The reaction from lawmakers in the Congress remains subdued, even as there's more evidence of bipartisan grumbling about U.S. military attacks on Libya.
The House and Senate yesterday received the official War Powers notification on action by U.S. troops, as President Obama sent Congressional leaders a two page letter spelling out the reasons for his decision.
"United States forces are conducting a limited and well-defined mission in support of international efforts to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster," Mr. Obama wrote.
"I have directed these actions, which are in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive," he added.
If lawmakers in Congress were in session this week, this story would have a lot more 'zip' to it, with outraged statements, briefings for the House and Senate, and a general sense of 'action' on the story.
But with Mr. Obama out of town and the Congress spread around the country (and globe in some cases), there's just not much 'there' there on Libya at this point.
Once again, I will point you to my Congressional Twitter feed, where there has been little mention of Libya by lawmakers in either party.
"Just posted a few photos from my visits to @mtcube + Fadden's Sugar House," wrote Rep. Charles Bass, who is back home in New Hampshire, and hasn't Tweeted anything about Libya.
"Story of the Day: Wasilla girls basketball wins the state championship," said Sen. Mark Begich of Alaska (yes, that is Sarah Palin's hometown.)
"Unveiling a pro-growth economic plan" at Stanford's Hoover Institute relayed House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who has sent out more Tweets about Virginia Commonwealth making the Sweet 16 (one) than about Libya (zero).
"Discussing debt and spending at the Grand Haven Rotary," tweeted Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan.
Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with lawmakers going around their districts and staying away from Libya in their press releases, speeches and on the internet.
It could be telling us something important - it may just be accurately reflecting what their constituents are worried about.
"No Qs on Libya," tweeted Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, after he met with voters in his home state, on his yearly tour of all 99 Iowa counties.
What was big for Grassley? Ethanol, EPA regulations, the federal debt, the deficit and Social Security - but not Libya.
I would bet that's being duplicated in many Congressional districts and states as we speak.
What this really speaks to is a rule of thumb that I have developed over the years when it comes to overseas military deployments.
The American people won't seriously question those military actions, as long as casualties are low or zero.
About the Author
Featured
