Posted 10/10/2007 05:46:00 PM by Douglas

Even for a politician, this may go down as one of the dumbest things I've ever heard come out of a candidates mouth.

The question in Tuesday's Republican presidential debate in Michigan came from MSNBC host Chris Matthews, who asked, "Governor Romney... if you were president of the United States, would you need to go to Congress to get authorization to take military action against Iran's nuclear facilities?"

Romney responded, "You sit down with your attorneys and (they) tell you what you have to do. But obviously the president of the United States has to do what's in the best interest of the United States to protect us against a potential threat. The president did that as he was planning on moving into Iraq and received the authorization of Congress..."

Matthews interjected: "Did (President Bush) need (a go-ahead from Congress)?"

"You know," Romney replied, "we're going to let the lawyers sort out what he needed to do and what he didn't need to do."

What? We're not talking about divorce proceedings or suing your neighbor for running over your dog. And you're going to let Bush's example of letting his lawyers determine foreign policy be your guide? Because that worked out so well for him.

Is there anyone there that's not a total jagoff? Sure there is:

When all was said and done, however, only Texas Congressman Ron Paul actually challenged Romney's disregard of the essential document.

Matthews asked, "Congressman Paul, do you believe the President needs authorization of Congress to attack strategic targets in Iran, nuclear facilities?"

"Absolutely," said Paul, who in 2002 was one of six House Republicans to vote against authorizing Bush to attack Iraq. "This idea of going and talking to attorneys totally baffles me. Why don't we just open up the Constitution and read it? You're not allowed to go to war without a declaration of war."

Paul's statement is almost as remarkable as Romney's. Remarkable that he's the only Republican with the stones to say it.

Labels: Ron Paul