Captioning sponsored by cbs this is the cbs evening news. Axelrod good evening. Im jim axelrod with a western edition of the broadcast. President obama spoke to the American People from the rose garden this afternoon, pressing his case for a military action against the Syrian Regime and calling the chemical attack that claimed more than 1,400 lives in syria 10 days ago a menace that must be confronted. But the president also made it clear he does not want to proceed alone and will seek authorization and support for a limited strike from congress. We have several reports tonight beginning with bill plante at the white house. Bill, we understand the president s decision to take this to congress came as a surprise even to his own advisers. Reporter absolutely, jim. He called them into his Senior Office last night to tell them two things that hes now decided it use military force but also that he was reversing course and would seek congressional approval. His reasoning, according to officials who were in the room he wants members on the record rather than simply criticizing from outside whatever action he takes. After careful deliberation, i have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian Regime targets. This would not be an openended intervention. We would not put boots on the ground. Instead, our action would be designed to be limited in duration and scope. Reporter senior Officials Say in an Oval Office Meeting last night, mr. Obama pointed to the british parliaments decision earlier this week the nos have it. Reporter . Not to join in the u. S. Strike as a reason to seek broader approval by taking the issue to congress. He will spend the next 10 days making his case to the members. Heres my question for every member of congress and every member of the Global Community what message will we send in a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price . Reporter this morning, the president held a twohour meeting in the white house situation room. Aides said there was some debate over the risks of waiting to act. But the president determined that the u. S. Must strike because he believes that u. S. National security interests are at stake. Make no mistake, this has implications beyond chemical warfare. If we wont enforce accountability in the face of this heinous act what, does it say about our resolve to stand up to others who flaunt fundamental international rules, to governments who would choose to build nuclear arms, to terrorists who would spread biological weapons, to armies who carry out genocide . Reporter now the president says hes been assured by the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff that postponing a military strike is not a problem. He knows, he says, that americans are weary of war, but that the u. S. Must not turn a blind eye to the chemical attack in damascus. Jim. Axelrod so, bill, what happens if congress does not vote to approve . Does the president still take military action . Reporter well, the white house Officials Say first they are confident that congress will authorize limited use of force. But the president also insisted today that he has the authority to act alone. And, of course, if congress does turn him down, hell be able to blame them for whatever comes next. Axelrod bill plante at the white house. Thank you. Congress isnt back in session until a week from monday, but our Congressional Correspondent nancy cordes is in our washington bureau. Nancy, any indication how the president s remarks are being received . Reporter well, jim, hundreds of members have urged the president to let them take this vote, and so today, almost as soon as the president finished speaking, the statements starting pouring in, many of them applauding his decision. Democrat carl levin who chairs the Armed Services committee wrote there were some members who felt this move was kind of a copout. Republican peter king of new york said now, what we didnt learn in most of these statements today, jim, was how all these lawmakers plan to vote. But what i can tell you is that most congressional leaders who are involved in National Security issues have all said they would support targeted strikes. Among the rest congress the reaction has been mixed. There are many members who want to know what those strikes would achieve, what the risks are, what it would cost, many of the same questions the American Public is asking. Jim. Axelrod nancy cordes reporting from our washington bureau, thank you, nancy. The president didnt have to look far to find those opposed to the idea of a u. S. Strike against the assad regime. Neither did jeff pegues, who found some very vocal demonstrators not too far from the oval office. President obama. Take your hand off syria. Reporter outside the white house today, protesters called possible military action in syria illegal and immoral. The American People are opposed to. Reporter there were dozens of people here, like 28yearold lana ismail. I think in war the first thing to go is the truth. Reporter a syrianamerican who says she has seen the horrible aftermath but she doesnt know who to believe or trust. What do you think the u. S. Should do . I think that the u. S. Should get all the facts straight before we go in. Reporter the president knows he has a tough sell ahead, not just in the u. S. , but around the world. In yemen, thousands took to the street, waving their flags in support of bashar alassad. And in london, another protest applauded lawmakers there who voted against the obama administrations plan. Obama, hand off syria. Reporter today, just feet away from the white house gates, this man in the white tshirt was arrested for spitting on a protester against military action. It is an emotional debate. Jeff pegues, cbs news, washington. Axelrod lets go to syria now and see how the president s remarks are playing there. Elizabeth palmer is the only American Network correspondent in the capital of damascus. Liz. Reporter good evening, jim. Well, the two sides in syrias civil war have responded very differently to the president s remarks. The opposition rebel military leaders and politicians who hope that american strikes might pave the way for a renewed offensive on their part are both frustrated and disappointed. Here in damascus, the Syrian Regime has responded aggressively, saying that it would have retaliated for a strike, and is