Transcripts For MSNBCW MSNBC Live 20130902

We know exactly what happened afterwards. Heres what the time line looks like. The first hearing in the senate is expected to be held tomorrow. The full congress is not scheduled to return until next week. So far, the only consensus in congress is there is no consensus in congress. Im hoping by the time next week comes around and hopefully the president can make his case, that he will be able to get a majority of the house of representatives. I think its at least 50 50 whether the house will vote down involvement in the syrian war. I think the senate will rubber stamp what he wants but i think the house will be a much closer vote. With congress in a holding pattern, the Administration Says proof is building by the day that syrias bashar all ac assa used sarin gas against his own people. Nearly a third of that countrys population being displaced by the civil war. White house officials reportedly say theyre flooding the zone. The president has meetings today with republican senators graham and mccain. White house correspondent Peter Alexander has more for us. Is he hoping these two will help make his case . The Obama Administration insists the u. S. very credibility at stake here. The president recognizing hes going to need all the help he can get from allies on capitol hill. One of the reasons for the meetings today with senators graham and mccain. Today kicks off the intensifying of this effort to try to convince members of congress of the need for military action. Yesterday, the president , his Vice President and chief of staff made calls to members of congress. There are more calls scheduled for today. In addition to meetings to take place. The white house trying to step up the pressure right now. The secretary of state john kerry on sunday comparing bashar all assad, the syrian leader, to both adolf hitler and Saddam Hussein. The president s decision to seek congressional authorization really marked a dramatic shift at the end of more than a week of deliberations. The white house had been making it very clear they were leaning toward a military strike. That one could be imminent. But it appear was swayed the president in many ways to change his mind was what took place in britain. The no vote by that nations parliament. The president , after watching that from the west wing, then had a visit with his chief of staff, dennis mcdonough, walking together on the white houses south lawn before calling in his Senior Advisers, delivering that message to them. Many of them stunned, were told, by Senior Administration officials. They expressed their disagreement. But by saturday, everybody was on board. Many lawmakers have already made it clear the best hope perhaps for congressional approval is to limit the scope of any resoluti resolution. The white house realizes has a lot rising on this. No president has lost a vote for the use of force in modern times. Richard. Peter, thank you for that. Nbcs Peter Alexander at the white house. Denying the regime is using chemical weapons against his own citizens. In an interview, fazel mcdodd says rebel groups were the ones who used chemical agents. He also said there will be serious consequences if america attacks. Nor weakening of international institutions. Terrorists will flourish everywhere. This will undermined the security of americans inside and outside their country. Al qaeda is there. Any attack against syria is supporting al qaeda and its affiliates. Id like to bring in nbcs Foreign Correspondent live in beirut covering the story for us it the u. N. Is now saying 7 million refugees have been displaced by the crisis. The urgency certainly grows by the day. Also getting reports from the arab league. Youve got two groups of voices coming out of the region. What are they . Well, you have one that is led by the Syrian Government and its allies including iran and here in lebanon hezbollah. Theyre portraying this as a victory for the axis of resistance. They say this is an historic defeat for the United States for the reasons we just heard there from the Deputy Foreign minister. There are those in the arab league who still went tougher action led by the United States and the International Community. That has been led within the arab league by saudi arabia. Theyve come out and said it is up to the International Community to live up to the u. N. Charter to protect syrian civilians, to take deterrent action. If you read between the lines, that means to use force or whatever is necessary to protect syrian civilians. That is about as strong of a comment that will come out of the arab league. Particularly from the foreign policies. To give the United States and the International Community a push from the region. However, as we have heard, there are those that are concerned that any military strike on syria is going to destabilize countries like lebanon, destabilize the region into a broader conflict and worsening humanitarian situation. Live in beirut on the story. Joining me now, rhode island democratic congressman david sis linney. Thank you for being with us. Youve seen the draft resolution from the white house. Do you support it as it is . Yesterday, i traveled to washington and had the opportunity to participate in a classified meeting. As i said yesterday, we have much more information to learn before i can make a decision. I think everyone recognizes the use of chemical weapons is horrific. We have to decide whether or not a military strike will advance or protect the National Security interests of the United States. Do we fully understand what the implications of that strike will be . Does it in the end advance the National Security interests of our country . I think this is a difficult question. We have the responsibility to listen carefully to all of the evidence. The white house has said its willingness to share information and i look forward to a debate on this. I think we should be back in washington already to begin this discussion. Ill listen carefully to what the president is requesting and to what my colleagues feel on both sides of this issue. Listen to my constituents. This will be a very heavy burden to meet, to persuade me its in the National Security interest of the United States to engage in this military strike. If its do, its something we have to do as part of a very Broad International coalition. It cannot be the United States alone vindicating this important principle about the use of chemical weapons. If you were to describe the different groups in congress in terms of their view on what the white house would like to do, the Washington Post lays it out. They say the five ways congress is split on syria. Youve got the do it now already crowd. Those would want bigger military action. Some say theyre happy to debate the issue, reserving judgment. Others are just plain skeptical. And still others are antimilitary action. Those are the five groups the way the Washington Post laid out. Which group do you fall into . Which group do you think dominates now in the house . I consider myself skeptical because i think its very important that we think very carefully, review the evidence very thoroughly. Consider all of the range of options that are available before we engage militarily. And that we understand completely the consequences of military action. I think we should always be skeptical and test that very hard. So im in the camp of really wants to listen very carefully to the evidence. Listen carefully to the administration. What the president is asking. Understanding whats happening in the region. Ways the alternative. What are the consequences of inaction. But, you know, this principle of a ban on the use of chemical weapons which dates back to world war i is something the entire world should be prepared to vindicate and so far its been only the voice of america. We have urgent needs of americans all across this country that we need to focus on. I think we have to balance it against the things facing our own country as well. What will it say to this president , to the world, if no action is undertaken after what has been said to date . I mean, i think thats exactly the difficult situation were in. Not only what it will say to the world but particularly in light of the fact the president has said this is a red line, does that as a consequence require us to support some action. And is there some military action we have to take in order to send a message to iran and to russia about our seriousness when we speak. So i think thats part of the mix about deciding whats the right course of action for our country. What are the National Security implications of inaction . Does it send the wrong mess being an to the rest of the world . I think this is going to be a difficult decision. Study it, listen to experts about the region. And then make a judgment at the end i think is in the best interest of our country. Rhode island congressman David Ciccilini, thank you. President s campaign to sway skeptical lawmakers on options in syria. Our panel of experts weighs in next on those steps. And Nelson Mandela discharged from a South African hospital after nearly three months. The most Free Research reports, customizable charts, powerful screening tools, and guaranteed 1second trades. And at the center of it all is a surprisingly low price just 7. 95. In fact, fidelity gives you lower trade commissions than schwab, td ameritrade, and etrade. Im monica santiago of fidelity investments, and low fees and commissions are another reason serious investors are choosing fidelity. 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And good. Weight watchers. Join for free. Because we understand. Because weve been there. Because it works. Hurry, join by september 14th and youll get a free month. The white house is stepping up the pressure for congress to approve military action in syria. But theres a tough battle ahead. Take a listen. Yes. Im a no based on the information i have now. Feel very skeptical about the president s proposal. Theyve got a lot more explaining to do. During a briefing this morning, russians foreign minister saying the information the u. S. Provided on an alleged chemical weapons attack is, quote, absolutely unconvincing. With me now, zeke miller, reporter for time. Ambassador mark ginsburg, former ambassador for morocco. And colonel jack jacobs, medal of honor recipient and msnbc military analyst. Zeke, weve been listening to preliminary reactions to what the president would like done here. Hes going to be reapi ireachino key members. Is he going to get a yes vote . Congressional leaders say when a president asks for a vote like this, it will pass. Theres going to be a bit of strong arming that the white house and congressional leadership of both parties are going to have to do. If this doesnt pass, it really is a will reflect very poorly about the president s political power, police call capital in washington and really, sort of, set the tone for the rest of the second term. If it passes, the white house has a huge upside here. Its probably going to pass but it wont be easy and that process also is going to require the white house to really invest a lot effort and energy in getting these lawmakers across the finish line. Thats something theyve had trouble with in the past. Ambassador, when we look at different voices, different groups he needs to be communicating to, as he has different messages, explain to us the cop plmplexity of the gr in terms of who the president needs to be talking to here. Richard, just listening to the conversation earlier, its quite clear that theres members of congress who keep calling for a broader coalition. They want United Nations support. Or they want arab league participation. And all of these requests which are very reasonable unfortunately the lawmakers who are requesting that Broad International coalition are just not going to get it. No matter what the evidence is. And so despite all the efforts by the administration, were largely left right now with france, which is about to have its own parliamentary debate on wednesday. In congress, as you and i know, several things can happen. Rand paul could filibuster a resolution. The rules committee could come out with a different resolution. Theres any number of traps. The Ambassador League saying they would like further action. Stronger las veganguage. Does that give the president what he needs diplomatically . Congratulate secretary kerry for that diplomatic offensivive over the last 24 hours. The arab league needs to be able to provide greater cover. Theres divisions within the arab league. Egypt has most been opposed to u. S. Intervention. The saudis and qataris, let me add, are arming the bad guys while we try to take care of the good guys here. The ambassador giving us a hint of what is happening on the ground. The joint chiefs chair saying if we wait a week, military options dont change. Agree . I do agree. This is not a complicated exercise. Theres no multinational forces. Its not even joint. Youve got the navy thats going to fly our cruise missiles at predetermined targets, wait till the smoke clears, see if the targets need to be struck again and go after them again. Theres no strategy here. Its purely a punitive strike. The military can wait a long time before it launches one. To you here, zeke. As we watched what happened over the weekend. We saw secretary kerry coming to sunday talk shows. Does this not look good for secretary kerry, as, some are saying, he had to back pedal . Thats the arc of this whole story. He has come out essentially as the administrations chief prosecutor of the assad regime. Coming out last week on monday with the first evidence sort of explaining what the u. S. Believed to be true at that time on monday, then again on friday, with that statement. Even an hour after he finished speaking, the president speaking from the roosevelt room from the meeting with so many baltic state president s. The president back pedalled. That was probably the first indication these strikes were going to be delayed. So kerry was adamant late week and worked hard over the past 48 hours or so to fall lock step with the president. What does the United States what does the president need to clearly state to fortify the United States credibility abroad at this moment you believe . Richard, i think the president needs to do not just the fact we have the proof of the actual gas attack but theres unequivocal proof that convinces lawmakers, as well as international parties, that assad himself or his commanders ordered this attack. Number three, to convince many reluctant members of congress theres a strategy behind the attacks and what happens if they use gas again. Let me add, as i close, what happens if the assad regime orchestrates an attack on its own forces using chemical weapons in order to say its not just us, its also the other side . And then it complicates any justificati justification, given the fact this mess has only gotten messier in syria. If the president doesnt get votes, what are the serious consequences . Hell do it anyway. Hes already said hes going to do it. Theres ample precedent for that. Where president s have not received approval in the congress for taking military action. Theyve taken in anyway. Colonel jack jacobs, thank you. As well as time magazines zeke miller, ambassador, thank you. Nelson mandela home from the hospital. Diana nyads attempt to swim from cuba to florida. Despite being stung several times by jellyfish, she is within striking distance of her goal, we are hearing. You work. And you want to get an mba. But going back to school is hard. Because you work. Now, Capella University offers a revolutionary new way to get your degree. Its called flexpath and its the most direct path, leveraging what youve learned on the job and focusing on what you need to know so you can get a degree at your pace. And graduate at the speed of you. Flexpath from Capella University learn more at capella. Edu i had pain in my abdomen. It just wouldnt go away. Thing. I was spotting, but i had already gone through menopause. These symptoms may be nothing. But they could be Early Warning signs of a gynecologic cancer, such as cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer. Feeling bloated for no reason. Thats what i remember. 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Heres a look at some of the storying topping the news for you. 64yearold swimmer diana is in an historic stretch of a swim from cuba to florida. After swimming almost two days straight. Is just ten days away from reaching key west. This time, she is wearing a protective mask to help keep jellyfish away. She explained her mental game before jumping into the water on saturday. Make it through the day. Then make it through the night. Thats my idea. To go day. Finish. Now get a new goal. Get through the night. And hopefully were going to do it three days, three nights, and make it over. She will become the record holder for the longest unassisted open ocean swim. Nelson mandela back at home for the first time in three months. He was being treated for a recurrent lung infection. His granddaughter says he is comfortable at home and receiving the best medical care. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become the First Supreme Court justice to conduct a same sex marriage ceremony. Her longtime friends. Ginsburg was part of the majority in the Supreme Court ruling that declared that same sex couples are eligible for federal benefits. Documents obtained by snowden show the agency spy program targeted the communications of brazilian and mexican president s. This according to guardian journalist greenwald would fiho published the leaks. The mens round of 16. 109th ranked was americas last hope but he lost last night. No american men advanced past the second round of wimbledon for the first time in 101 years. Things are going better for the women. Serena wins cruised past the fellow american to reach the semifinals. The boys used double miles from their capital one venture card to fly home for the big family reunion. You must be garths father . Hello. Mother. Mother traveling is easy with the venture card because you can fly any airline anytime. Two words. Double miles this guy can act. Wanna play dodge rock . 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The pentagon ordering that carrier and its battle group to stay near the persian gulf pending any possible military action in syria. Not to take part in any possible syria operations but in case there is some sort of reaction to any potential strike against syria. Uss nimitz arriving in the red sea. A day after the decision, president assad appears to be carrying on with his assault on the ground. New amateur video claims to show more shelling by assads forces. This after syrias president mocked the white house for what it called americas retreat. Correspondent bill neely is on the ground in damascus. Reporter the first reaction here to president obamas decision came two minutes after he finished speaking at the white house when syrias army began shelling rebelheld suburbs in damascus after a day of quiet. After that came the mocking. One newspaper headline saying the american retreat started here. The deputy Prime Minister saying obamas delay was laughable. And today i spoke to syrias Deputy Foreign policy fazal mechdad who said he isnt surprised and he hopes the white house people in the u. S. Congress will do what the mps in britains house of congress had done and vote against military action. If they vote for, he said, syrias army is absolutely ready. For the rebels, this feels like a betrayal. One leader of syrias National Council said obama was a weak president. And a rebel leader in damascus said only one person was smiling and that was president assad. Certainly he will feel emboldened. The british have pulled back. The americans have delayed. He will feel hes weakened his enemies. So president assad is undeterred and defiant. The president s National Security team faces a tough sell on capitol hill where some 83 lawmakers returned to washington sunday for a rare Labor Day Weekend meeting. Watching all that was nbcs casee hunt. A lot happening. . A lot happening. The administration is at this point facing a hard sell. Like you said, 83 lawmakers were up here yesterday afternoon. Some of them in tshirts and jeans. It was kind of a casual sunday up here on the hill. But today president obama is going to make his case at the white house to senators john mccain and Lindsey Graham. And those two are really important because they represent a diminishing hawkish wing. May say that limited strikes wouldnt go far enough. While what happened after the briefing was dozens came out and said the authority the president is asking for is way too broad. And they want it more limited. So if obama cant get people like mccain and graham on his side, its going to be even tougher. We were listening to some of the sound from lawmakers other the weekend. You were standing there as you watch them speak. Whats the sense . Will Congress Actually vote against authorizing a strike . Is that a real possibility here . Theyre already rewriting the the twopage resolution the president sent up here on saturday. They say it offers him too broad of an authority. One of obamas al allies called it a partial blank check. Thats something that makes law marks really uncomfortable. Thats a reference we heard over and over and over again. They are concerned about having to take a vote that would authorize the broad kind of intervention we saw that led to a tenyear plus conflict in iraq. All right, kacie hunt on capitol hill. Lets bring in our political panel. Good monday to both of you. Start with you on this one. Was it smart for the president to, some are asking, let congress now take over in terms of determining the future of the decision that he, at least earlier, said he was going to make . He clearly thought it was in the best interest of the country. Theres one way in terms of bolstering his credibility in terms of action, getting congressional authorization is a smart thing. In terms of making this a neat clean process, no, its a risky game b gambit. It complicates things. Youre trying to convince them. On top of that, the difficult part about public opinion. So theres a lot of moving parts to this that became much more complicated. Former officials under george w. Bush criticizing the president s decision to put this major decision in congress court. A number of them speoke to politico. He said, obama has undermined the quick strike ability that gives president s much of their power in dealing with mill carry threats. Obama will be acting from the weakest political position. Do you agree with that . We know the president can move quickly. The surprise factor is a useful factor for president s. You remember of course some years ago when those pirates took over a u. S. Ship off the coast of africa. The president acted very quickly, decisively, to put that incident to rest. And clearly had he done the same here, we wouldnt be facing the unintended consequences of what looks like weakness on the part of the United States or lack of resolve. I know the president does have strong resolve to get this done. I think its a it ends up being a good thing he ends up going to