But, more importantly. The Dec. of War, would allow the President to use the full force of Gov't to win such war. ie creating oil supplies domestically, getting rid of environmental regulations, building refineries, securing the borders.
One cannot win a war, using the current methods of engagement.
Completely agree. I still regret that Bush did not seek a formal declaration of war against Afghanistan (and any nation that supports them) after 9-11. A real war with an actual national goal of victory may well have ultimately led to formal war with Pakistan too, but the reality is Pakistan is an enemy nation and failure to deal with it will prevent us from any kind of successful conclusion in Afghanistan anyway. India probably would have joined us if it had come to that.