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WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says President Barack Obama is a rather reluctant commander in chief who needs a plan to defeat Islamic State terrorists.
In remarks several hours Wednesday before Obama's scheduled prime-time speech, the Kentucky lawmaker said the president needs to lay out a military strategy to defeat the terrorists, outline any funding and authorization he needs from Congress and rally public support.
He added that if the threat from the militants requires risking American lives, Obama has a duty to explain that to lawmakers and the nation.
McConnell was among a small group of senior lawmakers who met with Obama at the White House on Tuesday to hear a preview of the speech.
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