congress. Did he set up precedent do you think, joe . Say it again. Did he set a precedent, do you think . In recent history, he sent a precedent. I worked for the first president bush. The first president bush did set it up, did give plenty of notice to everybody. Had lots of allies in place, in time for making the announcement we were going to go to war with Saddam Hussein back in 1991. So when he made that announcement we were going to go to war with Saddam Hussein, he had su port from our allies and certainly American Congress. This is a different setting, of course. The delay looks like it emboldened asat. Certainly, hes already fired on rebel positions in damascus. Not a good thing. The nbc poll we had taken last week. And in it shows 8 in 10 americans are saying the president should get approval from congress. Chris, if Congress Says no, does the president still move . Well, i mean, i think the president still moves. But, boy, does it make it much more complicated. The political blow back will be much more significant. I think the challenge here right now i know everyone is fix eight e ated on congress and rightfully so. The bigger unknown is the american public. The president and the white house have to sell these members of congress. Convince them about why this is important strategically. What is the inevitable outcome. The group or the actor that is the most critical is the american public. They have more questions than you can imagine. Because theyre not very clear about what were doing and why. I think the administration has got to focus on that. That delay really hurt us. It hurts the United States in regards to rapid response. With all due respect, were not talking about an immediate threat here. Were talking about responding to a clear violation. Delay does not hurt the president or weaken our ability to respond. We have to be careful about exaggerating what is a few days of a delay. How does it hurt us . It hurt us in lives. More people will die. With each passing day we dont have a decision, assad is imboldined. Already theyve began a campaign saying the United States is weak. That doesnt help us. It emboldens those who are against us. The quicker we move forward on this, the better. I think the president has the right idea, which is you have to respond. But he certainly has put secretary of state kerry in a very awkward position. But joe, isnt he doing exactly what he said he wanted to do . He wanted to make sure were look at the war powers act. And he was looking at previous decision, made by previous president s and saying i would like to adhere to the war powers act with the notification to congress. The thing is the secretary of state last week was using very, very strong terms which gave everybody the sense that this was going to be imminent. The attack would be imminent. To delay it of course has made us look a lot weaker. If youre going to congress and actually doing what a lot of republicans leaders said, which is go to congress and get authorization, that is not necessarily a sign of weakness at all. That is actually a sign of resolve and creditedablbility. It is better for the country, better for the legitimacy of the action. If he goes to if he has the support of congress, thats a much different story. He has some selling to do. This typime, youll have republicans working with him. I think he has a great chance of having Lindsey Graham on his side and working hard to get the votes he needs. Thank you so much. Coming up, the government will run out of money to pay its bim bills next month. Will the debate over syria push the budget battle to the side . 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Risk includes possible loss of principal. Were gonna stop beating ourselves up about our weight. Were not gonna give up what we love. Its not gonna happen. And when the pounds still come off. Well be like, whoa one night well even eat a cupcake like its our job. Just not the entire cake. Thats part of the Weight Watchers plan. Were gonna feel happy. Healthy. And good. Weight watchers. Join for free. Because we understand. Because weve been there. Because it works. Hurry, join by september 14th and youll get a free month. Congress returns from recess september 9th. P to the priority will now be a vote on syria. Theres a looming fiscal crisis that could force the government into default. If both parties cannot reach an agreement on obama care funding. Joining us now, nbc could be trb beauter and seeninior fellow je bernstein. Weve got the new focus on syria. Potential vote coming up when they do return in a week or so. Weve also got the issue of a budget conversation. Does that get pushed aside here . No. Basically, we have three events. One is the syrian vote which presumably will happen soon after congress returns, if not before, if the president can get them to come back sooner. Then at the end of september, thats the end of the governments fiscal year. At that point, they have to have a vote as to whether to keep the government open or not. I believe that vote is going to support whats called a continuing resolution. Basically, a budget patch that keeps the government moving. Leadership wants that and even some of the renegades what do you see it, three months . Yes, Something Like that. Just keep the government funded at current levels. Then thats when the debt ceiling hits. Thats a much tougher debate. As leaders of both parties here want to get this done, and now theres even less time to devote to this as we look forward to it, a week from now, something has to give, right . Youre saying something will get done though. Actually not much has to give if youre just going to do another one of these budget patches. Thats why, in fact, pretty much everyone of our budget deals has been that. Its really not that big a deal to just say lets continue doing what were doing. I think the real fight comes in the middle of october when you have this threat to default which is just an absolutely crazy kind of wound to inflick on the american economy. There you have a real standoff between the administration that is saying we will not negotiate over the debt ceiling. Thats different then this kind of keep the lights on business of usual. The speaker wanting the president in a letter, saying, i would like to be consulted on any action in syria. Thats now going to happen but when you look at the calendar, today is a holiday, as we both know. Later this week, also, weve got rosh hashana and the president is going to attend the g20 also this week. Should the speaker say, come on back, lets get this done, so that we can, you know, add more days to get done what needs to be done the budget ahead of us . I think its a great point. These guys have Something Like nine working days in september. Now, you know, obviously, theyre doing other stuff when theyre not here. Come on, i guess thats nice work if you can get it. So thats one thing. But yeah, the nations business is incredibly pressing. I guess i have one phootentiall optimistic thought. National defense, these kinds of issues like syria does have a way of focusing the mind of even the most combative members of congress. So its possible the sort of dysfunction that has been so problematic in these selfinflicted budget wounds gets pushed aside by saying, hey, not that everybodys going to agree with the president , but we really have to be kind of serious here and the last thing we want to do is defund the government, to consider defaulting, when were talking about war. In the debate right now, atypical bedfellows in terms of the groups. Before we let you go here, as youve been watching the indicators, weve got oil, the dow, now a delay of one week. Is that going to hurt the economy in the United States . I dont think its going to hurt the economy. I do think theres been some pressure from oil prices. Perhaps less than i might have thought given the geopolitics. Do we continue to go along at a 2 growth rate or accelerate . Many forecasters think were accelerating. Im not so sure. The dow finishing under 15,000 for the week. A lot of us watching. Jerry bernstein, thank you. Its down to the wire in the race for mayor in new york city. Where things stand with one week left until voters head to the polls. No two people have the same financial goals. Pnc investments works with you to understand yours and helps plan for your retirement. Talk to a pnc investments Financial Advisor today. About the walmart low price guarantee, backed by ad match. Look at walmarts price. Awesome if you find a lower advertised price, theyll match it at the register. Really . Yeah ready . Wow thats the walmart low price guarantee. Bring in your receipt before game time and see for yourself. New york times michael, thank you so much. In the next hour, making the case for syria. We have an expert panel on what lies ahead. And the true story that inspired the butler. Meet the man who first told the world about this amazing man. Discover card. I missed a payment. Aw, shoot. Shoot this is bad. No were good this is your first time missing a payment. And youve got the it card, so we wont hike up your apr for paying late. Thats great it is great thank you. At discover, we treat you like youd treat you. Get the it card with late payment forgiveness. A man who doesnt stand still. But jim has afib, Atrial Fibrillation an irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem. That puts jim at a greater risk of stroke. 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Aircraft carrier arrives in the red sea. This as president obama faces an uphill battle. Can he get congress on board . Today, senator john mccain heads to the white house. New revelations. Nsa leaker Edward Snowden reportedly spied on the personal emails of two world leaders. Homestretch, swimmer diana nyad is just miles away from completing her record attempt swimming from cuba toful. We begin with new developments in syria. A defense Department Official is confirming the Aircraft Carrier uss naimitznimitz has moved i red sea. Four other ships are also in that area. Defense Officials Say they moved the group to help support a limited strike on syria if needed. Meanwhile, in a new interview with the bbc, syrias Deputy Foreign policy minister is denying the regime used chemical weapons against its citizens. Take a listen. Did you use chemical weapons . No, absolutely not. Chemical weapons were used by the armed groups who are supported by the United States, by turkey, by saudi arabia, among others. Here in the United States, members of congress are divided over whether or not to use military action against syria. Last hour, i spoke to rhode island democratic congressman David Ciccilini who took part in yesterdays classified briefing. He says he needs more information. I consider myself skeptical, because i think its very important we think very carefully, review the evidence very thoroughly, consider all of the range of options that are available before we engage militarily. And were also learning here on msnbc the nato chief anders fogh rad mussen saying, i april convin am convinced the Syrian Regime is responsible. We have nbc White House Correspondent Peter Alexander. The president and his cabinet, what are they doing to Lobby Congress and, really, the world at this moment . The phrase weve heard multiple times now from Senior Administration officials is flood the zone. This is a fullcourt press as they try to make this effort to convince congress on the need for the use of military action. One of the events today will happen behind closed doors at the white house. And the west wing. Where both senators Lindsey Graham and john mccain will be meeting privately with the president. They are two key republicans that are significant to this debate because both of them air on the side of more action. They say there should be a more aggressive military action taken by this administration, by the u. S. Going forward. The u. S. Is hoping they will be able to help sway others on capitol hill over the course of the next several days. The white house, the administration has said very che clearly, its the u. S. Credibility on the line. Expect more of that lobbying effort to take place today. There will be phone calls. We know the president , the Vice President and the president s chief of staff, dennis mcdonough, spoke to house and senate members. They are inviting more members, key ranking members and chairman of some of the critical committees, forces, Foreign Relations intelligence. Committees will be here again at the white house tomorrow. All in an effort to try to convince congress to go forward on this. Many people closeinsisted that feels strongly the u. S. Look stronger when there is broad support at home. The president feels very strongly this needs to take place. Peter alexen direction thank you develop. Were just getting this in. There will be an unclassified Congress Call today at 11 30 a. M. Eastern. This will be for members of the House Democratic caucus who are unable to attend sundays briefing which we were reporting on earlier today. Well continue to keep you updated about whats happening on the hill. Now we go to nbcs ayman mohayden. It becomes more and more urgent, this is something youve been reporting on consistently over the past few weeks. Whats the reaction from the region right now on the president s decision to go to congress . This was an historic retreat. Its certainly something that they say they are willing to defend themselves. There are troubling reports that in anticipation to a possible military strike on syria, the Syrian Military government has began to move some of its military units into civilian areas. Perhaps in an attempt to try and avoid having those identified military areas being struck by the u. S. Military or others that may be part of this operation. According to some opposition sources, they have been moving mill titary units. Thats a major concern for human rights organizations. It is a concern across the region that if there is a military strike, you could see the number of refugees still over into neighboring countries. So that is a major concern. Against that backdrop, you still have the arab league. Saying it calls on the International Community to use deterrent action, to punish the Syrian Government. That is as strong of a language as youre possibly going to get from the arab league. Giving the United States some type of diplomatic cover to pursue a military option against syria, should it decide to. Our pabl now, colonel jack jacobs. We have the associate editor and senior couldnrrespondent for t Washington Post. And also our guest from liberty group. Were getting the information, the uss nimitz moving into the red sea, we have the developments of the nato chief saying he has information. He feels personally there has been an attack using chemical weapons. The very fact were taking our time making the attack, you could argue militarily puts the flotilla of missile guided cruisers in the mediterranean at risk for just about any attack from anybody. So we move in a Carrier Task Force to provide air cover and coordination of air cover over the area where were currently located. That will protect these ships from any attack by, lets say, iran or even syria, would may be trying to get their aircraft off the ground. You know, the airfields in syria and aircraft on the ground are going to be the first targets we hit. As we look at this developing news on the uss nimitz and the Carrier Group, we knew was going to be moved into the area, to the red sea, but it is there to handle any sort of overflow, if you will, if there were to be an attack on syria, what might happen in other parts of that region . Can you talk about that for us . Well, sure, richard, it sends a signal to the other actors in if the region. In an area of potential conflict, were sending multiple signals. One is to reassure israel that the United States is bringing this tremendous military capability there in support of it. Also to signal to others in the region if we do escalate, we retain the capability in the region to only defend our own assets, but to follow up to additional assets. When i was at the pentagon, it was, what are the criteria . Think of three. Punish, deter and compel. Punish the regime for the use of chemical weapons. Try and deter future use. And then compel the regime to change its behavior. Deter is really debatable. Three, compel the regime to change its behavior, that is almost impossible to achieve through military action alone. What does the president need to do in terms of clearly communicating to the members of the public, as well as members of congress, so they can justify their decision on this . The debate is quickly moving away from did the regime use chemical weapons. I think thats becoming a resolved issue at this point. Particularly for many members of congress. The question now is what will the efficacy of u. S. Military action be. Thats where the debate is going to turn. Thats why were hearing more talk from the administration about the iran connection here. That sending a forceful message, engaging in military action against syria will send a clear message to iran of course whose Nuclear Program remains of concern for the United States. The arrival of the Carrier Group into the red sea starts to really shape the discussion here in washington about what can be done militarily thats narrow in scope that will start to achieve not just the first of rogers objectives but to start address the other two, subjects of debate and discussion on the hill in coming days. Colonel, narrow in scope, how narrow does this need to be, how specific does it need to be, what is the strategy . There really isnt any strategy. Theres not much we can actually do except punish assad. So as a result, the operations going to be taylored to that. Target airfields. Mobile missile launchers. Command and control facilities. Maybe some troop concentrations if we can find exactly where the two brigades who are primarily responsible for launching the gas in the first place are located. But very, very limited in scope. No strategy. Just punishment i think is what were after. Roger, does this did this last week sort of provide a fakeout, if you will . The president and the secretary of state coming out with very strong words. And then being able to watch what happened in syria, what was moved, what wasnt. And, therefore, the United States having a better understanding of what the key assets are, at least the way Syrian Government views it . Certainly, richard, were taking all of the intelligence capability we have to continue to monitor very cleesely what the syrians are doing. Were working with our allies in the region to assemble that picture. If the president does decide to strike, weve got the most recent information available. What happened forced them to do a bit a reset. Some people will say the longer we delay, the more ineffective a potential strike is going to be. Frankly this strike has nothing to do with the Syrian Civil War. Because were too late to this game. It has everything to do with sending a message to others. That if the use of weapons of mass destruction is done, the United States will respond accordingly. Quickly here, is this basically about turning the tables on congress . They are saying we want to get information from the white house so now or consultation from the white house . Now the president s giving it to them . Yes, you had members of congress saying, all right, youve asked for it, youve got it. Now the on in hus is on you. It can argue if congress does not vote in support of this resolution, that, look, its congress fault, not ours. They couldnt get the job done. Thank you, all three. Up next, the divide on both side, of the aisle over what to do about syria. Whats next in that debate. This just in, Long Distance swimmer diana nyad now at the fivemile countdown from reaching her goal of swimming from cuba to florida. [ female announcer ] when they wake up dry in pampers, mornings have more tickles, more kisses. And more cuddles. Unlike other diapers, pampers has 3 absorbent layers, and up to 12 hours of overnight protection, for drier mornings, and so much more. [ female announcer ] wishing you love, sleep, and play. Pampers. 64yearold diana nyad is closing in on her historic swim. She has been in the water, fighting against crushing exhaustion and the painful stings of jellyfish that doomed her previous attempts. Nbcs Kerry Sanders is in florida for us, tracking her progression. Inspirational, isnt it . Reporter you said 64 years old, imagine this, whos been able to make this swim without a shark cage, nobody. So shes not only doing this but at 64 years old. As you know, her biggest problem has been the jellyfish stings. The jellyfish stings have been her biggest problem. On the fifth time now. She started this more than 35 years ago. 28 years old when she first tried. She has never quit. She jumps in the water again in cuba on saturday to begin this. This time, she thinks that she has a protective coat shes been able to put on herself. That will keep her from the stings of those jellyfish. This is what she said just moments before she jumped in and took the swim. Until im finished, im not finished. But i think the end of the journey is here now. Reporter it certainly looks like this is going to be the time she makes it. Of course, she still has about five miles to go. When the crew before sunrise could see the lights from key west, they knew shes within striking distance. She is continuing on. I think its about 51 strokes or so that shes taking a minute so shes keeping up a really steady pace. The real problem is not the jellyfish but rather when youre swimming like that and exhausted, you do swallow some saltwater and that adds to dehydration, making fatigue more complicated. Her team is confident. They believe on this fifth attempt, after so many years, richard, shes going to make it. A lot of people hoping. Theyve been tweeting as well her location. Do we know how close she is . I think its about five miles on the last tweet. Yeah, its a modern day version. She started this some years ago, there were no tweets and it was hard to make a Satellite Phone call. Now shes got completion connection. She is doing what nobody else has done. An australian swimmer was able to make this swim inside a shark tank. There was some controversy because they said that shark tank created sort of a protection and gave her some momentum. Here, shes just out there. Theres a boat alongside her and it has a pull out with something dangling in the water so she can keep her focus, so she can do a relative straight line. Remember, shes got currents out there so its not a complete direct line but the boat goes and she follows that so she can make her way almost like the crow flies. Probably will be 103 miles as she makes it to shore as she hopes to today. 