still prepared to. The deputy Prime Minister said our finger is still on the trigger and went on to say that it was Syrian Military readiness that, as he put it, averted this u. S. Aggression. To civilians in damascus who is are still hoping to avoid all out war inside their city, the president s comment came as a relief. Just a short time before president obama spoke, we visited a local bakery where people were stocking up before finding a bombproof place to hide because many had heard the rumor that an american attack would begin tonight. Imad, who asked that we hide his face, was here to buy enough supplies for his family for a month. Reporter just a few hours later, the prospect of American Action hadnt disappeared, but it has receded. But although no american attack is imminent, this very violent and vicious civil war is still raging. Weve been hearing earsplitting explosions all day. The Syrian Military pounding the rebelheld suburbs around damascus with heavy artillery. Jim. Axelrod Elizabeth Palmer reporting for us tonight from syria. Thank you. And this programming note secretary of state john kerry will speak about the president s syria strategy when he appears on face the nation tomorrow morning. Now, to a shakeup at the highest levels of the catholic church. The popes second in command, the vatican secretary of state, retired today after a series of scandals. Alphonso van marsh now on the efforts of pope france to reshape the vatican. Reporter it is seen as pope francis most significant reshuffle yet, replacing cardinal bertone. The longtime secretary of state has widely been blamed for failing to stop the financial mismanagement of the anniversary bank. He was also target bide former Pope Benedicts butler, in documents alleging bertone was crument. The Church Historian and author Michael Walsh says pope francis move to switch out bertone was not a surprise. He had to go because there were too many scandals associated with him. I think pope would have changed him anyway, frankly. The new secretary of state is known for humility, frugality and the ability to identify with the man on the street. Pope fancis short reign as pope has been distinguished by his relatively austere lifestyle and common touch with the people. With Pietro Parolin serving as the second most powerful man in the vatican, pope francis is distancing the church away from the problems that plagued hills predecessor. Alphonso van marsh, cbs news, london. Reporter tim tebow didnt make the cut. Now what . Diana nyad tries to beat the demons of the sea, and finally swim the florida strait. And tourism flames out as a Massive Wildfire in yosemite rages when the cbs evening news continues. Liberated. Released. Decongested. Open for business. [ inhales, exhales ] [ male announcer ] powerful sinus relief from the 1 pharmacist recommended brand. Sudafed. Open up. From the 1 pharmacist recommended brand. Fby eating healthier, drinking plenty of water, but still not getting relief . Try dulcolax laxative tablets. Dulcolax is comfortcoated for gentle, overnight relief. Dulcolax. Predictable overnight relief you can count on. Axelrod the socalled rim fire on the edge of Californias Yosemite National Park is now two weeks old and still burning strong. Flames have spread across more than 330 square miles, making it the fifth largest wildfire in state history. And as manual bojorquez tells us, its also choking off valuable tourist dollars. Reporter the views at yosemite have been pristine, despite the wildfire just a few miles away. That all changed this morning with a shift of wind. This is now what halfdome look likes from yosemite valley. The threat of fire has kept some tourists away. Park officials fear attendance will be down by as much as 18,000 this weekend. Fire crews have set up a containment line, but thousands more acres could burn before the fire reaches it. Ive never seen a fire in california this intense or this important. Reporter Mike Mcmillan is with the incident command team. Is the strategy here to just let it burn . No, we dont ever just let it burn. What were planning to do with yosemite is to use fire and natural barriers to stop the fire where we can without losing the precious resources that we all enjoy and know yosemite for. Reporter the pentagon has approved the use of an unmanned aerial drone, helping firefighters map out where the flames are advancing. Outside the park, residents are back in mountain town, saved by firefighters. But the smoke lingers, and so does an empty feeling. Tory moss books vacation rentals, which should be full. Its the biggest weekend of the year for us. Its like the 4th of july. Every home that we have was booked. Reporter the reservations had to be canceled, an estimated 20,000 loss. We would rather them be safe than try to make some money, you know, to get them up here. Reporter it could be two weeks before crews have the fire fully surrounded. Manual bojorquez, cbs news, los angeles. Axelrod two hongz after the Supreme Court ruling that allowed samesex marriages to proceed, a Supreme Court justice is performing one for the very first time justice jeff bezo jeg is officialating at the weddinge obsession. For more pills with advil . Uld give up my two ae youre joking right . For my back pain, i want my aleve. Try head shoulders for men. You can reach polamalu levels of flakefree scalp and hairness. Check it. Seven benefits every bottle. [ male announcer ] head shoulders for men. Icaused by acid reflux disease, relieving heartburn,ttle. Relief is at hand. For many, nexium provides 24hour heartburn relief and may be available for just 18 a month. There is risk of bone fracture and low magnesium levels. Side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you have persistent diarrhea, contact your doctor right away. Other serious stomach conditions may exist. Dont take nexium if you take clopidogrel. Relief is at hand for just 18 a month. 