Sen. Kaine: Obama ‘Legally Obligated’ To Get Congressional Approval

Sen. Kaine: Obama "Legally Obligated" To Get Congressional Approval (RealClearPolitics)

SEN. TIM KAINE (D-VA): Andrea, you know that this question is one that has been the subject of debate since the constitution was written in the 1780s. As I dig into it, and I've spent a lot of time looking at this, I'm from Virginia, James Madison was the drafter of the Constitution. We're so militarily connected. I think for the president to move beyond a mission of defending the embassy in Baghdad and as he says go on offense against ISIL. I think the president is legally obligated in moving to that offensive stage to get the approval of Congress. 

And I also think politically, it would be very wise, especially because I think the president's going to make a very strong case tonight about the need for it, about the number of partners who will join us in it. I think the American public will be strongly supportive. It's going to be better for our servicemen and women to know there's a solid political consensus behind this mission. And so I think it's politically advisable, as well.