Possibly seeing the specter of defeat starting to hang over his decision to seek congressional backing for a Syria strike, President Obama announced on Friday that he plans to make his case to the American people next week from the White House.
Obama, speaking toward the close of the G-20 summit in Russia, reiterated that the Assad regime's alleged use of chemical weapons last month is a "threat to global peace and security" and must be met with a military response. He said he plans to address the American people from the White House on Tuesday.
"I will make the best case that I can to the American people as well as to the international community to take necessary and appropriate action," Obama said.
The decision comes as his team struggles to win rank-and-file support in the House – with even top ally Nancy Pelosi saying she’s not sure she can round up a majority of her caucus. The president was not doing much better 5,000 miles away, seemingly running into a wall -- and Vladimir Putin -- during his brief visit to St. Petersburg,
Russia, for the G-20 summit as he tries to sway allies to back his plan. Still, at the close of the summit, 11 nations including the U.S. released a statement condemning the use of chemical weapons and calling for a "strong international response."
Obama said he spoke with Putin, and had a "candid and constructive conversation," on the "margins" of the summit. But having already abandoned seeking support through the U.N. Security Council, Obama is focusing more on U.S. lawmakers and voters.
Via: Fox NewsContinue Reading....
