On a segment for GRITtv, Nation correspondent John Nichols sheds light on the American founding principle that presidents cannot define the debate about wars–and reminds us that it is up to Congress, not the Commander-in-Chief, to set the debate and the terms of war. In light of recent announcements about escalation in Afghanistan, Nichols points out that Congress can still step it up–starting with support for a “war surtax,” which would make the wealthiest Americans pay more to cover the cost of the war. “You watch when they want the wealthiest Americans to may more to cover the cost,” he says, pushing for Congress to find a way to challenge the current direction of the debate.

—Fernanda Diaz

Check out more great Nation videos on our YouTube channel.