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Diarrhea, gas, bloating . Yes one Phillips Colon Health probiotic cap each day helps defend against these digestive issues with three strains of good bacteria. Live the regular life. Phillips. Axelrod tim tebows stop with the new england spairts over after just a few months, raising questions whether his nfl career is as well. This morning, the patriots became the 30 third team to cut tebow loose in the last 18 months. He thanked the patriots on facebook and said he will not quit. Also today, the Atlanta Falcons released linebacker brian banks. You may remember bank as the former High School Football star who spent five years in prison on a wrongful rape conviction. The falcons gave him a chance after he was exonerated last year. He did play one preseason game, fulfilling his dream of playing in the nfl. Swimmer diana nyad left cuba for the United States this morning, and shes take, the long way. Nyad is 64, and this is her fifth attempt to swim from havana to florida, all 103 miles of it. Elaine quijano report on an unstoppable three throoets unsinkable dream. Reporter the nature of this sport is filled with magic. Here on the earths ocean and youre skimming across the surface of and and you dont get much higher than that. Reporter undurrance athlete diana nyad is obsessed with this stretch of ocean. At 28 years old, he set out to become the first person to swim 103 miles from cuba to florida without a shark cage. She did not make it. That was 1978. If we could have gone on the right course, i would have made it. You know. But i did my best. I didnt give up. Reporter for the next 31 years, she stopped swimming entirely, she says. Then at age 60, when many others start slowing down, she realized she couldnt stop thinking about that water, that horizon, and reaching the destination that alluded her decades earlier. I wanted to teach myself at 60 some life lessons, and one of them is that you dont give up. Reporter since 2010, shes tried and failed three more times to cross the sharkinfested waters of the florida straits. But its the threat she wasnt expecting that has forced thoar abandon her most recent attempts. The box jellyfish takes you into an area of what id call science fiction. Reporter box jellyfish are among the oceans deadliest creatures. Nyad says they werent an issue 35 years ago but in a recent attempt she was stung nine times before she was pulled from the water. Usually, people die. You feel like youve been dipped in hot, burning oil. You just go on you burst into flames. And i just remember yelling, im on fire im on fire help me this year shell wear a new piece equipment, this custommade silicone mask to shield her lips which have been stung in the past. Its hard to swim in. Its hard to lift your breath and get a breath but ive been out with the box jellyfish with it and no stings at all. Reporter and that she believes will make all the difference. Why are you making this attempt again gihavent reached wall where theres nothing more to give, nothing more to learn. Fidont make it i will this time be able to look myself in the mirror and say theres nothing more. Reporter three and a half decades after starting her quest, 64yearold diana nyad hopes this will be the year she completes it. Elaine quijano, cbs news, key west, florida. Axelrod 50 years ago, this rabbis words resonated with hundreds of thousands at the march on washington. The other dre back. You know who you are. You can part a crowd, without saying a word. If you have yet to master the quiet sneeze. You stash tissues like a squirrel stashes nuts. Well muddlers, muddle no more. Try zyrtec®. It gives you powerful allergy relief. 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[ male announcer ] well be with her all day to see how it goes. [ claira ] after the deliveries, i was okay. Now the ciabatta is done and the pain is starting again. More pills . Seriously . Seriously. [ groans ] all these stops to take more pills can be a pain. Can i get my aleve back . For my pain, i want my aleve. [ male announcer ] look for the easyopen red arthritis cap. Axelrod we spent some time this week marking the 50th anniversary of the march on washington, and one of the most important speeches in the history of this country. But more than one man articulate aid dream that day, even if the power of Martin Luther king overshadowed them. It was the toughest time slot of the day. Never mind having to follow mahalia jackson, the queen of gospel. cheers and applause i wish i could sing. Reporter rabbi Joachim Prinz was the last man up before Martin Luther king. I was the rabbi of the Jewish Community in berlin under the hitler regime. Axelrod the horrors this rabbi witnessed in nazi germany in the 30s compelled him to challenge america in the 60s. Bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problems. Upon most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence. applause it was really marvelous to see a quarter of a million people. Rabbi iseral drez america a protege of prinzs, was standing a few feet away on the podium that day and could feel the power of prinzs message ripple through the crowd. That really rang a bell because all sorts of clerg neamerica, they werent racists, they arent big on thes, but they kept their mouths shut. Axelrod as a wise man once said all it takes for evil to triumph is for a good man to do nothing. Exactly. Reporter prinz was expelled from germany and came to newark, new jersey, where his congregation welcomed the young dr. King twice. So there was a direct line between the holocaust and the American Civil Rights struggle . Absolutely. Jews are opposed to injustice. We are opposed to hatred and bigotry, and bias, and racism, and exploitation and so forth. And thats what were supposed to be opposed to. America must not become a nation of onlookers. Reporter as he had three decades before, prinz refused to be silent, and encouraged all americans to speak up just as loudly. America must not remain silent. Axelrod rabbi Joachim Prinz, 50 years ago this week. And that is the cbs evening news for tonight. Later on cbs, two editions of 48 hours. For now, im jim axelrod in new york. For all of us here at cbs news, thanks for joining us and good night. Captioning sponsored by cbs captioned by Media Access Group at wgbh access. Wgbh. Org opening. Plus the work moved from outside to insid protest nats people in the bay area say o an attack on syria. How president obama says he wano take his case to the people. These could be the best dayr Car Dealerships in the histy of the automobile. Why theyre calling this weekend the mo of all car sales. Kpix 5 news is next. Good evening, im ann notarangelo. ,,,,, that final dash to the fini line caltrans good evening, im ann notarangelo. This