SCUMBAG

Sorry, but repeating the trope that FDR was a dictator, without offering the slightest proof, doesn't constitute an argument that can convince any of us whose heads can process more than one bit at a time.

Seems an odd time for you to suddenly be so concerned about freedom. Your perception thereof seems a little selective.

Actually, I have been concerned about Bush's "Operation End American Freedom" for many years. When Clinton was president, I spoke up about his policies that eroded personal freedom as well. You might have missed all this while you were obsessing about Vince Foster...

Um, where on earth do you derive that?

The words 'during wartime' keep disappearing. Changes the whole tenor of the discussion.

Since the Supreme Court held that the President does not have dictatorial powers during wartime, do you have any response other than pettifogging?

Funny they didn't so rule while FDR was running the place. Or perhaps not so funny when you consider the concept of packing.

Welcome to the sweet land of not very much liberty. Of thee I sing, assuming I have permission to do so.

Seems an odd time for you to suddenly be so concerned about freedom. Your perception thereof seems a little selective.

His opinions on the scope of presidential power are therefore irrelevant

Not really. If a presidential candidate hires people who think that the president should be a dictator or the next best thing, well it tells you something about how the candidate sees the role of the president.

As for the "during wartime" BS, well the cold war lasted 40 odd years, and the neocons have made it clear that they expect the WOT to go on the better part of forever.

Welcome to the sweet land of not very much liberty. Of thee I sing, assuming I have permission to do so.

Since the Supreme Court held that the President does not have dictatorial powers during wartime, do you have any response other than pettifogging?

Um, actually no. That would be Michael Goldfarb's assertion that the president has near dictatorial powers. I didn't bring it up, I only think it sends a chill down my spine and I'm left aghast that James doesn't think there's any issue here with him being the deputy communications director of McCain's campaign.

I must say, you're the master of the circular argument. You said "three letters, F D R" without any explanation. When pressed for an explanation, you sent a simple google search URL. When pressed further, you simply quoted the titles of some of the pieces. When pressed further for an explanation, you simply played "rubber and glue" like we're on some third grade playground. It's just bizarre that you think you're actually forming a coherent argument.

The implication here, was that the president should have dictitorial powers at ALL times, which was clearly not the case.

Um, where on earth do you derive that? Any quote in the comment stream above that you'd like to share with us? Again, please note that Michael Goldfarb's quote was the source of "dictatorial", not anyone else's. And here's the full quote in context:

Pam Hess, the UPI reporter who gave us this extremely moving and persuasive glimpse of the liberal case for the war in Iraq, asked if timetables for withdrawal "somehow infringe on the president's powers as commander in chief?" Mitchell's less than persuasive answer: "Congress is a coequal branch of government...the framers did not want to have one branch in charge of the government."

True enough, but they sought an energetic executive with near dictatorial power in pursuing foreign policy and war. So no, the Constitution does not put Congress on an equal footing with the executive in matters of national security.

"I note "During wartime" is a phrase that has gotten lost somehow. Mind explaining why?"

Because most of us are aware that the Korean War was fought during wartime. Why aren't you?

Also, can I ask wtf does FDR have to do with the issue in question?

Hey, who was the one who brought up dictators, anyway?

Indeed. Something that cuts right to the heart of Bithead's seeming argument that the president has near dictatorial powers and how that is such a great thing for McCain.

I note "During wartime" is a phrase that has gotten lost somehow. Mind explaining why?

"Burden of proof". It's a phrase you'll hear now and then. You should understand where the burden lies.

Did you actually read any of those articles, or did you merely just see "dictator" and assume that it made your case for you

It's clear YOU haven't.