Staff Reports
In the political theater of the United States, every now and then, the spotlight shines brightly on a piece of legislation that sparks a whirlwind of debates. This time, it’s the War Powers Resolution that’s come under scrutiny, a piece of legislation that Senator Lindsey Graham fervently opposes. The South Carolina statesman is convinced that this proposed resolution is akin to giving Congress a new role it doesn’t need: commander-in-chief. To him, it’s as if the Senate believes it can suddenly sport five hundred and thirty-five military hats, playing army like a bunch of kids in a playground.
In the world according to Senator Graham, the War Powers Act of 1973 has somehow given birth to what he sees as an egregious power grab against the executive branch. He argues, rather intensely, that military operations have historically been the domain of the president, with congressional approval being as rare as a solar eclipse. This is, after all, a man who spent 33 years as a military lawyer, so he’s on solid ground—or so he claims. Let’s not forget, the senator’s critics might point out, that history often looks clearer in hindsight and through the lens of personal advantage.
Senator Graham’s criticisms don’t stop at legal formalities. There’s a lot of finger-wagging about the damaging effects this resolution might have on U.S. efforts to tackle foreign regimes. With the situation in Iran heating up, he paints a rather dramatic picture. The act of tying President Trump’s hands, he suggests, is not just a political misstep but a historical blunder of biblical proportions. The senator stresses that this move emboldens America’s enemies and weakens presidential resolve at a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics.
Switching gears, the senator turns his attention to Iran’s regime, which, according to him, is right up there with some of the worst villains history has to offer. Like a modern-day cause for freedom, President Trump, in Senator Graham’s eyes, is picking the Iranian people over the Ayatollah, channeling the spirit of Reagan with every step. The Iranian people’s struggle, he maintains, is a rallying cry for democracy, and the Ayatollah resembles a “religious Nazi” of sorts. All the senator wants, apparently, is to make sure the Middle East gets its fairytale ending with the Ayatollah’s exit.
Senator Graham closes his passionate plea with a call to arms for President Trump: be the Ronald Reagan of our time and stand up for freedom. If leadership is defined by bold promises, then the good senator is certainly leading the charge. Whether it’s a symphony of good intentions or political grandstanding is something that history—and the voters—will decide. In the meantime, one can’t help but admire the sheer theater of it all and perhaps envy the Ayatollah’s chance to escape to warmer climes while the showdown unfolds.