64 years old. As you started with a moment ago. A number of republicans have weighed in and say they are not on board. If the vote were today, it will probably be a no vote. If you feel so strongly about it, if he doesnt want to take the action himself, then he should call us back into session tomorrow. I think the line in the sand should be america gets involved when american interests are threatened. I dont see american interests involved on either side of this syrian war. And Oklahoma Republican tom cole saying hes leaning no and that, quote, the administration better make a whale of a case. Or think theyre very much in danger certainly in the house of losing this. Joining me now, texas republican thomas burgess. Good morning, richard. Good morning. You said youre leaning no, this, after yesterdays briefing. Whats it going to take for you to get a yes . Look, i felt obligated to go back to washington yesterday and see the information that was made available to the average member of congress. Im not on a special committee. And i did do that. I will tell you it doesnt make its not a clear case theyre making or going to do. Its been called a pinprick or a shot across the bow. You look at the language on the authorization and its pretty broad, like its almost unending. So which is it, mr. President . I dont think the president has made the case to the American People. And that is one of the things that is required. For all his faults, his predecessor george bush did come to the American People on a number of occasions and explained the rationale and explained the conditions. Remember, also, that before the activity in iraq started, popular polls supported the president s action. Polls right now i dont know that ive seen any, but i dont think they would be supportive the president as commander in chief needs to act directly and sometimes alone on such issues. Correct. On the libyan issue, which is the other point we have for comparison, he did act unilaterally. Never made a case to the American People. Never made a case to the congress. As a consequence, the activity seemed open ended and never ending and then we actually ended up losing people a couple years later. So its not a this is not a clear path forward. Here you have a brutal dictator with astonishing cruelty would used the worst kind of weapons against his own people. So its not that he attacked another country. Its not that he attacked an ally. He did this to his own folks. I dont understand why they dont rise up as one and eliminate him from his position in lird. It seems like that would be the logical thing to happen. Sending a couple cruise missiles or tomahawks over there, i dont think its going to accomplish that. Congressman, are you worried . If you vote no and the resolution is not passed, the president of the United States, the office of the presidency, therefore, becomes weakened. I think everyone should be concerned about that. But who is responsible for that weakening . I did not draw the red line. I think a point for consultation might have been a little bit earlier. Certainly the president has had the ability to make a case to the American People. Not just to his advisers. Not just the people around the cabinet table. But come on television. Present it to the American People. Present the facts as they are. Yes, i saw the classified documents yesterday. They were pretty thin. The case that can be made that actually assad was the one who pulled the trigger is suspect. You know the president s already come on television to reach out to the American People. So has the secretary of state. He did that yesterday across five, six, seven different shows on a sunday. And some are asking, why hasnt Congress Come back to work . Congress wanted to be consulted on this. Youll have to ask the speaker that question. I dont know. Yes, we should be there. Weve got all the budgetary issues to straighten out. We have the whole National Intelligence plan needs to be reauthorized before september 30th. Weve got an enormous amount of work to do. At the end of the day, where will Congress Stand on this . Will he get enough votes to support the resolution . Well, in that regard, the president perhaps does benefit from the fact that were not there and he can work on individual members, individually. I do not know today if we just went back tomorrow morning and cast our votes. I dont think the votes are there. Why are republicans lock step on this . Does this show that republicans are divided as the criticism has been throughout the last four to eight years . I think republicans are divided. I think democrats are divided. Certainly thats what i heard in the twohour briefing yesterday from the questions coming from various individuals of both political ideologies. This is not something that strictly falls into a conservative or liberal camp. Texas congressman michael burgess, thank you. Its the largest wildfire in the u. S. This year. A look at the latest effort to contain the blaze. The secret is out. Hydration is in. [ female announcer ] only aveeno daily moisturizing lotion has an active naturals oat formula that creates a moisture reserve so skin can replenish itself. Aveeno® naturally beautiful results. Were gonna stop beating ourselves up about our weight. Were not gonna give up what we love. Its not gonna happen. And when the pounds still come off. Well be like, whoa one night well even eat a cupcake like its our job. Just not the entire cake. Thats part of the Weight Watchers plan. Were gonna feel happy. Healthy. And good. Weight watchers. Join for free. Because we understand. Because weve been there. Because it works. Hurry, join by september 14th and youll get a free month. Rolling the dice. Politicos Jonathan Allen joins me next on the high stakes president obama faces as he makes his case to congress for taking action in syria. Plus, nsa leakers secret documents. Let busy treats entertain your dog with playful shapes, long lasting layers, savory flavors, and mesmerizing textures. Get busy. The worlds most entertaining treats. The Obama Administration is pulling all stops now to make its case to congress for military action against syria. Their strategy, striking syria will protect israel. The country, one of the strongest allies in the region, could be a target of iran and the terrorist Group Hezbollah if the u. S. Does not act against syria. It was echoed by secretary of state john kerry on nbcs meet the press. Israel, israel is at risk. Jordan is at risk. Turkey is at risk. The region is at risk. And we believe that the congress of the United States will do what is responsible. Joining me now is politicos Jonathan Allen. He wrote about the strategy for politico. White house to congress, help protect israel. You also wrote about obamas syria strategy in this article here. First line, you wrote, an unlikely ally, congress. Thats right, richard. Congress has not given the president anything hes wanted over the last few years. Since the house flipped into republican hands. He had a brief majority briefly there in his first year. This is a tough sell on capitol hill. Youre starting to hear from republicans and democrats that even if they gave him some sort of war resolution, it probably wont be the one he brought to capitol hill. Theyll be some effort to limit it. Even if they dont that, it will still be the vote. One senior democrat told me yesterday this could be the biggest miscalculation of his presidency. A lot of concern with staking the president s credibility and the nations credibility on a vote of congress. Frankly, this is a bipartisan concern. Whether hes able to get all the democrats in the house or a lot of the democrats in the house and some republicans on his side, hes really creating a lot of concernatisternation even wis own party. Clearly not a lot of public appetite for the strikes in syria, but the president has drawn congress into this situation with him. Shared responsibility now. Of course, if he loses the vote, hes that much more weakened. I want to play some sound from meet the press yesterday, rand paul reacting to secretary kerrys statements. Ill ask him if its more likely or less likely that well have more refugees in jordan or that israel might suffer attack. I think all the bad things you can imagine are more likely if we get involved in the Syrian Civil War. So jonathan talk about israel. You wrote on that, saying its ready to defend itself against any retaliation. Your article which you underline, this is really about protecting israel and what were to happen. Its really Prime Minister netanyahus asked his government to remain silent on this question. You dont see the major pro israel groups in washington lobbying on the syria strikes publicly. You can tell from what Senior Administration officials are saying, including the president and john kerry, that this is a big part of their argument to congress, that this will make israel safer. One of the ways you can hear that is when they talk about emboldening iran, hezbollah. These are enemies of israel. Specifically. People the United States dont like but people would dont really threaten the United States directly. Theyll throw in some of the other countries in the region, their allies, jordan, turkey, even iraq, as potentially at risk of retaliatory strikes. What you do is read the tea leaves here. Look at what the senior jewish members of congress will do. And certainly if you listen to what the Administration Officials are saying, it would seem they are acting in israels interest, in addition to what they say. The president now saying, okay, congress, im going to give you what you want. You want a con sesulconsultatio giving it to you. Theres a request for consultation there. The president conflating those things. According to senior officials, never asked for an authorization vote, this was the president s idea, according to them. However, there were a lot of rank and file members of Congress Asking for authorization. The senior members of congress seemed willing to let obama go forward with the strikes, to not challenge his authorities to do so, to simply get updates, to be able to talk to members. I think the president thought that was a lack of courage and wanted to force them to join with him. There were almost 200 members of congress that signed letters seeking authorization. So really what you had is the president siding with those rank and file members over their leaders in terms of seeking an authorization vote. Believing even if we are to strike syria as a country, that there should be a debate in congress. That the president should not go it alone without the International Community and without congress behind him. Politicos Jonathan Allen, thanks. My pleasure, richard. Lets bring in our political panel. Susan, why arent the gop together supporting what traditionally would be a republican support for National Security issues . Weve seen this break in the Republican Party for the last six months or so. A lot of republicans are believe weve had too much war fatigue. We shouldnt be spending our money and time in other places in the world. We should be focused on interests at home. I think if the president would have acted immediately, it wouldnt have given time for this faction to happen. Whether it be on the republican side or the democratic side. He should have came out firmly and said, we will not tolerate the use of gassing our own people. No leader of a country has that right. And he did draw the red line and he should have taken immediate action. Richard, critics are saying when you look at the arc of communication of the subject of syria coming from the white house as well as from the state department, its been a bumpy road. How might this communications challenge be smoothed out in the next week or so . Theres no question this has been a bumpy road. Its going to be on the president and his entire National Security team to build a case. Its going to have some trouble in the house. I think the big issue here is why did john boehner not call the house back . I think his leadership is also in question. As soon as this issue came down, john pain shore have made the decision to call the house back and start debating. This is an issue of National Security. The fact the republicans care so much about it. Sort of, you know, smells funny to me. They couldnt have taken a vote while the president was overseas. The president leaves tomorrow to go to sweden. And then he has the g20. There was no way any authorization for action was going to be taken while he was out of the country. Im sure if boehner came back the president would have moved his schedule around just a little bit. I disagree with that statement. Im sure if the president thought it was important, he would have called for congress to come back. Congress is under the leadership of john boehner. Dont get me wrong. Think he said hes waiting on the president to act could have asked congress for it immediately no, excuse me, hes the commander in chief. He wanted authorization immediately, he could have asked for it immediately. John boehner could have ordered the congress back immediately and chose not to as well. Hes not the commander in chief. Democratic congressman David Ciccilini told me this last hour. This will be be a very heavy burd be to meet to persuade me its in the National Security interest of the United States to engage in this military strike. Its something we have to do as part a very Broad International coalition. It cannot be the United States alone. All right, so democrats, we have republicans as well here, susan. This is not falling in typical lines. As some say there are four groups, some say there are five groups that the president now needs to sell to. Thats true. The bigger problem now is the president s going to have to lay out what happens next. Now well have a tenday debate. What happenses if assad uses gas . What is our strategy . He has a lot more to explain not just to congress but to the American People. Who should be selling this . See Vice President biden perhaps out there on the hill . As often the president has gone to in the past in clutch situations. I think youll see Vice President biden. I think youll see the president trying to sell it to individual members. I think the president has to continue to create an international coalition. There seems to be some urgency on the side of france. Hopefully, well have more allies going from the arab league. Sort of saying this is the right decision. We need to move forward. We need to stop assad from killing his people with chemical weapons. I think theres no question that this decision is sort of mirrored with what happened ten years ago in iraq. Which tell, you the impact that george w. Bush has. Way after he left office. The g20 perhaps an opportunity for the president also to make his case to world leaders. The day after president obama announced he was seeking congressional approval for military action. On sunday, Prime Minister netanyahu played up israels selfreliance. Saying israel is serene and selfconfident as prepared for any possible eventuality. Crowds of residents have been lining up for gas masks. What kind of reaction are you hearing from israelis . When you read the local paper, its very critical of the decisions being made on capitol hill or rather at the white house. Absolutely, there are varied reactions in israel. Israeli television stations didnt carry president obamas speech live on saturday night here. Weve gotten mixed reactions. Some are saying this makes president obama weak and it shows israelis president obama and america will not be there for israel if israel ever needs americas help. One analyst said this is very worrying to Prime Minister netanyahu. Would has said if iran crosses the red line when it comes to their Nuclear Program, that they will attack iran. Does this mean that american wont help them . Thats one side of the story. Other israelis are saying this has no effect at all when it comes to the israeli American Relationship. Including president shimon peres. Today he said, i dont think exercising judgment means stammering. I think its permissible to weigh matters. Its better to weigh before and not after. I have confidence in him when it comes to israel. Another thing we should talk about is what does the Syrian Civil War mean to israelis . Why side would be better for them . When you look at the rebels, thats not necessarily a good action because you have al qaeda militants helping the fighters. A regime that has been no friend to israel. Backed by hezbollah, a known enemy to israel. Also backed by iran. At the same time, its that Syrian Border with israel that has been the quietest border for israel in the last 40 years. Since the 1973 yom kippur wore. You have to remember lebanons up north with hezbollah fighters. You have militants in the Sinai Peninsula in egypt. So what does this mean to israel if the rebels take over . So that being said, the israelis dont have a right side. 70 of israelis saying they dont want their own government or military to intervene. Just the complexity of the rebels in syria, at least some nine groups that youre alluding to, would take power theoretically if assad and his regime were taken aside. Thank you so much. Just ahead, more information surfaces from nsa leaker Edward Snowden and the amazing true story that inspired the butler. Meet the Washington Post reporter who brought this living history to the world. Huh. Fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on Car Insurance. Mmmhmmm. Everybody knows that. Well, did you know that old macdonald was a really bad speller . Your word is. Cow. Cow. Cow. C. O. W. E. I. E. I. O. [buzzer] dangnabbit. Geico. Fifteen minutes could save you. Well, you know. To prove to you that aleve is the better choice for her, shes agreed to give it up. Thats today . [ 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. For my pain, i want my aleve. Nascar is ab. Out excitement but tracking all the action and hearing everything from our marketing partners, the media and millions of fans on social media can be a challenge. Thats why we partnered with hp to build the new nascar fan and media engagement center. Hps Technology Helps us turn millions of tweets, posts and stories into realtime Business Insights that help nascar win with our fans. But chantix helped me do it. I told my doctor i think im. Im ready. [ male announcer ] along with support, Chantix Varenicline is proven to help people quit smoking. It reduces the urge to smoke. I knew that i could smoke for the first 7 days. I knew that i wasnt putting nicotine back into my body to try to quit. [ male announcer ] some people had changes in behavior, thinking or mood, hostility, agitation, depressed mood and suicidal thoughts or actions while taking or after stopping chantix. If you notice any of these, stop chantix and call your doctor right away. Tell your doctor about any history of Mental Health problems, which could get worse while taking chantix. Dont take chantix if youve had a serious allergic or skin reaction to it. If you develop these, stop chantix and see your doctor right away as some can be lifethreatening. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart or blood vessel problems, or if you develop new or worse symptoms. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. Common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping and unusual dreams. If i could describe being a nonsmoker, i would say awesome. [ male announcer ] ask your doctor if chantix is right for you. Vo the ones getting involvedugh to reand staying engaged. Ho are out there owning it. Theyre not afraid to question the path theyre on. Because the one question they never want to ask is how did i end up here . I started schwab for those people. People who want to take ownership of their investments, like they do in every other aspect of their lives. Heres a look at some of the stories topping the news now. Taliban suicide bombers attacked a u. S. Base near the pakistan border. Shutting down a key road used by key nato supply trucks. No member of the u. S. Led nato mission was killed in that. Officials saying at least three insurgents were killed in that attack. A hearing for Academy Football players charged with rape resumes today. The three men are accused of sexually assaulting a woman last year at an off campus house in annapolis. Defense attorneys completed their examination of the accuser yesterday. Two concert goers died and at least four others fell ill due to suspected drug use. Authorities believe they had taken molly, a pew epure form o club drug ecstasy. The raging wildfire near yosemite is now the fourth largest in california history. Nearly 5,000 people are working to put out that fire which is still only 40 contained. Florida a Ms University marching band returning to the field yesterday nearly two years after beating death of a drum major in a hazing incident that led to its suspension. A moment of silence was held for the victim of the hazing before sundays game against Mississippi Valley state. There are new documents this morning leaked by edward snowed be revealing the nsa targeted at lead two world leaders. Nbcs chekear simmons is in mos. What is snowden saying this time . In fact, snowdens lawyer in misco is saying he hasnt communicated with the media since he arrived here in russia. Still, as you say, the revelations continue. That, because glenn greenwald, the journalist who cooperated with snowden in the nsa leak documents, says among those documents is evidence that the nsa spied on the president of mexico and on the president of brazil. He says that it shows that the u. S. Agency was able to look at the president of mexicos personal emails a month before he was elected president and even able to see who he was considering to be members of his cabinet and green walt says they also show that the nsa had the capability and was looking at what the brazilian president was searching through on the internet. So its been met with a very unhappy reaction in brazil at least. The Justice Minister there saying if these facts prove to be true, it will be unacceptable and could be called an attack on our countrys sovereignty. Even though edwardhasnt spoken, the fallout continues. The question is where is Edward Snowden. We simply dont know. His lawyer wasnt prepared to say. But did say he is learning russian and had an interesting turn of phrase, said he is going through a program of adaptation here in russia. Hes been given leave to stay here for at least a year and that is extended. Wherever he is is it doesnt look like hes going anywhere. Adaptation. Thank you so much. The butler battles one direction for the top spot at the box office. When we come back, moran the real butler. S mr. Baldwin . Do you mind grabbing my phone and opening the capital one purchase eraser . I need to redeem some venture miles before my demise. Okay. Its easy to erase any recent travel expense i want. Just pick that flight right there. Mmm hmmm. Give it a few taps, and. Its taken care of. This is pretty easy, and i see it works on hotels too. You bet. Now if you like that, press the red button on top. How did he not see that coming . Whats in your wallet . How did he not see that coming . It was very painful situation. The rash was on my right hip, going all the way down my leg. Im very athletic and i swim in the ocean. Shingles forced me out of the water. The doctor asked me did you have chickenpox when you were a child . The pain level was so high, it became unbearable. Here we go. Take it with you. Yeah, that is the new concert film one direction. This is us. Its atop the Holiday Weekend box office. A movie about the boy band one direction. In the heat of the night. With sidney poit ier. Lee daniels film was based on the book the butler a witness to history about the life of eugene allen would worked at the white house over 30 years. Joining me is the Washington Post will heygood. Tell us this, will. How did you come to meet eugene allen . Well, i wanted to find a figure who had worked in the white house during the era of segregation on the eve of what i thought would be an obama victory in 2008 so i Just Launched a nationwide search using all of my sources, telling people that i wanted to find anybody who worked in the white house during those years, a shoe shine person, somebody who did the laundry, maid, a butler. I made a whole lot of phone calls and found this man living with his wife helen at the end of a street here in washington, d. C. How about that . Youve seen the movie. Is it true to who he is when you look like eugene allen . Yes. I think the movie captures his essence and soul very well. He worked for 34 years at the white house starting with president harry truman all the way up to president reagan and never missed a day of work. Wow. Loved his country very much and was a genuine patriot and went to work every day at the most powerful address in the world and he could leave that address and go back to his native virginia and he was, all of a sudden, a second class citizen having to use segregated bathrooms and water fountains but he went to work every day. What sort of secrets did you learn from him . Things that were, wow, i had no idea that was happening in the white house . Here is something that is very lovely. There was a meeting at the white house with dr. Martin luther king during the eisen hauer administration. He instinctually knew that dr. King was talking about the kitchen where blacks worked. So he is taken to the kitchen and eugene allen is there and he has his back to the door and when he turns around, there is dr. Martin luther king jr. And he tells eugene allen, i like the cut of your suit. I think that is just a beautiful little story. Well, dr. King was a very dapper dresser, so no doubt he knew a good suit when there was one that was had. Wil, great book and really inspiring story that you told. Thank you so much. Will congress okay a strike on syria . My colleague plwill have the latest. [ crisp crunches ] whoohoohoo guess it was. [ male announcer ] pringles, bursting with more flavor. A man who doesnt stand still. But jim has afib, Atrial Fibrillation an irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem. That puts jim at a greater risk of stroke. For years, jims medicine tied him to a monthly trip to the clinic to get his blood tested. But now, with onceaday xarelto®, jims on the move. Jims doctor recommended xarelto®. Like warfarin, xarelto® is proven effective to reduce afibrelated stroke risk. But xarelto® is the first and only onceaday prescription blood thinner for patients with afib not caused by a heart valve problem. That doesnt require routine blood monitoring. So jims not tied to that monitoring routine. 