The Hill News

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that President Obama failed to address the potential outcomes of the U.S. military intervention in Libya during his address to the nation.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, McConnell said that Obama's speech was a "step in the right direction" but that he left key questions unanswered.

{mosads}"If our policy isn't regime change, what is our policy?" the GOP leader said.

Obama offered a vigorous defense of the U.S.'s involvement in the international military effort against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi Monday night, arguing that the country has a duty to protect Libyan citizens from the government's forces.

The speech came after members of both parties accused Obama of fai! ling to adequately explain the mission to Congress and the public.

Obama explained during the speech that acting directly to remove Gadhafi from power is not a part of the U.N. mandate permitting the mission, but reaffirmed it remains an aspiration of his administration.

"The transition to a legitimate government that is responsive to the Libyan people will be a difficult task," Obama said. "And while the United States will do our part to help, it will be a task for the international community and â€" more importantly â€" a task for the Libyan people themselves."