White House working to rally lawmakers, American public behind Obama’s push for Syrian strike

WASHINGTON – The White House is making a big push to rally members of Congress and the American public behind President Barack Obama’s plan for a U.S. military strike against Syria.

His administration says the government of Syrian President Bassar Assad used chemical weapons in an attack last month near Damascus, and that a strong U.S. response is needed to deter the future use of deadly chemicals.

Syria claims rebels carried out the Aug. 21 attack.

Obama’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough, is set to make the White House’s case during interviews on five Sunday talk shows. Vice-President Joe Biden plans to host a dinner Sunday night for a group of Senate Republicans. And lawmakers should expect more phone calls from top officials.

Obama is giving a national address Tuesday night.

Recent opinion surveys show intense American skepticism about military intervention in Syria, even among those who believe Syria’s government used chemical weapons on its people.

Congress resumes work Monday after its summer break, but already a heated debate is underway about Syria.

On Wednesday, the first showdown Senate vote is likely over a resolution authorizing the “limited and specified use” of U.S. armed forces against Syria for no more than 90 days and barring American ground troops from combat. A final vote is expected at week’s end.

A House vote appears likely during the week of Sept. 16.

Another bipartisan, classified briefing for Congress is set for Monday. McDonough plans to meet Tuesday with the House Democratic Caucus, whose support could be crucial as Obama faces opposition from House Republicans.

Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, plans to discuss Syria in a speech Monday at the New America Foundation.

At least 150 people picketed outside the White House on Saturday to oppose any military action against Syria. Demonstrations also took place in New York City, Boston and Indianapolis and in Louisiana and Michigan.

Also Saturday, a U.S. official released a DVD compilation of videos showing victims of the Aug. 21 attack. The DVD was shown to senators during a classified briefing on Thursday, and some of the videos were first broadcast on CNN. Supporters of the Syrian rebels had posted the videos on YouTube.