I just see what i really saw . Captioning spons captioning sponsored by cbs vening news this is the cbs evening news with scott pelley. Pelley good evening. The commander in chief says hes weary of war but hes preparing for it and preparing the American People for it. Today, to justify a possible military strike against syria, president obama released an intelligence assessment that says the u. S. Has high confidence that the syrian dictatorship attacked civilians last week with nerve gas, killing 1,429 people including 426 children. Those numbers, according to the administration today. What is the evidence . Well, the report shares only a small portion of what the Administration Says it has. Mr. Obama says the assad regime must be held to account, but he has not yet made a final decision on how or when to do that. We have a team covering the story and were going to go first to david martin at the pentagon. Reporter with five Navy Destroyers now in position to launch cruise missiles, secretary of state kerry laid out the evidence which has convinced the Obama Administration the Syrian Regime was responsible for that attack. In all of these things that we know all of them the American Intelligence Community has high confidence. High confidence. This is common sense. This is evidence. These are facts. Reporter much of the evidence comes from spy satellites and intercepted communications. We know that for three days before the attack the Syrian Regimes chemical weapons personnel were on the ground, in the area making preparations. Reporter preparations for an attack aimed at oppositionheld neighborhoods which the syrian army had been unable to retake using conventional weapons. We know that the Syrian Regime elements were told to prepare for the attack by putting on gas masks and taking precautions associated with chemical weapons. Reporter in the Early Morning hours of wednesday, august 21, satellites detected the flashes of rockets being fired and detonating. We know where the rockets were launched from and at what time. We know where they landed and when. We know rockets came only from regimecontrolled areas and went only to oppositioncontrolled or contested neighborhoods. Reporter 90 minutes later, kerry said, all hell broke loose on the internet with videos from the same neighborhoods where the rockets had landed. And then a conversation between two syrians was intercepted. We know that a senior regime official who knew about the attack confirmed that chemical weapons were used by the regime. Reviewed the impact and actually was afraid that they would be discovered. Reporter for analysts, it adds up to high confidence but not a smoking gun and they reached that conclusion knowing intelligence about chemical weapons in iraq turned out to be wrong and that a previous secretary of state, colin powell, had ended up presenting a bogus case for war. Our Intelligence Community has carefully reviewed and re reviewed information regarding this attack. And i will tell you, it has done so more than mindful of the iraq experience. We will not repeat that moment. Reporter iraq, of course, was an invasion, this is expected to be a brief and limited air strike. But military action always comes with unintended consequences so the pentagon has moved an amphibious ship with several hundred marines on board into the eastern mediterranean. Pelley david martin at the pentagon. Thanks, david. Now, before we take you to damascus, a quick reminder of how this civil war started. Syria is ruled by bashar al assad. The dictatorship started by his father has been in power more than 40 years. Well, two years ago there was a popular revolt and since then more than 100,000 people have been killed. The uprising now has become a war between the two major branches of islam. The whole region has been destabilized. Syria borders israel, jordan, iraq, lebanon, and turkey. The nerve gas was used in the suburbs of the capital damascus. U. N. Inspectors have been gathering evidence there. It is difficult for an american correspondent to reach the capital, but Elizabeth Palmer is there for us tonight. Liz . Reporter the u. N. Weapons inspectors work has now finished here in syria. The last of them were supposed to leave tomorrow morning at 7 00 but quite suddenly and with no public explanation their departure was moved forward to 4 00 a. M. In just a few hours. Earlier today, activists told us that they were supposed to have visited one of the areas where the chemical attack occurred but things suddenly got much too dangerous. Syrian government shells reigned down on the rebel held town called maadimiyeh on the southwestern edge of the city. It was also hit last wednesday in the alleged chemical attack. Today it was being pounded by conventional weapons. And yet not five miles away in tishreen park in the government controlled heart of damascus the rituals of life continued on a late summer afternoon. After dark as so many syrian children have told me over the past year they suffer terrible nightmares brought on by the violence all around them. But here, today, in the sunshine, theyre not thinking about the war. Their parents are, though, worried as much about another chemical attack as about an american strike. This woman says the fear is keeping her awake. I hear many countries will attack us she says. Its terrifying. This woman, too nervous to show her face on camera, told me one of the worst things now is feeling helpless. What would you say to the American People . Um, end this with the least amount of damage and death possible. Pelley thats a war with seemingly no end. Elizabeth, i wonder, what have the syrians said about the charges of the Obama Administration . Well, we have had reaction tonight, but at a time when a scarred and traumatized people are looking to their leaders for some