to explain our mission in libya. what does he need to say? and does he have a more convincing case as long as the rebels stay in the stronger position for the next 24-plus hours? >> reporter: well, obviously he does have a better case if the rebels stay in this position for the next 24 hours and certainly if it looks like they'll be able to hold those positions, and i think they probably will. the problem is, that the president cannot really say what he wants to say. which is this war is not going to end until moammar gadhafi and his close associates are out of power. he has to send a message to gadhafi and to the people around gadhafi that gadhafi's days are over. anybody who tries to defend him will be finished united nations resolution, because that isn't exactly what the american people think we got into this for. and so he's in a bind. but that has to be the message and he has to be as honest with the american people as he possibly can, because the united states is not in a position