Obama In 2007: President Alone Doesn't Have Power To Launch Attacks

From Boston.com, December 20, 2007 (h/t Raul):

The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.

As Commander-in-Chief, the President does have a duty to protect and defend the United States. In instances of self-defense, the President would be within his constitutional authority to act before advising Congress or seeking its consent. History has shown us time and again, however, that military action is most successful when it is authorized and supported by the Legislative branch. It is always preferable to have the informed consent of Congress prior to any military action.

I don't think that the United Nations is a legislative body for the United States, Mr. Obama.

It would be nice for the Congress, the American People and most importantly, our fighting men and women, to have some idea of what our goal and strategy is in Libya. You need to set that out before putting American lives in harms way, instead of going to Rio and playing soccer.