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Tell your doctors you are taking xarelto® before any planned medical or dental procedures. Before starting xarelto®, tell your doctor about any conditions such as kidney, liver, or bleeding problems. Xarelto® is not for patients with artificial heart valves. Jim changed his routine. Ask your doctor about xarelto®. Once a day xarelto® means no regular blood monitoring no known dietary restrictions. For more information and savings options, call 1888xarelto or visit goxarelto. Com. Bounce keeps my clothes fresh for weeks, even when theyve been sitting in the drawer a long time. Like those jeans you cant fit into anymore. Uh. By that, i mean. [ male announcer ] how do you get your bounce . Longlasting freshness. Were gonna stop beating ourselves up about our weight. Were not gonna give up what we love. Its not gonna happen. And when the pounds still come off. Well be like, whoa one night well even eat a cupcake like its our job. Just not the entire cake. Thats part of the Weight Watchers plan. Were gonna feel happy. Healthy. And good. Weight watchers. Join for free. Because we understand. Because weve been there. Because it works. Hurry, join by september 14th and youll get a free month. The white house is readying for a tough selling congress as it seeks a green light to strike syria. Step one in the Administration Strategy . Laying out the evidence. Secretary of state john kerry pulled out all the stops on sunday appearing on all five morning talk shows. This case is building and this case will build and i dont believe that my former colleagues in the United States senate and the house will turn their backs on all of our interests, on the credibility of our country. The next step, what the Obama White House calls flooding the zone. The president on the phone making direct contact with key players in congress. Right now, the only consensus in congress is that there is no consensus in congress. Syria is already proving to be an issue that trumps the usual bipartisan partisan divide. I think at the end of the day, congress will rise to thes occasion. This is a National Security iss issue. This isnt about barack obama versus the congress. This isnt about republicans versus democrats. This has a very important worldwide reach in this decision. The president has an obligation to make his case to the congress, but he also has an obligation to make this case to the American People. My constituents are warweary. They dont want to see us get involved in this. Here is what the time line looks like right now. The first hearing is scheduled for tomorrow in the senate. The full congress, though, isnt expected to reconvene until next week. Nbc White House Correspondent Peter Alexandra and jim maceda who is in turkey. Peter, lets start with you. We are aehearing an unclassifie conference. Is the white house planning for a tough sell to congress . Reporter it recognizes this could be or will be a tough sell with congress and it appears likely the senate will support the president s call for military action in syria but a lot more challenging when you talk about the republican dominated house of representatives. The white house recognizes the challenges it face there. Its one of the reasons that the president is, today, inviting senators lindy graham and john mccain here at the white house for a meeting that will take place later today. Those are two individuals who have errored on the side of more action, rather than less. While some people have said they dont support the president , dont believe there is National Interests involved. Others have said more broadly that enough is being done and thats where mccain and graham fall, and the white houses hope they will be able to convince some of the other members on capitol hill as well. But this is a political gamble. Make no mistake about it, mara, the president would become the first president if congress doesnt give him approval to lose an effort to authorize a military strike. Peter, what are re learning about how the president came to this decision . Reporter this was pretty striking. It was jarring this weekend when the president walked out and said he would seek congressional authorization for any military action. Remember, for the ten days proceeding that after those horrifying pictures came out, it appeared that a u. S. Strike was n eminent but white senior officials insist that the president was considering whether to involve congress. When the British Parliament voted down the effort to go at it in support of what David Cameron, the countrys Prime Minister said, that no vote was critical to the white house according to officials here, it was one of the significant elements. The president , last friday, taking a walk on the White House South Lawn with his chief of staff where he relayed the message he thought congress should be involved, then the president delivered that message on friday night to some of the Senior Advisers. They sat stunned disagreeing. They said after the meeting, everybody was on board with this message. Peter alexander, thanks. Check back in you later at the white house. Joining me is charles rangel, democratic congressman. Good to have you. You and your colleagues are against military action. Why is that . First of all, im really surprised that president obama even thought about a military attack on syria without coming to the congress and that is why im so pleased that he has done what he said he always would do when he was running for president. Having said that, going to war is a Serious Business and you have to go to congress because we have to be able to explain to our constituents that americas National Security is in danger. I dont see that a civil war in syria, the fact that this evil man is using chemicals to kill his own people, how that affects directly or indirectly our National Security, and even though i think we have a moral responsibility to make certain its a national violations do not occur, there is no way i can imagine that the United States is the only country that is it coming forward to this. There is no United Nations, there is no Great Britain, theres no arab league. There is nobody but us. And people would say that the president has drawn a red line. Well, constitutionally i have no clue what that means. Going to war is going to war. In this particular case, ever since world war ii, since we have been going to war, we have been going to war with other peoples kids. I think its an easy decision for us to sit back and in the congress and say, support the president. We dont want to embarrass him. But not embarrass him may save lives. It hasnt been that long ago that going into iraq was to just keep the world peace from gases and weapons of mass destruction. 20,000 americans were either killed or wounded after ten years and they are still in afghanistan. But you mentioned a moral responsibility. Do you believe that the United States has a responsibility to protect on humanitarian grounds . We have those terrible pictures that came out from that chemical attack a few weeks ago and whether or not we have allies in that effort, do you believe we have that responsibility . I guess im a little different from most congressmen. I see misery, pain, gunshot, kil killings, starvation and people jobless. Yet i believe the greatest country has the responsibility in the world but i would be darn if i see that going it alone as our responsibility at all. Syria is a threat to civilizations, period. And if Great Britain and European Union and the u. N. And especially the arab leagues dont see it, then im blinded by not indifference, but wondering what is the president going to say happens if we dont do this . Its not as though assad is going to say, i learned a lesson. This limited war is language ive never heard of. What would you like to see happen . I would like first of all, i am pleased that the president has taken it to the congress. What i would really like to see happen is we take it to the u. N. They said we cant do that. You know is there a veto from russia and china. Just because america has turned down the Civil Rights Movement doesnt mean we come back and say, here we are again, right in your face. Its a moral thing to do. We should go to the Security Council and if china and russia want to explain why they didnt, after all the russia said that we ought to have more times to explore diplomatic solution. The president has said that this will not be resolved by a military solution, the civil war. I would like to see the nations get together and say what can we do together . In terms of the red line, the president was clear about that a year ago. Are you concerned if there is not action once that line has been crossed, that will send a amazech to the world about United Statess influence and their faith in the countries openly defying them . I love obama and youll find a truer democrat than me, but this whole idea of any president of the United States drawing lines saying if any country does something, that he considers you that the nation is going to war, its unheard of, drawing a red line. So, of course, its embarrassing. I wish it didnt happen. I guess secretary kerry is even more embarrassed than me after making his emotional speech that this was urgent. Clearly, as i said earlier, i couldnt see anything urgent about it and im glad the president reviewed his thinking and he is going to give us time to discuss it. During those discussions, i hope that other people in the International Community would come forward and take this great decision off of the congress because we have to make it. Right. Take it off of the congress and provide some solution where we are not putting our kids in harms way to solve an International Problem that we feel bounded, not by law, but because the president has drawn a red line. We will be following this very closely. The work of you and your colleagues in the coming days and weeks. Chuck hagel is going to be testify on tuesday before the senate Foreign Relations committee. Another development we will be following closely. Congressman rangel, thank you for your time today. Chuck hagel is different. He is a former enlisted man and understand exactly what im talking about. We will keep an ear out ho what he has to say. Thank you for your time. Jim maceda is our nbc news correspondent along the turkey building and Jim Miklaszewski is reporting the Aircraft Carrier uss nimitz reposed into the red sea and military Officials Say it was given by commanders as a prudent precaution bus stress there is no current military operational ceremony in which they would take part of any potential syria operation. How are allies like turkey responding to the president s decision to turn this entire matter over to congress . Jim . Reporter generally speaking, first. The countries have been reacting to this break, if you will, in the u. S. Buildup to hostile its and depending where they find themselves in the conflict. In turkey, remember, a nato member, which already houses about 450,000 Syrian Refugees, the turkish government has been clear tpts to be a u. S. Shock and awe and will participate in that militarily to depose assad and force him to step down. Turkey has been very disappointed with first talk of any kind of limited strike and now the possibility that nothing even might happen. Saudi arabia is also a known supporter of antiassad rebels. They came out strongly over the weekend at a Arab League Meeting in cairo for what its foreign minister called for a foreign intervention to stop the tragedy in syria but stopped short of a u. S. Or western air strike. On the other hand, you have syrias main backer russia today warning if the United States carries out air strikes against syria, it would permanently or could possibly sink those peace talks which are supposed to happen in geneva. Back to you. Jim maceda, thanks for that. The white house is serious strategy. Does the lastminute seek to seek congressional approval. Theres nothing like that feeling of getting something new. And now, with verizon edge, you can experience that new phone thrill, again, and again, and again. Phil can you close your new phone box, were picking up some feedback. Every time youre ready to upgrade. Having what you want on the 4glte network you rely on. Thats powerful. Upgrade to the droid ultra by motorola with 0 down payment. Members of congress are divided over whether or not to use military actions again syria and looks like a tough sell for the bill clinton administration. Richard lui this morning spoke to two congressman. Its not a clear case they are making what they are doing is a pinprick or a shot across the bowel and he look at the information its pretty broad which is unending which is isnt, mr. President. I find myself skeptical because i think its important we think carefully and review the evidence thoroughly and consider the range of options that are available before we engage militarily. During a briefing this morning russias foreign minister said the information the u. S. Provided on an alleged chemical weapons attack is, quote, absolutely unconvincing. With me now is mustafa of the urgency task force and jack jacobs. Thank you both for being here. Mouza, a lot of hope along our arab allies the u. S. Would eminently launch a strike. What is the reaction on the ground in the middle east to president obamas decision this weekend . There is a lot of hope in aur ar our arab and european allies pushing for leadership by the u. S. On a conflict that very much affects the entire region and the world. I think the reaction is for many nations is to wait and see. You saw the arab league come out very recently and ask the International Community to take action after the use of chemical weapons. As far as the Syrian People they are living under constant shelling by the regime every day. But they respect the decision for the president to go to congress because at the end of the day, that is the very right that they are fighting for. I just want to touch, quickly, upon the constantly shelling and violence. The noted this was not time sensitive but some would argue that those who are facing deadly violence, mothers burying their children would disagree strongly with that. Is there a sense from some that this needs to be handled quickly . Oh, absolutely. You know, after the decision to go to congress, the reaction that was important, i think, for people to watch was the reaction of hezbollah and iran who celebrate the delay of any movement and portrayed it as weakness bit United States after it had made multiple statements, for example. It showed that the u. S. May not have is losing credibility on this issue and as a regime itself sort of what emboldened and if youre watching the news and we are constantly in touch with people in damascus and other places in syria, the shelling, the air raids, the migs flying owner neighborhoods and increased substantially and it continues on every day. We definitely there is quite a bit of urgency when it comes to any action taken against assad. Colonel jacobs, we know senators mccain and graham are meeting with the president and hearing that meeting is taking place this afternoon at 2 00 p. M. Senator mccain has been very outspoken about all of this and said if not enough votes in congress. Lets take a quick listen to what he had to say. If Congress Overrules a decision with the president of the United States on an issue of National Security, that could set a catastrophic precedent in the future. Do you agree with him on that . Oh, i dont think so. The president launch attacks without congressional approval many times before. He is right to the extent it wouldnt be a constitutional crisis but it would put the president in a very awkward position. I believe that even if the Congress Tells him he cant do it, i think he is going to go ahead and do it any way because he has gone on record as heading in that direction. I think in the end, its probably going to be all right for him. The senate is going to approve it and my guess is the house, divided, will give petid approval to the president s action. Youre a military man. From a military perspective, if we are talking about the launch of tomahawk missiles on select sites in syria, is that really going to weaken assads arsenal and his ability to continue fighting rebels . Probably not. It might weaken him for a while. Remember, that what we are going to target are airfields principally, command and control operations and mobile missile launches and so on. But airfields can be repaired if we knock out the mantle of his ars force on the ground, however, that will have a deleterious affect on his ability to wage war but it may have the congress of driving him to desperation and launching more bitter attacks on the citizenry using chemical weapons which, by the way, we are not attacking for fear of disbursing them and may have the unintended consequence of making things worse for the syrians on the ground. Muaz, i want to read you this. This is what they said in part. Quote. From how does what is happening now influence u. S. israeli relations . Look. I think it is in the best interest of all the allies in the United States in the region, specifically israel, jordan and turkey and others for the United States to take a greater role in terms of intervening in this conflict, not solely militarily. I dont think this strike is something that if it happens will be sort of this ongoing war that may lower the chances of the u. S. , for example, confronting iran. I think an important thing to remember is the Syrian Regime is essentially the Iranian Regime in iran. They spend millions of dollars in weapons and aid to the Syrian Regime. I think any strike against it is a major blow to iran and devastating to hezbollah. I just wanted to make one more point as far as destroying the airfields and i understand the capability of rebuilding an air field, for example, three to four months. The people on the ground have been good at sort of beseething certain airfields and trying to stop the constant resupply of weaponry and i believe if they are destroyed can hold off the regime from building them. I think this step and any strike that could happen is really a step in the right way of a political solution that will force assad or force his inner circle to pressure assad to ouster for a political solution because at the end of the day, everybody wants a political solution. Thank you both for being here this morning. Nbc news has learned that meeting with senator mccain and the president will be taking place at 2 00 p. M. At the white house. Coming up, swimmer diana nyad is miles away from making her extreme dream come true. The latest on her historic swim from cuba to florida coming up next plus, on a much lighter note. Her infamous vma performance made headlines and now miley cyrus is explaining her bizarre behavior. What is she going to say . That is coming up after the break. Usua l please. Usua thank you very much. Ok guys, im back. I need a template of a template. Oh my gosh. Ive never even seen this record, ive only read about it in books. Yeah we can get some peanut. That is huge. Please dont judge the amount of Peanut Butter we are getting. From prepaid to platinum, cashback and more membership has a card for every character. Im Carrie Brownstein and i get to be whoever i want. This is what membership is. This is what membership does. Individualization that your body needs. This labor day, dont invest in a mattress until you visit a sleep number store. When we actually lower the sleep number setting to get the sleep number bed to conform to them, its amazing the transition that you see with people. Oh, that feels really good. Its hugging my body. They just look at you like you cured all the problems theyve ever had. We hear it all the time i didnt know a bed could feel like this. Oh yeah. 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Nyads doctors say her lips and tongue are swollen and worry about her breathing. She occasionally switches to the breast stoke but her end is in sight and so is her end to history. At 64 years old, diane nyad lives by the motto if you first dont succeed, try, try, try, try, try again diana nyad has tried and failed before. But quitting is not in her makeup. 