mandate to establish a no-fly zone.
      ————
      Question :
      Isn’t it time that ALL those in Congress who oppose this war on Libya and US involvement in the bombings,
      come forward as one and give a clear statement about their opposition to this war ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 5:33pm

      Now Shoeshine boy, don’t get all kaffuffled because you heir to the throne.
      Actually, Joe your more like a “ hair in a scone”, useless.

      Times short, Lucifer is almost out of it so turn your eyes upon Jesus folks he is our strong tower.

      Report Post »  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 6:24pm

      Oh comon now… That was before Bite me approved of it… I…wait… what?

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 6:31pm

      It amazes me that, when not in power, Biden can intelligently argue a point within the confines of the constitution accurately citing the proper federalist(69) and articulating it accurately. Put him in power and he is a dunce. It is really telling that when the chips are down and the team is counting on you, you mail it in.
      This reflects on the whole administration.

      Report Post »  
    • snidley-whiplash
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 6:47pm

      How many inpeachable, offensive and treasonable accounts do they need, senate, congress all spineless sob’s IMPEACH obama now.
      We are in grave danger.

      snidley-whiplash  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 7:12pm

      ……..
      Joe, don’t you hate it when people record what you actually say?

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • drbage
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 8:23pm

      Biden, Kucinich, and many of their ilk are all suddenly concerned with the Constitution, yet treat it as irrelevant when it doesn’t fit their agenda. If the Constitution is so important suddenly, perhaps someone such as Rep. West or Sen. Rubio, could propose a resolution regarding the Ocare Constitutionality question from Florida and 22 other states. It seems that the administration is doing everything in its power of persuasion and persuasion of power to NOT have the lawsuit fast tracked to the Supreme Court.

      Report Post »  
    • roast
      Posted on March 21, 2011 at 9:05pm

      Give him an oscar…

      Report Post »  
    • Mee the People
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 4:12am

      is biden involved in these war crimes

      Report Post »  
    • AZ Medic
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 4:45am

      Congress alone is aloud to make war against somplace/person. but past Presisnedtz for the last 100 years have sought to delare war on thier own. I am sick of Obama’s BS, but lets not make too much of this for hom.
      Just stop this next war!~!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:50am

      That was before the annointed one became President. now all powers rest with him

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 22, 2011 at 9:10am

      Yes,Biden said that but that was back before he and Obama were in the White House. THE HYPOCRISY CONTINUES

      Report Post »  
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