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After putting a decision to launch military strikes on Syria into the hands of Congress, President Barack Obama is doing what his critics have long accused him of failing to do: reaching out, personally and aggressively, to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
While top lieutenants including Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry lobby their former congressional colleagues, Obama is making individual calls himself to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to press his case for action.
What Obama has not done since he made his announcement on Saturday is appeal to the public, which both Democrats and Republicans say will be crucial as polls show little enthusiasm for U.S. military action anywhere.
The stakes for the president are high - and the arguments being made in support of a 'yes' vote from Congress are making them even higher.
On Monday National Security adviser Susan Rice, Kerry, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and the top U.S. military officer, Martin Dempsey, held an unclassified briefing call for Democratic House members, and Obama met with McCain and fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
On Tuesday Obama will meet with the chairs of key national security committees in Congress and Kerry, Dempsey, and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will testify to the Senate foreign relations committee.
"In all calls and briefings, we will be making the same fundamental case: The failure to take action against Assad unravels the deterrent impact of the international norm against chemical weapons use," a senior administration official said.
The aide said the Democratic chairmen of relevant Senate committees were consulting with the highest-ranking Republicans on those panels to try to work out language that could pass the Senate next week.....snip~
Analysis: Obama lobbies personally for Syria vote
According to what I am hearing Obama overruled his own team in taking this to Congress. He clearly stated he know he does not have to do this. But he thinks it will make the country stronger. Even with lobbying he knows most of the people in this country don't want any involvement in Syria. As we already have him admitting he watches the polls. So why is he just looking to come up with arguments for intervention. Because this another sideshow to make use of.
Note they are only coming up with arguments as to why we should go an Attack Assad. Not why we shouldn't. Which these are the arguments they will give to the House. Already he has Johnny Quest McCain and Lindsey Graham, plus Peter King R/Rep out of NY in his corner. Plus he picked up a few more from the committees he needs to.
So all of this is a formality.....as he can't really leave the French hanging out in the wind all by their lonesome selves. Thoughts Upon the matter.
While top lieutenants including Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry lobby their former congressional colleagues, Obama is making individual calls himself to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to press his case for action.
What Obama has not done since he made his announcement on Saturday is appeal to the public, which both Democrats and Republicans say will be crucial as polls show little enthusiasm for U.S. military action anywhere.
The stakes for the president are high - and the arguments being made in support of a 'yes' vote from Congress are making them even higher.
On Monday National Security adviser Susan Rice, Kerry, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and the top U.S. military officer, Martin Dempsey, held an unclassified briefing call for Democratic House members, and Obama met with McCain and fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
On Tuesday Obama will meet with the chairs of key national security committees in Congress and Kerry, Dempsey, and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will testify to the Senate foreign relations committee.
"In all calls and briefings, we will be making the same fundamental case: The failure to take action against Assad unravels the deterrent impact of the international norm against chemical weapons use," a senior administration official said.
The aide said the Democratic chairmen of relevant Senate committees were consulting with the highest-ranking Republicans on those panels to try to work out language that could pass the Senate next week.....snip~
Analysis: Obama lobbies personally for Syria vote
According to what I am hearing Obama overruled his own team in taking this to Congress. He clearly stated he know he does not have to do this. But he thinks it will make the country stronger. Even with lobbying he knows most of the people in this country don't want any involvement in Syria. As we already have him admitting he watches the polls. So why is he just looking to come up with arguments for intervention. Because this another sideshow to make use of.
Note they are only coming up with arguments as to why we should go an Attack Assad. Not why we shouldn't. Which these are the arguments they will give to the House. Already he has Johnny Quest McCain and Lindsey Graham, plus Peter King R/Rep out of NY in his corner. Plus he picked up a few more from the committees he needs to.
So all of this is a formality.....as he can't really leave the French hanging out in the wind all by their lonesome selves. Thoughts Upon the matter.