64 years old and she is at it again. I love you all thank you, thank you for everything on saturday, she once again, enthusiastically jumped in the water off of coast of cuba and with no fins to propel her, started swimming towards florida. Her mental game . Make it through the make. Then make it through the night. My idea is go day, finish. Now . Get a new goal. Get through the night and hopefully we going to do it three days, three nights and make it over. Reporter diana nyad tried this first swim 35 years ago when she was 28 years old. Each time, shes had to contend with sharks and currents and weather. But her most daunting nemesis, as she told savannah after her last attempt a year ago, painful jellyfish stings. I dont know what to do. I dont know how to conquer them. I really dont. Reporter but this time she has a new face mask and offering more color and a cream called sting stopper which her team applied sunday night to help protect against jellyfish. The jellyfish protection better than its ever been i think help me get through those animals. Reporter she is confident she can make this time. Until im finished, im not finished but i think the end of the journey here now. We make it this time. Reporter the biggest challenge right now, according to dianes team, is not the jellyfish but rather exhaustion and she has been swallowing salt water which adds to dehydration and making her fatigue that much more complicated. Mara . Amazing story. Kerry sanders, thanks. Nelson mandela back at home for the first time in three months. He was relieved from the hospital why where he was being treated for a recurrent lung infection. His granddaughter says he is still in critical, but stable, condition but he is comfortable at home and receiving the very best medical care. New revelations from nsa leaker Edward Snowden. According to nsa documents greenwald received from snowden, he spied on brazil and mexico. Nearly 5,000 people are working to put out a fire that has burned over 2,000 acres and 60 contained in Yosemite National park. Miley cyrus is speaking out. She told britains sunday people newspaper, quote, i messed up. I so many expletive issues. I dont have a normal life. That is a sad commentary. The butler who worked at the white house for 30 years, is on the life of eugene allen. The movie will make 100,000 by the time it leaves theaters. Good job still running in the morning . Yeah. Getting your vegetables every day . When i can. [ bop ] [ male announcer ] couldve had a v8. Two full servings of vegetables for only 50 delicious calories. Two full servings of vegetables a writer and a performer. Ther, im also a survivor of ovarian and uterine cancers. I even wrote a play about that. My symptoms were a pain in my abdomen and periods that were heavier and longer than usual for me. If you have symptoms that last two weeks or longer, be brave, go to the doctor. Ovarian and uterine cancers are gynecologic cancers. Symptoms are not the same for everyone. I got sick. And then i got better. Several fast moving developments today in washington. Ahead of tomorrows first congressional hearing on syria. Just one hour from now, there will be an unclassified Conference Call with members of the House Democratic caucus who were unable to attend sundays briefing. At 2 00 p. M. , senators mccain and graham will attend a meeting at the white house. We also learned this morning that defense secretary chuck hagel will testify at tomorrows senate hearing. Kasie hunt is on the capitol hill with the latest on all of this. We understand you have new information for us . Reporter we have also learned that secretary of state john kerry will appear at the Committee Hearing tomorrow morning. Or tomorrow afternoon at the senate Foreign Relations commit comoo ee. Classified information will be discussed the following morning. As you said, we are awaiting for the House Democratic caucus call. There will be a lot of heavyweights on that call. The National Security adviser, susan rice, kerry, hagel, the director of National Intelligence, clapper, and what that shows is that the white house really understands what a heavy lift they have with House Democrats in particular. They are really going to have to work. We heard from a lot of them as they came out of the classified briefing yesterday, really saying you know what . This authorization is way too broad. A lot of trepidation about getting into a potentially longterm conflict like they did in iraq with that vote many years ago. We have also learned that they are going to be a series of additional classified briefings for members up here on the hill this week. There is one tuesday, thursday, friday, and monday. A pretty fullon press for the administration to tell members up here what is going on. Do we have any sense what the president may do if congress does not authorize military action . What are his options then . Reporter there are really no good options from the president. You has hearing noises from congress if Congress Rejects that this president needs to abide by that. Youre also hearing a lot of concern from people like senator john mccain, congressman peter king, who are saying that the president has set a pretty unusual precedent here by asking for authorization for even doing a limited strike, something that other president s have felt free to do without being contrained by a congressional authorization. Mccain has started to say is very, very concerned about what this would say about president ial authority in the long term. Kasie hunt, thanks. Lets bring in todays political panel. Chris kovinas and joe walken is a republican strategist. The two of you are feisty this morning and i like that. I like a fist yoeisty debate. Mccain is one of the most hawkish senators on this and calling for invention that will actually shift momentum on the battlefield and meeting with the president today. What do you think the president hopes will come out of this meeting . Well, in a strange way, i think he is trying to keep senator mccain, you know, in support of his position. But also to maybe temper his hawkish positions. Senator mccain is much more gung ho on this than i would say a good share of republicans and democrats are, let alone the American People. What is going to happen the resolution will get changed and how it gets changed and most likely watered down or the scope of its action, that puts mccain in some risk and he becomes kind of a key hawk voice for both the house and the senate. That is what i think they are trying to keep here, try to keep him kind of, you know, stead fast ally in all of this. In the past, he says a body that has an endless parade of distractions and political posturing. Not exactly complimentary. Why is he putting this in congresss hands now . I think he wants to be sure before he put anybodys child in harms way he has a support of action. I know the polling ive seen shows 80 of the americans would like the president to seek the approval of Congress Although he doesnt need that to do this. Senator mccain and maybe senator graham and others may tell him that when they meet with him today at 2 00. This is an opportunity for the president to work with republicans to get this measure done. Hes had a very, very difficult time getting anything done of substance in the congress and even what he has gotten done, republicans are working now to undo and that would be the health care act. But this is a chance to work with republicans directly and actually get republicans to help him get the cobble together the majority he needs to get the j authorization from congress. He doesnt need congresss authorization and every president going back to reagan has launched some kind of strike without congresss authorization. Do you think this is more than just trying to follow the letter of the law . Is he look like for political cover here . I think the president , you know, obviously, is a constitutional lawyer and i think he was concerned about the fact of launching military action without Congressional Authority. Now, he clearly has the right and the power to do that under the war powers act and we have seen countless president s do that over the last many decades. If youre going to do something i think of significant as go to war or use military force in a case where i think a lot of people have a lot of serious questions, getting Congressional Authority is not a bad thing. I think its actually a good thing for the country. I think it strengthens the president s position. This is a war, right . We are not talking about going to war. This is a limited strike and other president s have done this without getting imprevenl approval and president reagan did it and president clinton did it and these were limited strikes as this one that president obama is talking about. I guess war is in the eye of the beholder, joe. Putting that aside, youre right, you dent need to go to congress for this. You have members of congress saying you need to come to us and ask us for authorization. I think a lot of questions the American People and members of congress have about this. It is not a sign of weakness or a bad position for the president to do this. The question becomes, i think, what the administration does over the next week to ten days in terms of both convincing members of congress but as ive said before, convincing the American People that this is both strategically and necessary and right to the country for our National Security interests. In terms of convincing the public at large, in a lot of ways, the end goal, the mission here is still a little bit nebulous. Is this protective, punitive and based on military grounds . Do you think the president has made it clear enough as to why we would go forward with any kind of military strike . This is the challenge when you seek the approval of congress and you have to quantify what you hope to do and what you expect to do and the vul results thereof. He has to do a selling job to congress now. Not only to congress but to the public. And to the American People. Does he need to make a prime time address or do more in reaching out to the public . I dont know that he does. This is all this is what hurts us in the world theater. Certainly in terms of the eyes of americans, this is a very thoughtful thing for the president to do. Joe from the standpoint of the world, chris, youve got to look at how the world looks at this. Right now, assad feels emboldened by this delay on the part of our president. Listen, with all due respect look at john kerry. If you were him just made perhaps one of the best speeches of his life making the case for this and then to have the rug pulled out from under you chris, wait we are the most powerful military that has ever existed. We are. We are truly the only that is why assad wait a second. This notion that somehow assad is sitting there laughing. I mean, this is nonsense. At the end of the day, the smartest position the president can take is that he has the support of the American People and the congress behind him. In fact, i guarantee you had he launched this action and there had been some kind of unforeseen consequences, republicans and others would have been pillaring him with the notion of why didnt you come back and ask us . The challenge for every president they might make a mistake and pillared by the opposition party. In the world stage, in the world stage joe, never a sign of weakness. Chris, go ahead. Last word. Never a sign of weakness to go to the American People and ask for their support or members of congress and ask for the support, especially when youre going on to go to war or use military force. The question here becomes, i think the key thing for this administration is over the next week or so, convincing the American People that this is the right thing to do and i think that is where the administration has a lot more work to be done just i can tell you both personally and people i talk to still more questions than answers. Thank you both so much for that. We could continue this conversation much longer. Thanks for your time this morning. Thank you. Capitol hill now focused on syria, what does that mean for the next big financial deadline for uncle sam . Another Government Shutdown looms at the end of september. Former economic adviser to Vice President joe biden will join me coming up next. [ chuckles ] wife beats rock. And with two checks a year, everyone wins. [ female announcer ] switch today and get two safe driving bonus checks a year for driving safely. Only from allstate. Call 8669068500 now. [ dennis ] zach really loves his new camera. Problem is. This isnt zach. 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Out excitement but tracking all the action and hearing everything from our marketing partners, the media and millions of fans on social media can be a challenge. Thats why we partnered with hp to build the new nascar fan and media engagement center. Hps Technology Helps us turn millions of tweets, posts and stories into realtime Business Insights that help nascar win with our fans. Congress returns from recess september 9th and the top priority will now be a vote on syria. But looming on the horizon there is still a fiscal crisis that could force a Government Shutdown or the nations firstever default on its debt that is if both parties cant reach an agreement on obama care funding by september 30th. Joining me is msnbc contributor and senior fellow at the center on Budget Priorities is jared bernstein. A lot has changed with the new focus squarely on syria and only nine working days in september. What happens now to the budget conversation . Well, in fact, both parties, leadership and even some of the dissenting ranks, do want to see the government stay open. The Government Shutdown, in some ways, is the least conflicting of these three different votes you just mentioned, the vote on syria, the government extension of the budget, and the debt ceiling showdown. The lat, the debt ceiling showdown is a point of sharp contention. The administration has been quite firm on this idea of not negotiating whether the nation should pay bills that its already racked up. Now syria is an interesting new entry to the mix here. And its hard for me to imagine that members of congress, even those who want to create the most gridlock there is, dont want to keep the government open to deal with this criticese cri matters of war and peace. If leaders of both parties want to get this done and less time to devote to it now, what is this going to be . Is it up to Speaker Boehner . What are the options that are on the table . Interestingly, when it comes to this continuing resolution, that is the budget patch that keeps the government open, maybe just for a few more months, until they get to the next one. That has been the pattern in recent months. There really isnt all that much that has to give because they can just say, lets continue to fund all of the agencies at the same level we have been doing before. That has been the norm the past few years. What has to give is on the debt ceiling vote. I mean, if republicans are going to stick to this rule that boehner and others have been talking about that say, we are simply not going to endorse an increase in the debt ceiling of the governments Borrowing Limit unless we get a whole bunch of spending cuts in return for not much, well, then we really do have a serious conflict ahead of us, but that is not until later in october. Looking at the week ahead, obviously, today is a holiday. Later this week you have the president attending the g20. Should all of congress be coming back to work early to start handling the important work that needs to be done or will they be able to get it done in the time they have . I think probably anyone who just heard that question will answer it the same way i did which is, of course not only did they have a lot of serious work to do before syria, but now, as you very correctly with you it they have another issue to decide. Congress with the momentous decisions on their desk have like nine working days in september, they have a right to scratch their head and say exactly what are you guys and gals up . Jared bernstein, thanks for being here. You too. 12 years after september 11th. Bring you the story of people honoring of those who died that day by serving their fellow americans. We will be right back. [announcer] theres no hiding the goodness of the latest from beneful baked delights. New heartfuls are made with real bacon. And ovenbaked to crisp perfection. New heartfuls from beneful baked delights. [ agent smith ] ive Found Software that intrigues me. It appears its an agent of good. [ agent smith ] ge software connects patients to nurses to the right machines while dramatically reducing waiting time. [ telephone ringing ] now a waiting room is just a room. [ static warbles ] as we mark 12 years since september 11th, victims and family members of victims are encouraging people to mark the day by making it a national day of service. Im joined now by david payne who first came up with this idea and jay winnik whose brother glenn was killed in the line of duty at the world trade center. Thank you both for being here this morning. Good morning. David, how did you first come up with this idea and what is your vision for it . Well, my good friend and colleague jay win lost his brother in the 9 11 attacks. Im also originally from new york. I think i was just stunned by the horror of it all. I want something good to come from the loss of so many lives and i called jay up, you know, shortly after the attacks and said what do you think about honoring glenn and others by spending 9 11 doing simple good deeds as a way to pay tribute. Jay, what is an xamp of soex some of the good deeds people are doing . Its amazing. Truly amazing. People do things in a selfdirected way. Maybe clean up their local park or beach or donate blood or whatever they want or they participate in organized activities with hundreds of other people. You pick a thousand people youll find a thousand good deeds happening on september 11th. Last year we had more than 35 Million People participating in this observance. Wow. Its the largest day of annual day of charitable engagement in the history of this country at this point. What do you hear from people who participate in this and what it gives them to commemorate those who were lost on that day . I think it gives them hope. They feel they are not powerless and dealing with a very tragic event. I think even jay will probably say this particularly for a lot of family members i speak with that as much as 9 11 is a very difficult day for them every single year, some sense of solace that something good is coming from it. I think is gives the nation a sense of hope and ability to feel we are not powerless in dealing with these kinds of attacks. Jay, you lost your brother glenn in the 9 11 attacks. Im sure that one of the big mofgs f motivations is to honor his legacy in a positive way. Its true. Glenn, he lived his life and died in service to other people. He was a part of the law firm a block from what we know is grandda ground zero. He really was somebody who served. He wasnt working in the towers . He went there to help . He went to evacuate his Law Firm Office and ran into a burning building to help in the towers. People can make a difference for people in community and need and why people really respond to this observance. Its very powerful and they have something constructive and productive to do in a way to honor those who were lost. David, do you have any specific events that are planned for this year years 9 11 anniversary and how can people find out about more how they can participate . First of all, everyone should, if they are interested, go to our website which is 911day. Org. A wealth of things they can learn from the observance there at the website and they can search for volunteer opportunities. If youre a teacher, we have six different lesson plans are are all age appropriate to teach children about 9 11 and constructive in ways which is so important that new generations coming up more lower than about what is happening and you can sign up for the projects at at the website. Thank you both for your time. Jay, something tells me your brother would be very proud of. He was a very special guy. Thank you for saying that. In the next hour, first hearings of syria sit to begin on capitol hill tomorrow. Can congress find middle ground on an issue that is to bypass the usual bipartisan divide . Does the president face uphill climb as he looks for a green light to strike syria . Ill get reaction from congressmen from both sides of the aisle. With the spark cash card from capital one. Boris earns unlimited rewards for his Small Business. Can i get the smith contract, please . Thank you. Thats three new paper shredders. [ boris ] put em on my spark card. [ garth ] boris Small Business earns 2 cash back on every purchase every day. Great businesses deserve unlimited rewards. Read back the chickens testimony, please. Buk, buk, bukka [ male announcer ] get the spark Business Card from capital one and earn unlimited rewards. Choose 2 cash back or double miles on every purchase every day. Told you id get half. Whats in your wallet . 