interests around the world, that that's not the kind of precedent that i want to set. and i'll evaluate after that whether or not we feel strongly enough about this that we're willing to move forward. >> and you're confident you're going to get the votes? >> you know, i wouldn't say i'm confident. i'm confident that members of congress are taking this issue very seriously and they're doing their homework, and i appreciate that. >> president obama speaking with msnbc's savannah guthrie tonight. part of a major messaging effort by the administration today and tonight on syria. you saw the president's national security adviser, susan rice. you saw the u.n. ambassador, samantha power speaking there as well, making the case about chemical weapons in particular, how alleged chemical weapons use is a qualitatively different matter for the united states than anything else that has been going on in syria's horrible civil war. the president for his part tonight, you heard savannah ask him about the congressional vote on using military force in syria, the president saying i would not say that i am confident about that vote.