McCain raises impeachment - if boots hit ground in Syria
WASHINGTON (CNN) - After endorsing President Barack Obama's plan to launch military strikes against Syria, Sen. John McCain warned the president would face impeachment if he were to put "boots on the ground."
McCain told Phoenix radio host Mike Broomhead on Thursday that the president had "bungled" the entire handling of the Syria crisis and would open himself up to impeachment hearings if he overstepped the limits of the authorization before Congress.
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"No one wants American boots on the ground," McCain told the KYFI audience. "Nor will there be American boots on the ground, because there would be an impeachment of the president if they did that."
While McCain said he still supports the current plan to intervene in Syria, the Arizona Republican's statement seems to reflect his contentious Thursday town hall meeting with some Phoenix constituents. At the meeting, McCain, who has favored a more robust American response to the Syria crisis, faced intense criticism.
"We didn't send you to make war for us. We sent you to stop the war," one man said.
Despite his warning to the president, McCain spoke out in favor of the Syria authorization again Saturday, endorsing former Army Gen. David Petraeus' endorsement of the administration's plan in a tweet.
Only one of three Republicans in the Senate Foreign Relations panel to approve the measure, McCain has vocally advocated for a stepped-up American response to alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government. He even refused to pass the White House resolution out of committee until it included provisions to bolster Syrian opposition forces deemed moderate.
McCain's support for action hasn't stopped the Arizonan from blasting his former 2008 presidential rival for inaction.
In an interview on CNN's "The Situation Room" on Tuesday, McCain told Wolf Blitzer the president needed to "explain to the American people" why urgent action in Syria is necessary. The Republican senator also said President Obama made a mistake by consulting Congress instead of immediately launching a bombing campaign against the Syrian government.
"It's common sense you don't warn them and give them plenty of time to disperse," McCain said.
I've never seen more condescending statements made to/about a President – from politics AND Media – as if everyone – ABSOLUTELY everyone – thinks they have a better idea of what's going on than the guy with literally ALL the information sources available to him.
Insanity.
Senator you always for war thanks god you was not elected in 2008
Tell us do you have solid proof who is responsible for the chemical war?
It should be McCain who should be impeached. No war period for the U.S. We have our own problems at home.
McCain has not lost his touch. It is impossble to understand his comment!
Never really understood why we always have to get involved. Spend the millions on our own problems. Hunger, education, vets, our kids, crime, poverty.
McCain you are the one that need recall,since from the start you are calling for the pres to involve US in syria actively,and your words of impeachment are in no time against yourself, you are one to blame because of your willingness to involve US in any war,thanks GOD you lose..you are a law maker but a law breaker..you are a double face sir, please stay out of war and perhaps retire early to bed because you are forgetful nowadays..or just simply in between..yes and no but that doesnt work either sir...
no matter what happens I hate to see the decision primary divided along party lines. What does that tell us about unbiased Congressional decisions. Again no matter what you personal think.
Geez McCain make up your mind!!! Either you want the U.S. to strike, or you don't! Personally I think we need to stay out of it. McCain is an idiot. This only reinforces that!
I don't believe Bush waited for the UN (or listened to the UN) on Iraq and I am sure McCain was all for that.
McShame, your irrelevant, and have been for years now...
is't this the same man that wanted the prez to enter the battle over a year ago?
Oh yeah,by the way,,,,,were going to consider firing you if that happens.....another Bungler.Niether one of them knows anything about what America needs.NO HELP NEEDED.
In case no one else has noticed, the planned attack on Syria is now being referred to as an "intervention" in news stories all over the place. I guess that's the spin word that the administration has requested that the mainstream media use. "Intervention" and "intervening" sound a lot less threatening than attack or bombing. The fact that this term is now being used by everyone is a sign it's a coordinated effort. Keep that in mind when reading news stories about Syria. Just because an article isn't labeled as an opinion piece doesn't mean that there isn't an agenda behind what's been written.
Sen. McCain, can't you get it through your aging skull that you lost all credibility when you infected American politics with Palin?
You shot-from-the-hip then and you're doing it now!
Old soldiers ( and Navy pilots) never fade away, they just become more meaningless and rambling.
The last time a Republican controlled congress voted to impeach the president they at least had a ten member advantage in the senate. Senator Mccain is actually demonstrating judiciary zealotry because the Senate holds the trial over the impeachment. It is like a judge telling the police that he doesn't like the guy who just resigned his lease so go get him. tsk tsk
NO on involvement in Syria
Please Go Away, You Old Blow Bag
There he goes again!! This guy will NEVER get over the fact he lost the 2008 Presidential Election! What better way to show his distain than to threaten to "impeach" Obama!
Sounds like more sour grapes from the guy that didn't get to be President.
Mr. McCain, why did not you give such a warning to GW Bush?
McCain, you need to retire, buddy. You think you know everything. You're the biggest war-monger in the U.S government. Why don't you sharpen up your poker skills when your constituents aren't paying your salary to do that?
Really McCain?? How is it that we always hear this from your fat lips go to war all the time and yet now you threaten the Presiden for impeachment if we set boots on ground.... Its you who should be removed from office!! Period!! Nobody likes you cuz we all know too well you're nothing but a war monger. We're all thankful that you didn't get elected as President!!
McCain belongs to the same Clinton, Bush, Boener, Pelossi, Old Media, Neocon Cabal. As Americans get better informed, they will disappear.
McCain said the economy was strong just before it collapsed, he has no credibility at all. He needs to retire!