Topic: Executive Authority

President Obama bypassed the Senate to appoint Richard Cordray as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, claiming the Senate was in recess. The hosts argue this is a "monarchical" move since the Senate was technically holding pro-forma sessions. Press Secretary Jay Carney is heard defending the use of executive authority to bypass "Republican obstruction."

President Obama provided a historical interpretation of the War Powers Resolution, suggesting it was only intended for large-scale commitments like the Vietnam War. He argued that because there are no "boots on the ground" in Libya, no formal congressional authorization is required.