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Plus, with no known dietary restrictions, jim can eat the Healthy Foods he likes. Do not stop taking xarelto®, rivaroxaban, without talking to the doctor who prescribes it as this may increase the risk of having a stroke. Get help right away if you develop any symptoms like bleeding, unusual bruising, or tingling. You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take xarelto® with aspirin products, nsaids or blood thinners. Talk to your doctor before taking xarelto® if you have abnormal bleeding. Xarelto® can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. You are likely to bruise more easily on xarelto® and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. Tell your doctors you are taking xarelto® before any planned medical or dental procedures. Before starting xarelto®, tell your doctor about any conditions such as kidney, liver, or bleeding problems. Xarelto® is not for patients with artificial heart valves. Jim changed his routine. Ask your doctor about xarelto®. Once a day xarelto® means no regular blood monitoring no known dietary restrictions. For more information and savings options, call 1888xarelto or visit goxarelto. Com. Thanks for staying bus. Im mara schiavocampo. In washington, president obama still making his case. Hearings are set to begin on the hill tomorrow on authorizing military strikes in syria. Key cabinet members will testify, but can lawmakers get over their hesitations . Im still very skeptical about the president s proposal. It is not clear to me that we know what the results of this attack will be. Just too broadly drafted and too openended. This is a partial blank check the way its currently drafted. They have got a lot more explaining to do. In the meantime, today, president obama hosts john mccain at the white house. Could the president s former rival become his most valuable saelsm salesman for action in syria . If Congress Overrules the president of the United States for security. Another leak from Edward Snowden saying the nsa spied on two world leaders. A live report from moscow. First to washington. The president this week is pushing congress to make one of the most consequential Foreign Policy votes since the authorization to launch the iraq war a decadizie ago. President obama has invited republican senators john mccain and lindy graham to the white house today. Peter alexander joins us from there. Good morning. There has been skepticism about military action on both sides of the aisle. What is the president hoping to accomplish today . Reporter start with that meeting taking place behind closed doors here at the oval office. The president and senators, republicans Lindsey Graham and john mccain, scheduled for 2 00 today. Those two men are significant. Most specifically because they suggest that the u. S. Strategy should be better defined, but also should be broader in an effort to push Bashar Al Assad, the syrian leader, out of power. The white house is hoping on one end that those two individuals will help with their effort on capitol hill to get congress to authorize the idea for congressional action. You got to recognize the challenges that exist here right now. You have those on the far right and far left of both parties that seem disinclined toward any intervention. You have the hawks like mccain and graham who would like to see greater action. Then you see a lot of republicans generally who would not like to do very much that helps this president. Today, the president will not be on the call to some of his top advisers will be. A conference at all to take place with House Democrats, many of whom were not able to be here in person yesterday, but listen to the heavyweights that will be on that call. National security adviser susan rice, secretary of state john kerry, chuck hagel, as well as Martin Dempsey and the head of the Department Director of National Intelligence, james clapper. They are putting a big force on that call today. They know they have significant convincing to do with democrats, in addition to republicans in the house. The pes departs for sweden tomorrow and thn the g20 summit in russia. What can he expect when he is traveling abordroad . Reporter some were saying that the attack had to happen before the president leaves out of the country. He leaves for sweden tomorrow before heading off for the g20 in russia days later. On the one hand while the White House Administration pursues support at home, you can anticipate the president will also make his case in person with members of the g20, the focus there is supposed to be the economy, of course, but its going to be heavily dominated, that conversation, as it is Vladimir Putin hosting this years event by the topic of conversation being syria. Peter alexander, thanks. Check in with you later this afternoon. Over on capitol hill, the administration is going to make its case to the senate tomorrow with a special visit from the defense secretary and the secretary of state. Nbcs kasie hunt joins us live now from the hill with more. Good afternoon. Reporter as you say, we are anticipating up here that senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing set for tomorrow afternoon, we have got defense secretary hagel and secretary of state kerry both coming up here it make the case. They say more witnesses are still going to be announced. The fullcourt press from the administration on congress is very visible. There are four more classified briefings from excuse me. From administration briefers set for this week and next week. The Armed Services committee is also going to meet. What youre seeing here is really a recognition from the administration of just how difficult this lift is looking like its going to be. The senate is already starting to rip up the resolution that they sent here saturday night and rewrite it. Senator Patrick Leahy said last night or yesterday afternoon that that was too broad, that is gave the president too much power to take to strike syria or potentially strike in any instance where chemical weapons might be be distributed to terrorists. Its a very broad mandate and members up here arent comfortable with where it is yet. Administration officials briefed almost a hundred lawmakers behind closed doors yesterday. You were there. Lets quickly play a little bit of what congressmen had to say afterwards and play it for our audience and talk on the other side. I have to tell you, its its, in my mind, its far from settled. Its its not something that should be undertaken lightly. Certainly the mood in the district that i represent is do not do this. I can say, generally, that it was helpful. With regard to but there are a lot more questions that i have to have answered. Kasie, im curious what sense you get to what the lawmakers want to see done before they would agree to pass the president s resolution. It does depend on who you ask. There are some republicans here who are just sort of in the more isolationist wing of the Republican Party who dont want to go along with this at all. There are republican hawks who think that is might not go far enough. There are democrats who would support the president , a handful of them, congresswoman Debbie Wasserman schultz says the image she has taken away from the conflict is photographs of children killed in that attack. Then a significant segment of democrats who are concerned about potentially starting another longterm war. They remember that they were asked to vote to authorize the use of force in iraq and that conflict still hasnt ended. That group of people is going to be a particularly heavy lift for this president at this point. Kasie hunt live on capitol hill, thank you. We will check in with you later this afternoon as well. For more on this all this right now im goined joined by booth and rajan with the Washington Post. Thank you both for being here. Good to be on with you. You covered the first two years of the iraq war from baghdad and youve written extensively about the effort to rebuild there. What do you think u. S. Military strikes would mean for syria in terms of realities on the ground . I think, unfortunately, its not going to change a whole lot. A couple of days worth of air strikes with cruise missiles, maybe bombs launched from u. S. Aircraft. You know, as you noted, i spent a lot of time in iraq. I also spent time there before the war and saw how the Saddam Hussein regime managed to move its weapons and other sensitive items from military facilities into civilian facilities, how they put, in some cases, weapons in schools. And so the idea that you might be able to strike obvious targets there, government buildings and military installations and a crippling blow to that regime is a fanciful notion. They have had a lot of times, not in the last couple of days or weeks, but they have had a year or more now to plan for a contingency of a u. S. Set of air strikes and try to hide what they want to hide and try to distribute their centers of command and control. Max, louisiaast week, we saw britts Parliament Vote against the decision to go to war in syria. How do you think it may have played into president obamas decision here . It may well have done and the loss of credibility on the part of the United States. Can i understand the arguments against the action in syria. Strong arguments against action but if we are not going act why is the secretary of state out there calling this a moral obscenity and why is the president saying this demands a response . They gave the impression last week we were about to launch cruise missiles and after the vote in the British Parliament, president obama seemed to have second thoughts and walked it back and saying he is going to have authorizations from Congress Even though he says its not necessary. In this particular sentence, what we are sending is a signal of weakness and alarming our allies who are worried about the signal this sends to iran, to north korea, to other predators around the world when the United States and the president of the United States put our credibility on the line and say that there is a red line and there will be consequences for crossing that red line, there have to be consequences. There have to be. We cant afford to back down at this point. Youre right about the fact that a lot of people expected strikes to be eminent and a lot of people were very surprised by the president s announcement that he was putting this in congresss hands. Why then do you think he made the decision to do that after what seemed like preparations to announce a strike . I dont know. The impression that it certainly gives is that he is getting cold feet. He is having second thoughts and debating within himself the wisdom of launching these air strikes and, of course, there are strong pros and cons on both sides of it but the debate should be happening within the administration. They shouldnt make strong statements in public and saying we are having second thoughts and wait and see what congress will do. They need to deliver the military act, otherwise the United States suffers a loss of credibility and our ability to deal with predators around the world plummets. Syrias government mocked president obamas decision saying that it was, quote, the start of the historic american retreat. Do you think that this makes us look weak on the world stage . The Syrian Regime will try to get maximum propaganda value out of this. Look. I think certainly to some of our allies in that part of the world, there is concern. Theres concern in jerusalem today. There is concern in paris. And in other parts of western europe. And to leave this issue to congress. But for president obama, there are compelling domestic issues that lead him to want to do this and that is why todays meeting is going to be so important at the white house, because the president can take steps to try to rally democratic members of congress, but for this to get through the house, he is going to need republican support. He is going to need republican support in the senate. And to get senators john mccain and Lindsey Graham to convince members of their own caucus and get behind this is critical here if the president wants this to be approve. We know how difficult it is to get things done in congress. The president is one of the biggest critics of that fact. For him to Say Something is a red line and put it in the hands of the congress and if they dont act and by default he does not act, does that call into question his credibility . He can always argue in that that congress failed to act, not him, that he presented the evidence and made it clear to the American People and to our allies that steps needed to be taken and it was the American Congress that failed to step up here. But certainly it will open him up to charges that he does look weak and that he was unable to step up and use what some would argue are the powers that are already inherent in the presidency to take a step like this against the Syrian Government. Max, france has been one of the most hawkish western nations when it comes to this. Kind after reverse of three when we had to call french fries Freedom Fries and felt abandoned. Friends with them again. Right. They are on a limb by themselves because the u. S. Has put this in the hands of congress. How do you think this will impact u. S. french relations Going Forward and can we count on french support if we decide to go militarily at a later date . I think france will be there but make no mistake about this this will hurt American Relations with our allies. They dont understand what is going on here. On the one hand, president obama says he doesnt need authorization from congress and then he asks for authorization from congress. The president of france going out on a limb saying lets act and this is obscenity and we need to do something and president obama walks back. We will have to leave it there. Fascinating conversation. Max and rage, thank you for your time. Good to talk to you. Congress prepares to vote on a strike on syria as early as next week, ill ask one lawmaker how he plans to vote and what his constituents are telling him. That is coming up next. Ive got something for you too. announcer fancy feast delights with cheddar. 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Hey, can i borrow your boat this weekend . No. [ male announcer ] share more. Save more. At t mobile share for business. Many lawmakers remain skeptical about how to proceed in syria. Yesterdays briefing on capitol hill by white house officials left members of congress on the fence. Accountability has to be certain, swift, and severe. I know, because the clarity of where all of this goes, the definition of that we have accomplished the mission, that is still unclear to me. Democratic congressman Lloyd Doggett is joining me now in his home district. Thank for being here. Thank you very much. You called for congressional approval on any military action even before the president s announcement this weekend. Why do you think that was the right decision . Well, i did. Almost 200 members of congress joined in asking the president to come to congress. I dont believe that we should be engaged in military action unless there is a commitment by the peoples representatives. Would you support a limited scope resolution, one that is specific about its intentions and limits . I certainly wouldnt support an openended one. I think its until we hear the evidence not to make a final decision. I lean against this. I think the real question is will American Families be safer once this is done . Will we bear all of the costs, both in terms of our military and in terms of our taxpayers . How is it that we benefit from leaving in power someone who has been involved in a civil war where a hundred thousand people have died . We shoot a few cruise missiles at him and he is still there. How do we come out ahead in that situation. Would you seek strong measures one that would shift the balance on the battlefield and overturn assads regime . I think what i would like to see is a plan and some indication of what would be a way of determining if we have been successful. If this is about sending him a message, there are other ways to send a message about the horrors of the criminality of what he appears to have involved. We have seen the terrible images coming out, rows of children affected by the violence there. Do you think is there a need to act on humanitarian grounds, whether or not its in our selfinterest but just a moral obligation . I supported the president in libya where we work with allies and where i felt action was required because of humanitarian disaster was about to occur. Here, the horror has already taken place. Its clear the president doesnt have a sense of great urgency or we would already be back in washington debating this matter, as i think we should be. With all due respect, sir, you say that the horrors have already taken place but that does that mean you do not believe more will be coming in the future . Well, i understand it, we will not be seeking regime change. We will be leaving him in power. We will be saying or he will be able to say, as he has mocked us already, that he took a hit from the United States and is still standing. I dont see how that is a plan for success and greater safety for our families and there are reasons not to become overly involved in this civil war. At an earlier time, it may have been that we could have prevented some of this with action and encouraging our allies to arm the rebels before they became so involved with al qaeda and other terrorist organizations. At this point, i dont see how a plan that is sending him a message that is leaving him standing serves the interest of the American People and this is, as the general said, not a one act play. We may find some response and if americans lose lives, a wider war here. So i want to get a better understanding of what is the plan, what are the what ifs and what do we do next . Not just the first round of missiles, and certainly after the experience of the 2001 resolution and the resolution on iraq, any resolution must be narrowly tailored and limited in time to justify support. Congressman, if i may ask you quickly, what is your sense of how your colleagues in the house are going to vote on this in the end . Its really difficult to say. We are scattered across the country. Very few of our colleagues were able to participate directly in the short notice for hearings in washington. I will say i know in terms of my constituents to this point, they have been overwhelmingly against the idea of another go it alone involvement in a civil war in the middle east. Congressman Lloyd Doggett of texas, thank you for your time. We are keeping our eye on the white house this morning where senators mccain and graham set to meet with the president later this afternoon. 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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. Keir simmons has the latest from moscow about Edward Snowden has taken asylum there. What are we learning. Reporter we are learning from snowdens lawyer over the weekend that according to his lawyer, he hasnt communicated with the media since he arrived here in russia. These revelations came from the journalist based in brazil who worked with Edward Snowden on those nsa leaked documents and what greenwald is the documents show that the nsa spied on the president s of brazil and on the president of mexico, that the president of mexicos personal emails were accessed and that from that, the nsa was able to see a month before his election what ministers he was considering pointing, and that the nsa was able to use a program to look at what the president of brazil, what she was looking at on the internet. That has met a tough response from brazil. The Justice Minister there saying, if it were true, it would be unacceptable and could be called an attack on our countrys sovereignty. Even though snowden isnt talking in russia the fallout of what he did carries around the world. Are you traveling this Holiday Weekend . We will let you know if weather could dampen your trip home. Is the fifth time the charm . Diana nyad could finish our swim from cuba to florida shortly. Add a soft appleflavored center. And say no more. New heartfuls from beneful baked delights. Spark more play in your day. An arm wrestling match that mr. Clean realized the way to handle bigger, tougher messes was better leverage. Thats why he created his new magic eraser handy grip. It has a handle that firmly attaches to the eraser so you get better leverage and more oomph with less effort. Its the perfect magic eraser for making stuff thats big and tough not so tough, after all. Mr. Cleans handy grip the newest member of the magic eraser family. In all purpose and bath. [ engine revs ] im mara schiavocampo. Other stories topping our news now. Thunderstorms around the northeast could put a damper on outdoor labor day plans and with aa predicting a major increase of cars on the road, be prepared for delays in hourliday travel. Taliban has called for an attack. Militants set off bombs and torched vehicles and reportedly killing three taliban fighters. Swimmer diana nyad is becoming closer to become the first person to swim from cuba to florida without a shark cage. With a few miles to go, the 64yearold could rest tach the coast between 2 00 and 4 00 p. M. Today. We are certainly rooting for her. Nelson man dela is home fro the hospital. The 95yearold remains in critical, but stable, condition, and is receiving intensive care outside of his home in johannesbu johannesburg. What would a military strike do to relations in the middle east . Today a foreign minister tells the bbc, it would spark hatred and terrorism. More hatred for the americans and more than weakening of international institutions. Terrorism will flourish everywhere. This will enter the mind of the securities of americans, inside and outside their country. Al qaeda is there. And any attack against syria is support of al qaeda. Jim maceda is near in turkey near the Syrian Border. How have the allies responded to the information we received from washington over the weekend . Reporter i would say overall the reaction has ranged from surprise and disappointment to outright confusion. Lets take turkey where we are, a nato member, which has already taken in some 450,000 Syrian Refugees with thousands more just waiting inside the Syrian Border to flee here if there is an air strike. The turkish government wanted to see kind of a u. S. Shock and awe and said it would join that effort to force assad to step down. Its been very disappointed with a limited strike by president obama and now the possibility, the perception at least of nothing happening at all. Another u. S. Ally is saudi arabia. It came out, in fact, quite strongly over the weekend pushing for military action as foreign minister fasal calling for, quote, foreign intervention to end the syria. Have we heard anything from syria at all . Reporter well, syria is putting on a fullcourt diplomatic press for sure. You quoted assad in your introduction who is quickly becoming assads diplomatic hatchet man. He was laying out a case against u. S. Air strikes. Jafari is the Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations and done the same thing in a letter to the u. N. Writing that all chemical weapons claims against his government are based on old stories and fake photos of the internationally internet. Mara, an Interesting Development in iran today. A news agency had to remove an item with eye the former president of iran in which he claimed that the Syrian Government had used poisonous gas in this ongoing war. The iran government denied that saying the remarks were distorted, unquote, but it suggests at least that syria backers are not all on the same page. Jim maceda live in turkey, thanks for that that. During his interview with the secretary of state nbc David Gregory pressed john kerry how firm the evidence is that Bashar Al Assad did, in fact, use sarin gas. A slam dunk case he did it . The word slam dunk should be retired from the american National Security issues. We are saying that the that the high confidence that the Intelligence Community has expressed and the case i laid out the other day is growing strong by the day. Joining us now msnbc military analyst retired general Barry Mccaffrey and Kathleen Hicks a Senior Adviser at the center for strategic and international studies. Thank you for being here this morning. General, i want to start with you. We all, of course, remember in the runup to the iraq war that they had weapons of mass destruction and that turned to you to be false. Do you think kerry has made the case that syria used gas on its people and how solid is that evidence . I knew this would be an utter disaster if it turned out six months after the strike if it was not the case. I think no question in my own mind, given the extensive number of strikes, the rocket projectiles they have discovered and the obvious evidence of 1,300 or more killed, the Syrian Government did it. They have conducted probably as many as 14 chemical attacks. I think the moral and humanitarian case has been made. The bigger argument, without question, and i thought representative doggett from texas was absolutely brilliant, is if you take limited military action, you end