direction and reassurance, not one syrian politician appeared on television. Instead, we got a written statement from the foreign minister who basically said that secretary kerry had failed to offer any proof the Syrian Government had carried out a chemical attack and warned that this was a prelude to an aggression which would result in hundreds of innocent victims and the u. S. Would be responsible. Pelley Elizabeth Palmer in damascus. Thank you. The president said today the nerve gas attack is a threat to the National Security of the United States. Major garrett is at the white house for us tonight. Major . Reporter scott, president obamas demeanor reflected a commander in chief torn by the demands of living up to his own red line rhetoric about syrias use of chemical weapons and the inherent risks of launching even a limited military strike into a volatile region with few allies at his side and without the approval of congress or the united nations. During a meeting with baltic leaders, mr. Obama said if war comes, it wont last long. Were not considering any openended commitment. Were not considering any boots on the ground approach. What we will do is consider options that meet the narrow concern around chemical weapons, understanding that theres not going to be a solely military solution to the underlying conflict and tragedy thats taking place in syria. Reporter the president acknowledged that the burden to punish the Syrian Regime has now fallen to the u. S. Which has borne the brunt of casualties in iraq and afghanistan. But ultimately we dont want the world to be paralyzed and, frankly, part of the challenge that we end up with here is that a lot of people think something should be done but nobody wants to do it. Reporter advisors said mr. Obama is appalled by the chemical weapons carnage but is visibly hesitant because he knows the country is, too. The American People understandably want us to be focused on the business of rebuilding our economy here and putting people back to work. And i assure you nobody ends up being more warweary than me. Reporter those closest to the president concede he does not look or sound as passionate as secretary of state kerry but one of those top advisors told us, scott, the president is not reluctant to act adding there is no daylight with kerry. The president hired that guy and told him what to say. Pelley major, when the president says that the gas attack in syria is a threat to the National Security of the United States, what did he mean by that . First of all, scott, he doesnt mean that there is intelligence or intention on the Syrian Government to attack the United States with chemical weapons. Its a much broader definition. That if an International Prohibition against the use of chemical weapons isnt enforced that could mean they would be used elsewhere, either in syria or the other regions. The other advisors in the white house say the fear the president has is if this is not punished other regional neighbors will be threatened and possibly terrorists could get ahold of the weapons and someday in the future threaten the United States with them. Pelley Major Garrett at the white house for us. At the other end of pennsylvania avenue congress is in recess but the administration is lobbying members Long Distance in hopes of getting them to support military action. We have that story tonight from Congressional Correspondent nancy cordes on capitol hill. Nancy . Reporter scott, over the past 24 hours the white house has provided a series of briefings for key lawmakers laying out options, but there are many members who want more. They want any military action to be put to a vote here first. But their own schedule makes that unlikely. Congress has been gone for a month and doesnt return to washington for a week and a half. That didnt stop more than 160 house members democrats and republicans from signing letters this week urging the president to receive authorization from congress before striking syria. Elliot engel, the top democrat on the House Foreign Relations Committee says there isnt time for that. Theres clearly a president can act and then come to Congress Later on or come to congress within 60 days. So im comfortable with that. I think when you have situations like this you have to act swiftly. Reporter in a telephone town hall with constituents today, Senate RepublicanLindsey Graham argued the president has said too much already. Already. Reporter most leaders of the Relevant National secur reporter most leaders of the relevant National Security committees support limited strikes and say the president cant erase the red line he drew. Republican buck mckeon. The problem that he finds himself in and has placed us in is if he does not take action now after making these statements then we become a paper tiger to the rest of the world. Reporter among the general membership of congress, though, there is more opposition to military strikes and thats why congress absence from washington has actually worked in favor of the white house, scott. Theyre eager there to avoid the kind of embarrassment that britains Prime Minister endured yesterday when his parliament voted against the military strikes that he had abdicated. Pelley nancy, thanks very much. A popular painkiller soon carry a new warning. San diegos city hall nightmare has come to an end. And it was a day at the races for the duke and duchess of cambridge when the cbs evening news continues. Ick in the rear v8 vfusion plus energy. Natural energy from green tea plus fruits and veggies. Need a little kick . Ooh couldve had a v8. In the juice aisle. Then youll know how uncomfortable it can be. [ crickets chirping ] but did you know that the lack of saliva can also lead to tooth decay and bad breath . [ exhales deeply ] [ male announcer ] well there is biotene. Specially formulated with moisturizers and lubricants, biotene can provide soothing relief and it helps keep your mouth healthy, too. [ applause ] biotene for people who suffer from dry mouth. 