Pres. Obama Says Politics Precludes Him From Saying If He'll Strike Syria W/Out Congress Approval [View all]

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Talking Points Memo ‏@TPM 27m
Obama gives no "direct response" on whether he’ll act without Congress: http://bit.ly/15571U2


President Barack Obama on Friday declined twice to say whether he would take military action in Syria even if Congress rejects the resolution authorizing force.

While holding a press conference in St. Petersburg, Obama told CNN's Brianna Keiler that speculating on such a dielmma is premature at the moment because he's still trying to build support on Capitol Hill.

"I think it would be a mistake for me to jump the gun and speculate because, right now, I'm working to get as much support as possible out of Congress," he said.

Moments later, another reporter asked the same question, saying Obama neglected to give a "direct response" earlier.

"And you're not getting a direct response," Obama said. "Brianna asked the question very well. Did you think that I was going to give you a different answer? No."

read: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/obama-to-reporter-youre-not-getting-direct-response