up achieving your political purpose. I think the answer is no. Kathleen, to touch upon that a little bit more, what do you think the most compelling rational for an attack is . Is it protecting u. S. Allies . Is it puff against assads regime or what is the convincing case here . Probably the most first, i agree with the general. I think the evidence that the assad regime conducted these attacks is there. And even the syrians and the russians are agreeing a chemical attack occurred which is vastlily different situation we faced with iraq. I think the best case that the United States can make is deter future use of chemical weapons, to hold to the norm and to the red line that the president has set out, that chemical weapon use, at this scale against civilians is unacceptable. And that is a form of a selfdefense argument that the United States is going to have to make. It is a tough argument, let me make that clear, without u. N. Backing, which we are not going to get, and without Strong Coalition support, which i think the president and his team will be spending the next week or so trying to build just as they are building a case here with the congress. General, id like to ask you a military strategy question. The president has said that this issue is not time sensitive but is that really true . Does this delay, and a possible vike, give assad any advantages of preparing for an attack. Of course. To further psychological and weaken the potential for president obama to put together a coalition, never mind disbursing his military forces, moving helicopters and rocket artillery units into populated areas. But at the end of the day, all of these questions disappear to end up with one. If you want to use military force, will assad believe that we are willing to go the route, yes or no . If you communicate clearly that we are just signaling to you youre not at risk, then military options are really ineffectual and probable worsen the situation. Kathleen, if we move forward and act do you think a military response would deter future chemical weapons used on the part of the Syrian Government . I do think so. First, i think the syrians are probably deterred at this point. I think that is a fair statement. But i think the u. S. Following through on its commitments, first, will have a huge moral boost to the opposition and the opposition is not as one unit. But there are very positive elements in the moderate opposition that would be buoyed by a u. S. Response and i think it sends a very strong signal to iran in particular that when we set a red line, we will follow through on the red line. General, kathleen mentions the opposition and the opposition is fractured. Is that part of the calculation here . Even in the event the assad regime would be removed we dont know who is going to step in to fill that power vacuum . We have a pretty good idea. Richard engel has been reporting some 60 of the extremists are jihadist organizations. I supported president obama going to congress. He was so out on a limb he was pathetic. We had no backing from the United Nations, nato and arab league for a military strike and egypt and jordan opposed it and saudi arabia isnt claiming they are going to take part in it. Going to congress and saying you better step up to the plate here and support me if we are going to take military action is the right thing to do. But representative doggett made the operation that American People dont support this and military strike probably will not achieve our political purpose. If i may followup on our allies in the middle east and beyond. Why do you think its important to have a broader coalition and not act unilaterally . It was a direct threat to u. S. National security interests, there wouldnt be a problem here. The president clearly under the war powers act as a constitution can respond to eminent or ongoing threat to u. S. And National Interests. No hostage here. U. S. Medically students here or no al qaeda attack impending on the United States. We would end up, to be honest supporting the objectives of an al qaeda insurgency. So i think, again, if he could have claimed direct u. S. National security interests, he wouldnt have needed to go to congress. But this is reaching way out of the lane for a humanitarian and moral argument that i think he has adequately made, but will it justify ineffectual military power is the question. Kathleen, a year ago the president made it clear there was a red line and, at this point, he has put this decision into the hands of congress and we dont know what they are ultimately going to decide. Is he now obligated to follow up with some action because of those comments he made . I think what we are seeing here in the last week is a really awful factory of sausage being made that if we could redo week and it were made, simply that the United States internally was having these debates and it wasnt publicly displayed, we wouldnt be having this conversation today about the authorization do you think he wishes he hadnt said the red line comment . Do you think he wishes he could take that back . I cant go in the president s head but i certainly think it was an unhelpful comment at the time and, as proven out to put us in this position we are in today. Look. I think the president is right to go to authorization from congress. I think if the weeks rhetoric from this past week had not been so strong, it would have been fine to proceed as we are today. But the fact of the matter is over the last week, we have created a great deal of confusion and now the best that the United States can do is try to Bring Congress on board, try to bring allies and partners in the region on board, and go forward with a limited strike. Mara, can i offer one last comment . Please. It comes to the credibility of the United States, its based on 2. 3 million men and women in the u. S. Armed forces. Our giant economy, our value system. So i dont see our credibility. We could bring down the assad regime in 60 days unleashing the power of the u. S. Air force and navy. The question is do we want to do that and live with the aftermath . That is something we will certainly be pondering in the weeks to come. Thank you both for your time this morning. On this Labor Day Weekend, is organized labor on the rise . Its a summer of raging wildfires out west. Why one scientist says fighting these blazes in the future will be an uphill battle. That is next. [ male announcer ] imagine this cute Little Orange blob is metamucil. And this park is the inside of your body. You see the special psyllium fiber in metamucil actually gels to trap and remove some waste. And that gelling also helps to lower some cholesterol. It even traps some carbs to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels as part of your diet. Now thats one super hard working fiber. Metamucil. 3 amazing benefits in 1 super fiber. Constipated . Yeah. Mm. Some laxatives like dulcolax can cause cramps. But phillips caplets dont. They have magnesium. For effective relief of occasional constipation. Thanks. [ Phillips Lady ] live the regular life. Phillips. A Senior Defense official says a marine core recruiting website was hacked and official the official it appears it was targeted by Syrian Electronic Army. We will have more on this later in our show. The march to military action is one many lawmakers have been through before. Specifically having had to cast the difficult vote for the iraq war a decade ago. Former senator Blanche Lincoln was one of them. In 2002 he read awe allowed the senate votes on the iraq war resolution. She had voted to aurthorize the use of military force. Blanche lincoln joins me live now. Thank you for being we are hichlt thank y here. Tell us what the leaders are going through now returning next week. So much was different today than in 2002. I think lawmakers do look back to that time and what they were presented with in terms of evidence and, you know, information. How it was presented, you know, the push to make something urgent and move it forward quickly. And i think, without a doubt, members right now are back in their home states, most of them, they are, you know, about a year away from the home stretch of their next election, and they are listening to their constituents and its a difficult time, because they look back at the decisions they may have made back then and also dealing with questions from qae constituents who are war weary and also asking questions that they really cant answer right now. You know, in 2009, august of 2009, which was really kind of the very infancy of the tea party, town Hall Meetings were a big deal. And, yet, we were being asked questions that there really werent answers to because we hadnt come up with a Health Care Plan and the real lightning rods for the next election. The same way here. They are having to answer questions about things that they may not have all of the information they want to be able to give the kind of answer that they might like to give. Its a difficult time for members right now, i think. I think that, you know, i think it was probably right as the general said for the president to look to the congress to back him up. I would hope that we would also look around the region, as well as around the globe, before we take on Something Else like this that could last for much longer than what some people are saying is a simple strike. So i think that is important for people to know, that their rebs me members are looking for a lot of that information right now. In terms of president obamas Decision Making here and individual lawmakers trying to decide where they are going to stand on this, how heavily do you think the iraq war and lessons we learned from that are playing into the decisions they are making right now . I think it definitely plays into their decision in the sense that, you know, hearing from their constituencies all across their districts and all across their states. I cant imagine that they are not hearing about, again, the weariness that the American People seem to have. Not a lack of confidence in their military, but a weariness in terms of what we have been what you know, what has been spent there. Particularly in the form of Young Americans and their lives. The ultimate sacrifice that has been given. I think that, you know, that has got to be weighing on them. And also the fact that the president has kind of flipped this over to the congress because under the wars power act, he understands, you know, what he has got the authority to do it, and, yet, is the evidence there . Is it something that, you know, really constitutes taking that strike . And he wants the back being of congress and i dont blame him for that. Former arkansas governor Blanche Lincoln, thaur thank you for your time this morning. You bet. Thank you. Wildfires are becoming bigger and bolder and more dangerous. That is coming up. No two people have the same financial goals. Pnc investments works with you to understand yours and helps plan for your retirement. Talk to a pnc investments Financial Advisor today. Variables. Where he also did a very careful study to see what other drivers could control wildfires in the present day, and then also into the future. We found that over the western u. S. , temperature, increases in temperature are a big influence. They can increase the size of those fires. Of course, you know, many things in nature are linked. How would the way these fires are changing impact other things, for example air quality, soil quality, things like that. So we at the harvard cool of engineering and applied sciences, we are atmospheric chemists. We are very interested in air quality, smog and the smoke that comes from wildfires. We were curious if increases in the area burned by fires could also affect the smokyness 245s generated by these fires. We looked at that as well. We found that for some regions, the smoke from fires could increase by as much as double, compared to what we have today. And if you look at whats going on in california, a huge area over the weekend was affected, blank etted by unhealthy air. We expect that to continue. Very fascinating findings. Lo receipta mickley, thank you for bringing that information to us. Up next, well go live to the white house, where president obama is pending labor day on the phone and in meetings with lawmakers. Hes pushing congress to andl we will bring you the latest. Abf that meet our higher kosher standards that only a slowmotion bite can capture all that kosher delight. And when your hot dogs kosher, thats a hot dog you can trust. Hebrew national. Folks have suffered from frequent heartburn. But getting heartburn and then treating day after day is a thing of the past. Block the acid with prilosec otc, and dont get heartburn in the first place. [ male announcer ] one pill each morning. 24 hours. Zero heartburn. At humana, our medicare agents sit down with you and ask. Hanging out with this guy. Hes just the love of my life. [ 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. Keeping up with them. I love it [ male announcer ] helping you now thats whats important to us. This reversal at the 11th hour of the president s position from saying he was going to act militarily to saying he has to get the endorsement from congress has had a significant effect throughout the region. Its encouraged our enemies and discouraged our allies. Good day thanks for staying with us. Im mara this time snowden says this time the nsa spied on two leaders. On this holiday week went, week take a look at the Labor Movements next chapter. The president is spenting this labor day to get congress to approve a military strike on syria. President obama is meeting with two senators who support a strike this afternoon. Peter alexander joins us live from the white house. Peter, good afternoon. Tell us, what does the president hope to accomplish with these meetings . Mara, that senator says Lindsey Graham and john mccain serious players on the topic of syria, because they have been pushing for greatsh dr in fact, what they specifically want is a better sense of the strategy this administration would be carrying out with its policy overseas, so in meeting with those two day, the without, the president specifically hoping to have them serve as a form of ally in trying to pull those who are effectively sitting on the bench right now concerned about the u. S. Getting involved in syria in any form. That includes a lot of traditional allies, including House Democrats, who were on an unclassified Conference Call with Administration Officials right now, and to give you a sense of just how critical democrats are to this, look at the heavy hitters who are taking a part in this call today. It includes National Security adviser susan rice, secretaries john kerry and chuck hagel as well as the director of National Intelligence and Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the joint chiefs. Peter alexander, thank you so much. Even though congress is in recess, the senate Foreign Relations committee is set to hold a hearing tomorrow on syria. Casey hunt joins us live. What from capitol hill. What can we expect tomorrow . Reporter youre going to be to get the administration laying on the in the public for the first time their most aggressive case for why the u. S. Should take act. Secretary of state d. Both going to be on the witness assistant, actually speaking to a committee that both of them used to sit on when they were senators. So youll see them working to convince members were still working on getting a full list of which members will be tanneding tomorrow, but senator marco rubio, senator rand paul both on that committee. It could get interesting. Were also waiting to hear how House Democrats react to the unclassified call theyre on right now with top Administration Officials. Thats something that could help us determine what the next questions are going to be. What is it that the administration is saying thats actually resonating or helping to convince members, and what isnt necessarily. After the classified briefing yesterday, members came out saying we dont doubt the intelligence that shows that assad likely used chemical weapons outside of damascus, but were not sure what the strategy will be and what the longterm goals are kasie, most members are still in their districts. The latest nbc poll shows that americans are split. 50 say no, 42 say yes. How do you think these opinions will influence a debate on the hill . Reporter members are talking a lot about what their constituents are thinking and feeling. What youre seeing is a reflection of overall war wearyness. Thats also driving members decisions up here and some of their concerns. Youre hearing them say this potential authorization of force is too broad. The authorization that the white house sent up here cinchally says that the president could use authority to deter the use of chemical weapons or from them falling into the hands of nonstate actors like terrorist groups that was at phrase in earlier than many members of congress say they are comfortable with at this point. Kasie, thank you. A day after participating in a classified briefing on capitol hillings kansas congressman mike pompeiio says the plan is not enough. He joins me now. Its great to be here on labor day. Thanks for having me. If you say if theres a response, it needs to be robust and well thought out. I will tell you the president has made a hash, hes and on the now are they willing to engage, but the president said this is a shot across the bow. Thats an intentional miss. Thats not how you conduct Foreign Policy. What we need is we need the president to come to you and say heres how were going to do it, heres hoe we know we will have achieved them. Its not just syria. This is in the context of a much larger for one of hezbollah fighting alongside assad. This is a much more complicated set of facts that have to be addressed. Thats simply not enough. So what would you like to see happen . I would love to see, just as i said a comprehensive thought out strategy formed actual include a number of things. First thing about the american National Interests. There are some in my party who say there are none, but theres deep american National Interests. I talked about iran and played, keeping the haunds off al qaeda, those are important tasks, so you can achieve those using lots of tools. There was diplomatic tools, tools of power, but you cant begin by talking about a narrow strike over a couple three days. You have to think about what the ramifications are and help the moderate rebels be successful. Thats the goal, thats what america ought to be doing. What do you think of the resolution as it stands now and how do you think it may need to be changed. Weve got to get votes. The president needs to leave, but so do us who believe wight we have to convince or colleagues this is something we should support. I find myself in a place where i want to be supportive, not so much of but what America Needs to do, so i think theres some tweaking to the amuf, and i know there are folks editing and drafting. Where we make clear that heres why were doing this, heres what were hoping to achieve. There are a number of factors at play here, the issue of protecting our allies, the issues of keeping very dangerous weapons out hands of other enemies, the issue of punishing assad for a chemical attack on his own people and theres a moral and humanitarian art are argument. Which do you think is the most compelling . Those are all very real. You cant possibly have witnessed what assad did with the chemical weapons, were almost certain he did, the killing of 1,000 plus. You cant see that without feeling the moral tug that comes with it. Having said that, that alone would not be enough to use american firepower and force. So for my perspective, its how do we make sure we dont have a breeding ground for al qaeda in syria . How do we protect our soldiers, sailmen and airmen that are abroad. Those theres always a moral component to it. And youre heading out on an Intelligence Mission to the middle east soon. What are sudden hoping to learn from that trip . I am leaving. Im hoping to learn a number of things. One, its always great to be on the ground and get a sense of what folks are saying, hearing and seeing, but i hope to come back with a fact set that will make me make a good decision, and help me convince my colleagues of the right course of action as we move forward. A lot of us have been critical of the president. I think thats fine, but we have a constitutional obligation as well. I hope my colleagues will keep an open mind as we consider whats the right thing for america. And democrats and republicans alike will move above sort of the politics of this. And going to that length is really quite admirable when were facing seven an important decision. Thats very kind of you. Thank you for your time, congressman. Well, its not just a matters of members of congress and the american public, but also allies like britain and france is hoping to pull on board. For more lets bring in gayle lemmon, and Ernesto Londono of the Washington Post. Welcome to both of you, gayle, i want to start with you. How much of the slow walk approach, if you will, is reflected in the trouble that David Cameron has had convincing his own people in the uk of the case to strike Syrian Forces . Well, yeah, i think you certainly could point to part of it. I think that is a key piece. I think the other piece is a thursday call with the hill went a little rougher than was expected, then they saw the poll numbers. I think the mix of all of those led them to think you do want Greater Public support behind you. When you talk to those working on this, right now they say if the vote was taken today they dont have it. They think theyll get there, and the briefings yesterday were said to have gone fairly well, but there is still a great deal of skepticism. I think the ghost of conflicts past is hovering over this congress and this administration, and in fact the american public. I think part of that is weve seen us go from 2 1 2 years from a minimalist approach to really 10 or 11 days of we really do need to act, so that escalation of butchery thats been met with rather sustained interest National Indifference for years and all of a sudden a rather accelerated push for action i think that is confused a lot of people. Ernesto, what chance if any is there that britain will revisit if . Or is it a done deal . To me it seems unlikely. I think they have indicated they dont foreseen holding a new vote, and letting this drag out for a few more weeks has considerable risk in the absence of a clear coherent if you cant articulate the end goal, it will give critics times to come up with new ways in which this could go wrong. You wrote about the pros and cons of delays, recently you wrote that shifting the burden potentially gives a way out of the political bind he created last year when he say al assads use of chemical weapons would be a red line, that many cage toss as a hasty response. Do you also think there are potential risks in a delay in terms of assad able to prepare and diminish the impact . Of course. We have already begun hearing from people in the Syrian Opposition camp that over the past couple days theres been civilians moved into areas that would appear to