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Wanna play dodge rock . Oh, you guys and with double miles you can actually use, you never miss the fun. Beard growing contest and go i win whats in your wallet . Icaused by acid reflux disease, relieving heartburn, 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. Talk to your doctor about nexium. Pelley most of us wouldnt think twice about taking a couple tylenol for a headache but there are risks and theyre spelled out right on the label although in print you might need magnifying glass to see. So starting in october there will be a new warning that is almost impossible to miss. Heres elaine quijano. Reporter the new cap on extra strength tylenol warns consumers that the product contains acetaminophen and to always read the label. Acetaminophen is a pain relieving ingredient that is the nations leading cause of sudden liver failure. Tylenol maker Mcneil Consumer Health care is voluntarily making the change and said the cap is designed to help reduce the risk of accidental overdose. More than 600 overthecounter medications contain acetaminophen including nyquil, theraflu and excedrin. Overdoses account for roughly 50,000 emergency room visits and more than 450 deaths each year. Dr. William lee has studied the dangerous side effects of acetaminophen. Theres several ways that people overdose on acetaminophen. First of all, they may be taking different preparations and not recognize that acetaminophen is present in many overthecounter preparations as well as the prescription opioids. Reporter lee says some people could be in danger after a few weeks of taking eight pills or 4,000 milligrams per day. Excess amounts of acetaminophen can create a toxic byproduct that kills liver cells. Drinking alcohol while taking the medication can also increase the risk of side effects. Overall what we see is that a lot of alcoholics or people that are drinking heavily are the ones that overdose on acetaminophen. Reporter there are more than 80 lawsuits currently filed in federal court against Mcneil Consumer Health care alleging failure to properly warn of the drugs risks. The Company Stands by tylenols safety and efficacy. Scott, it says tylenol products have been trusted by doctors, hospitals, and consumers for more than 50 years. Pelley elaine, thanks. And the people of san diego just got rid of a major headache. This was bob filners last day as mayor. He was forced to step down after more than a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment. A worldfamous Nobel Prize Winning poet died today. His story and his words are coming up. Up. [ crisp crunches ] [ rumbling ] [ crisp crunches ] whoohoohoo guess it was. [ male announcer ] pringles, bursting with more flavor. What happens when delicious cheese and five grains combine with the great taste of pringles . Introducing new pringles multigrain. Her busy saturday begins with back pain, when. Hey pam, you should take advil. Why . You can take four advil for all day relief. So i should give up my two aleve for more pills with advil . Youre joking right . For my back pain, i want my aleve. If you have high cholesterol, heres some information that may be worth looking into. In a Clinical Trial versus lipitor, crestor got more highrisk patients bad cholesterol to a goal of under 100. Getting to goal is important, especially if you have high cholesterol plus any of these risk factors because you could be at increased risk for plaque buildup in your arteries over time. And thats why when diet and exercise alone arent enough to lower cholesterol i prescribe crestor. [ female announcer ] crestor is not right for everyone. Like people with Liver Disease or women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant. Tell your doctor about other medicines youre taking. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain or weakness, feel unusually tired, have loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes. These could be signs of rare but serious side effects. Is your cholesterol at goal . Ask your doctor about crestor. [ female announcer ] if you cant afford your medication, astrazeneca may be able to help. [ female announcer ] if you cant afford your medication, pelley if youre hitting the road this Holiday Weekend youll have lots of company. According to a a. A. A. Labor day forecast, 34 million americans will travel from home and most of them by car. Thats up about 4 from last year. Drivers will be paying on average 3. 58 a gallon for gas and that is 25 cents less than last labor day. The duchess of cambridge made her First Official appearance today since giving birth last month. Kate looked slim and relaxed as she joined her husband Prince William to greet runners and spectators at an annual race in whales. They did not bring Prince George along. Kate said he was napping. The man considered the greatest irish poet since William Butler yates died today. Seamus heaney. In his very first poem heaney described his father digging potatoes and his grandfather digging turf. Turf. And dig he did. Heaneys words vividly illustrated irelands wild beauty and political pain and earned him the nobel prize in literature. Seamus heaney was 74. Steve hartman has found a superhero at the supermarket. On the road is next. This is for you. [ male announcer ] bobs heart attack didnt come with a warning. Today his doctor has him on a bayer aspirin regimen to help reduce the risk of another one. If youve had a heart attack, be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. At humana, our medicare agents sit down with you and ask. Being active. And being with this guy. [ male announcer ] getting to know you is how we help you choose the humana medicare plan that works best for you. Mi familia. [ male announcer ] we want to help you achieve your best health, so you can keep doing the things that are important to you. Taking care of our customers. Taking care of her. And the next thing on our list is bungee jumping. [ male announcer ] helping you now thats whats important to us. My turn daddy, my turn hold it steady now. I know daddy. [ dad ] oh boy, fasten your seatbelts everybody. [ mixer whirring ] bounty selectasize. Its the smaller powerful sheet, that acts like a big sheet. Look one selectasize sheet of bounty is 50 more absorbent than a full size sheet of the leading ordinary brand. [ humming ] [ dad ] use less with the small but powerful picker upper. Bounty selectasize. And try bounty napkins. Mayo . Corn dogs . You are so outta here aah [ female announcer ] the complete balanced nutrition of greattasting ensure. 24 vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and 9 grams of protein. [ bottle ] ensure®. Nutrition in charge™. Must drive. Next on kpix 5 weather talent appears at wx center with generic pinpoint filling monitor then we take special pelley we end tonight with a young man who has incredible power the power to lift your spirits and, turns out, just about anything else. Steve hartman met him on the road. Reporter unlike most superheroes. Jonathan . Reporter Jonathan Stoklosa still lives with his parents. Jonathan, come on reporter unlike most superheroes, jonathan doesnt wake up ready to save the world. Were you sleeping . Reporter and unlike most superheroes, jonathan was born with down syndrome. You were sleeping reporter nevertheless, as youll see in a minute, hes still one powerful crusader. By day, 31yearold jonathan is a mildmannered bag boy at the acme Grocery Store in wilmington, delaware. He rescued stray grocery shops from the parking lot and hands out stickers to the kids. Thank you youre welcome reporter tender on the inside. I love kids. Reporter solid rock on the outside. How did you get that way . I dont know. Work out. Reporter work out a little bit . Uhhuh. Reporter more than a little bit. And its here at the gym where jonathan unleashes his inner hulk. Whoa that was a good one, yeah no doubt about it thats what you do every time you win . Yes. Reporter john is an incredible power lifter not an incredible Special Olympics power lifter. Just an incredible power lifter period. He competes in regular matches, often placing in the top three. The guy can bench press over 400 pounds. cheers and applause you take it all in and walk away going wow . Did i really just see what i just saw . Reporter Brandon Mcgovern is jonathans trainer. He says hes constantly amazed at jonathans drive. He strives to be as good as he can be. Heavy lifting was done earlier reporter of course, the real heavy lifting was done earlier by his parents liz and hank stoklosa. They never coddled john. They raised them same as their other boys. Great things were simply expected. Although they have to admit they do pinch themselves now at how well it all worked out. Your son is admired by people that had to be something you could never have fathomed. No. That was not even ever, ever thought of when you hold a little baby and they tell you he has down syndrome. John changed our life. Reporter theyre especially proud that he tries just as hard on his job as he does on his lifting. His boss here says you couldnt ask for a better employee. Yes, hes Strong Enough to bend a cart, but hes never so much as bruised a banana. You never crush some eggs . Oh, please reporter a superhero with a soft touch who actually takes your groceries to the car. Damsels are gonna love him. Thank you so much youre welcome reporter Steve Hartman on the road in wilmington, delaware. Pelley and thats the cbs evening news for tonight. For all of us at cbs news all around the world, im scott pelley. Ill see you sunday on 60 minutes. Good night. Captioning sponsored by cbs ned by media access gro captioned by Media Access Group at wgbh access. Wgbh. Org the bay bridge construction crew your realtime captioner linda marie macdonald. This demolition work has to happen before the bridge opens. With just three days until the opening of the new span of the bay bridge, construction crews put things into overdrive. Right now, chopper 5 is narrowing in on traffic hot spots on bay area roadways as people leave work for the Holiday Weekend. This was the scene moments ago on the san mateo bridge. Westbound traffic was moving at a crawl. Good evening, im Juliette Goodrich in for elizabeth cook. Im allen martin. Im ken bastida live on Yerba Buena Island. This afternoon, again, to give you a good look at the progress on the new eastern span of the bay bridge. There is progress to report today. A lot has been going on while you slept and worked and probably on your way to a great weekend. These guys will go 24 hours around the clock until they open ton tuesday morning. A bit of a smoky scene earlier this afternoon just below where we were standing. Turned out to be nothing to worry about. Were told theres some clean up work going on at the Yerba Buena Island tunnel. And that includes some sandblasting and some power washing. Access of course to the new bridge very tightly controlled over the past 48 hours. But we are able to give you a quick look at what is going on. And theres a lot going on. A chp patrol car actually led the way on to the new eastern span of the bay bridge just before the tunnel. We actually headed east but in the newest bound lanes weaving through a fleet of construction trucks. We sped up the tape there for you but you get the sense of what the new bridge looks and feels like especially as you drive on the suspension span with the cables reaching