be attractive military targets, and, you know, it giving him a chance to disperse his equipment, take a hard look at his vulnerabilities, and contemplate how he can best prepare for the kind of strike that weve all been expecting. So, you know, gives him a few weeks to build an architecture of human shields, if you will, is only going to make this option look less attractive and may give people in congress some pause. Gayle, leaders of the g20 nations will be meeting in russia. President obama will be there, and certainly giving him some face time with leaders of other countries, and opportunity to talk with syria. Do you expect anything useful will come of that . I think if it does, we will not see it, but i think it gets to what ernesto was just saying, all along theres been criticism from current and former diplomats, who said this has been on syria a hopscotch of tactics in search of a strategy. I think that continues. The question is exactly what is the objective, and does the military strike really reinforce the political aim of a transition to power. You know, right now you talk about credibility, theres also the credibility question with the Syrian Opposition. I think that question of whether the Syrian Opposition will take the u. S. Seriously when it says, look, we really do want to reinforce the moderates, were here for you, this is a priority, i think is very much an openended question, one that will continue to come up this week and bejon. Ernesto in terms of credibility, do you think that the way this is being handled will have an effect on the United States credibility on the galosh stage when it comes to aural allies like france, who went out on a line, and is now out on that limb by themselves, our our arab allies, for example, doing of course, i think american credibility is a huge factor in this equation and will remain so, as long as i do think however that all stakeholders understands just how thorny an issue this is and understands how the administration got boxed in by declaring this a red line a years ago before they could foresee that hard will have line rebels who had become such a big threat to the west as part of this conflict, and a number of other things that have made u. S. Military intervention hugely unattractive option. Gayle, congress is not necessarily known for its expediency. Are you optimistic theyll be able to debate and vote on this in a timely manner . I think its getting a fullcourt press from the administration. Theres a flurry of briefings scheduled in the coming days. There have been sort of no offlimits questions. People have really been encouraged to ask for briefings. They have gotten the briefings they requested, and this is a priority. And the folks working on this do think theyll get to a yes, but it could be painful, and i think as weve seen, and as a lot of the papers reported today, the house remains a question. Right now the votes do not seem to be there. So theres a lot of work that remains to be done. I think the question of what has gone on for the past year in terms of washington discussions, this is really the culmination of a series of conversations that have gone on with the state department on one say saying we are going to empower. Extremists and going to have a vacuum, if we dont get more involved. Others who have said, look, this is a bloody civil war where there are no Good American ops, its best for the america, the exhausted, to sit this one out. I think its the culmination of that debate that has really gripped this administration for months. Gayle lemon with the council on Foreign Relations, and Ernesto Londono thank you both for being here. Coming up big hits, tough consequences. In the wake of that settlement in the nfls concussion lawsuit, is football doing enough to protect players . And on this Holiday Weekend, where the label moved is headed, coming up next. Okay ladies, whenever youre ready. Thank you. Thank you. I got this. Oh, no, ill get it let me get it. Uhuhuh. I dont want you to pay for this. Its not happening, honey. Let her get it. She got her safe driving bonus check from allstate last week. And its her treat. What about a tip . Oh, heres one. Get an allstate agent. 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Johnsonville. Served with pride since 1945. Ive got something for you too. announcer fancy feast delights with cheddar. A meal that is sure to delight your cheese lover. Now available in the classic form she loves. Fancy feast. The best ingredient is love. Developing now, more details on the hacking of the u. S. Marine corps recruiting website. The Syrian Electronic Army is claiming responsibility, and they posted a letter via twitter to the u. S. Marines, urging them to refuse orders to attack syria, calling president obama a, quote, traitor, who wanted to, quote, rescue al qaeda insurgents. Well continue to follow this story. While Many Americans are off celebrating labor day, the ongoing strike for better wages with the new Labor Movement on the horizon. Thanks so much for being here. Thank you. You know, just last week we celebrated the anniversary of the march on mrkt, which of course was a where does the fight for labor rights stand now . Youre slight will you right. The parallels between the fastfood strikes and march on washington are compelling. The fastfootworker walked off the job with a simple message we cant survive on a meager paycheck, less than 18,000 for a fulltimeworker. That was the major complaint for the march on washington, raising pay, raising the minimum wage was a key agenda item. If you update that to inflation, that translates to about 15. And its not just them, were seeing truckers on strike, walmart workers threatening to go on strike. As the economy has shifted to the lowwage jobs, more and more workers are standing up saying these conditions are not sustainable. One in four private Sector Workers work in these jobs. Overwhelmingly adults, 40 have some college. The impact is holding back our economy, which needs a minimum working class which can afford to spend and drive sales and growth, which is why the Federal Reserve is say we need to tackle this problem. The espn president said the number one threat isnt streaming, its lowwage jobs. If americans are making 10 an hour, they cant afford a cable bill. In this place were not talking about unemployment, a lot of people have the idea that people who work at fast food restaurants are teenagers, that these are like summer jobs, but thats not the case, and we have some stats. People of color make up 42 of, women of color who work in the restaurant and Fast Food Industries are paid 60 less. I saw one statistic that the ceo of one of they fastfood chains makes limb 600 times the amount of one of their workers. Who are we talking about here . Americans are having a hard time getting their head around this. This is lowwage jobs have shifted from being entrylevel jobs for teens, now places where tens of millions of adults are spending their careers. These fastgrowing service jobs can pay better. Weve say the way that some industries have started to upgrade the jobs. Hotel room cleanser, janitors, security guards, have already made the shift, and theres no reason that fast food, a very profitable industry cant do the same the solution is what the economists are calling for. Unionization following these models is part of the solution. The other one is raising the minimum wage, which is 7. 25 an hour, very, very cloud, 10. 75 if it kept of with inflation. Theres a will in Congress Calling to raise it to that level. The polls show 80 of americans, including 60 of Republican Voters support that. Were going to have to leave it there, paul, thank you so much for your time. Thank you. We continue to watch diana nyad. Her team that is shes been swimming for more than 48 hours now, and contending with sharks, rough currents and what issue calls her most daunting nemesis, painful jellyfish stings. Shes made it farther on this, her fifth attempt. 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A new leak from Edward Snowden, this time claiming the nsa spied on two world leaders. Well have a live report next. About heres a look at whats also happening in russia. Have a lad mir putin once again demonstrating his love for animals. He shook hands with a walrus. I dont know why this cracks me up. Now, thats what i call glad handi handing. Cken tortilla. If you think campbells 26 new soups sound good, imagine how they taste. Mm mm good the next powerful storm is going to hit. But it will. Thats why theres a new duracell battery. Introducing duracell quantum. With its high density core, its a quantum leap in battery power. The next storm is out there. But so are the heroes. So were giving a million duracell quantum to First Responders everywhere. Power. In the hands of the most powerful. Duracell. Trusted everywhere. Yeah. Try new alka seltzer fruit chews. They work fast on heartburn and taste awesome. These are good. Told ya im feeling better already. 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And former south after kaj president Nelson Mandela is recovering at his home after being discharged from the hospital yesterday. The 95yearold is receiving intensive care for recurring lung infection that kept him in the hospital for nearly three months, his daughter says the family is happy that he is home. More fallout this hour following new revelations that the nsa spied on leaders of brazil and mexico, nbcs keir simmons has the latest. What are we hearing . Were still not hearing from Edward Snowden, his lawyer saying over the weekend since he got to russia, he has not communicated with the media in any way whatsoever. So what is emerging is still news from the documents originally leaked by Edward Snowden, and they are being talked about by glen greenwald, the journalist based in brazil, who worked with Edward Snowden on those leaks. What he said over the weekend is among those documents is evidence that the nsa has spied on the president of mexico by looking at his private emails, were able to see a month before he was elected president who he was consideration, for example, to be members of his cabinet, and they spied the on the president of brazil, able to see what she was looking at on the internet, so some sizable allegations, unconfirmed clearly, but what they show is even though Edward Snowden isnt talking, the ramifications of what he did continue. Nbc keir simmons, thank you so much for that. Syria is responding to a potential u. S. Strike against the assad regime. In an interview with the bbc, syrias foreign minister warned of a back lash if the americans decide to attack. This will undermine the security of americans inside and outside their country. Al qaeda is there, and any attack syria is supported of al qaeda and its affiliates. Joining muss are the executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task force, and mightal lighter, an msnbc analyst. Thank you both for being here. Michael, i want to start with you. What do you have to say about this interview we just heard from syrias Deputy Foreign minister. Whats your response . I wouldnt make very much of it. Assads regime will obviously do all it can rhetorically to try to undermine u. S. Resolve in this case. Its undoubtedly true there are elements of al Qaeda Associated is groups, and the really tough question i think for the United States Going Forward is the degree to which we can continue to undermine or want to undermine the assad regime when we know that some of the opposition is in fact very opposed to us. That is why this is such a multilayered chess match with very unclear way forward for the u. S. And moaz, syrias government actually mocked president obama as decision saying it was, quote, the start of the historic american reteeth. How is this decision playing out in the arab world . Well, definitely the reaction from the assad radio jet stream and from his allies hezbollah and iran are saying that the u. S. Administration is weak and so on, but as far as the arab world youve seen lately, after the meeting of arab Foreign Ministers in cairo calling for International Intervention in syria. Weve seen saudi arabia come out and support any intervention, and weve seen turkey come out as well outside the arab world saying theyre more than happy to be involved in any military action against the assad regime, so i think there is a lot of worry within the arab world over, you know, again sort of inaction or lack of greater leadership by the United States on something they see affects their National Security in a great way. Michael, the white house is opening the arab league will call for touch action and touch, because that would help convince members of congress thats theres strong support. Where do our allies stand. I think mouaz is generally right, i think the abe rabid league will come on the in support of u. S. Military action. I think it is absolutely right that saudi arabia came out much more forcefully out of this last round of meetings, quite supportive of u. S. Actions. The jordanians have suffered in the region due to the influx of refugees. They are general slid supportive, but nervous about repercussions. Iran is obviously in support of assad and iraq is in a challenging place as well, and less supportive of forceful action, but fundamentally certainly turkey, not part of the arab league, but a critical ally in the region, are general already spokesive, and having disappointed, i think we havent been more forceful already. Mouaz, you spent a lot of time on the ground in syria. When president obama made his comments this weekend, he at one point mentioned this issue was not time sensitive. Im wondering what your take is on that, as people continue to see horrifying violence day in and day out. Look, i can tell you that it is very time sensitive in terms of greater engagement militarily and politically by the United States to help resolved this crisis. I think the president was addressing a punitive mesh, you but i think the people in syria, and weve been talking to them every single day, they have seen an assad regime thats emboldened, sort of making fun of the u. S. Administration, in saying that the president is too weak to act, and so they they feel that theres a great need of urgency, and they were expecting some sort of military act that would against help push towards a true political solution. At the end of the day but greater leadership role by the United States thats been demanded by our european allying and arab allies in the region that that can have his inner circle pressure him. And mouaz, when you talk to people who are there living through this reality, what is their sense of whats taking place . Are they demoralized or helpful . They are actually living they atrocities. When were talking about kind of an academic discussion about rationale for strikes, et cetera, these are real peoples lives. What are he feeling right now . Look, youre absolutely right. I want to mention its been almost three years of this conflict, 120,000 of these people have been killed. More than 200,000 have been arrested unlawfully, including civilians that have been tortured. So for a long time the Syrian People have felt quite abandoned by the national community. They see statements, hearing statements by the western world that are supporting the opposition, but they also see the allies of assad, including iran, that is sending millions of dollars to the assad regime, russia is sending weapons, hezbollah, so they see these few allies that go against all interests, doing much more than the rest of the international media, so definitely very demoralizing, but i think they hold out hope that congress will stand on the right side of history on a crisis that really does at the end of the day affect our National Security. Michael, you know, weve been talking almost exclusively about military options here, but is there any hope for a political resolution, whether its organizing our allies, and trying to come up with some way to address this terrible crisis . I absolutely believe that a part of the solution will be a political resolution, but i dont expect to see a great breakthrough any time soon. I think fundamentally our interests are not very well aligned with russia. Russia continues to support the assad regime. Thats going to make it at least efforts through the u. N. Very, very difficult to achieve. Ultimately this is going to require strong u. S. Action, and i think its going to require continued Strong Political action by saudi arabia, the united arab emirates, and turkey, the major power players in this region, who are already deeply involved in the conflict. We could certainly spend so much more time, but unfortunately we are out of time. Thank you both so much for being here this afternoon. Thank you, thank you. Coming up, field report. As the nfl season is set to kick off, are new Safety Measures doing enough . More on that from the developing story was a recruiting website for the marine corps hacked . Thats all coming up here on msnbc. Ok, heres the way the system works. Lets say you pay your guy around 2 to manage your money. Thats not much you think. Except its 2 every year. Does that make a difference . Search cost of Financial Advisors ouch. Over time it really adds up. Then go to etrade and find out how much our advice costs. Spoiler alert its low. Really . Yes, really. Etrade offers Investment Advice and guidance from dedicated, professional financial consultants. Its guidance on your terms, not ours. Thats how our system works. Etrade. Less for us. More for you. And this park is the inside of your body. See, the special psyllium fiber in metamucil actually gels to trap some carbs to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Metamucil. 3 amazing benefits in 1 super fiber. New this hour, the organization that claims to have taken down New York Times and twitter pages may have struck again. The Syrian Electronic Army has claimed responsibility for redirecting a marine recruitment website, marines. Com, to a message telling officers to, quote, refuse your orders to attack syria. At this hour, the command is saying no personal information was put at risk. This follows an interview with the tech site mashable this weekend in which the group said if the u. S. Attacks, quote, we will target all of it. For analysis we go to terrorism analyst evan coleman. Thanks very much for being here. Thanks very much. What are the consequences of a successful cyberattack. How can that be used to harm . Right now the acu attacks theyre launching are not disruptive, but not destructive. Theyre domainname hijacking. Theyre stealing those domains and redirecting traffic to another computer, but right now there hasnt been any evidence that these folks are actually breaking into sensitive Computer Systems and stealing peoples personal information. The problem is that these folks are fairly sophisticated. What they are doing is not that easy to do. If theyre capable of doing that, the question is if something bad happening in syria, will they escalate their activities . Will they actually go after the actual servers that host this information . Thats some of much more serious than simply stealing a domain name. For the average person how might they attacks affect them . Could they target systems that run municipal systems . Inconvenient . Or loss of life . If you want an idea about what could happen here, look at the al kazzam cyberfighters. Theyve been launching denial of service attacks on bank sites. Theyre very simple, crude attacks, yet the denial of service attacks have managed to shut down the web sites for hours and hours. Imagine going online and not be able able to log into use you are bank, not transfer money. Thats bad. The kazzam fighters are crude not but the Syrian Electronic Army seems quite capable. If they had the motivation and reason, would they try to step that up and go after things like air Traffic Control systems and other key elements of u. S. Infrastructure, things that could result in a loss of life . We dont really know at the moment. Is the u. S. Prepared for these possible serious attacks . Illustrates i think the answer is that no, we are not. We have too many targets here for these folks to go after. Obviously you think about a group like the Syrian Electronic Army. The first thought is sensitive military or government Computer Systems, but most likely that will not be their primary target. Most likely they will go, if they go after something, they will go after banks web sites, the web sites and servers of private Major Companies here in the United States and in other western countries. Why is that . Because they can shut down an entire economy by doing so. Those sites tending to much, much less pleased or less poorly pleased, they tend to be easier to break into, and thus theyre soft targets for these folks. In any fight theres offense and theres defense. On the one hand up to shore up your cyberdefenses. When it comes to offense, it seems much more complicated. We are talking about people and then how do you track them down. Is that part of the equation as well . Not to mention are they state actors or nonstate actors . Its not clear that the Syrian Electronic Army has official state sponsorship. Who do we strike at . Do we strike at the Syrian Government . Do we strike at the syrian do we strike at individual people . And who are those people . Because theres been a lot of discussion about the identities of those behind the syrian electronics army, but a lot of that seems to be rumor. In this laters rumor, the group is clear all of our members are in syria. And every Single Person whose name has been outed so far as being a leader of our group, we dont even know. So thats another question, who exactly are these folks . When it comes to kind of traditional threats, say, you know, the fear of bombs from a terrorist group, you have kind of a handful of very sophisticated bomb makers who go around and train their affiliates on how to replicate those kinds of attacks. How difficult is it to learn how to do this work . If you can read and have internet action, the answer is all the answers are on the internet. There are forums out there in every single language, arabic, english, spanish, indonesian that teem people how to do this stuff. Frank think there are people from around the world who happen to be very talented at this stuff. So just because youre from syria or from iraq i know we tend to think of those at conflict zones, but theres talented hackers from these countries, and theyre motivated. Some are motivated by looking to make money. Some are motivated to cause mischief, and unfortunately some are motivated by politics. The next frond tier in warfare. Evan coleman, thanks so much for your time this afternoon. Thank you. Well, it was a big weebend for florida a m. Trayvon martins father served as honorary captain for the schools football team. And today marked the return of the marching band, First Time Since the november 2011 hazing death of drum major robert champion. [ ship horn blows ] no, no, no stop humans. One day were coming up with the theory of relativity, the next. Not so much. But thats okay youre covered with great ideas like optional better car replacement from Liberty Mutual insurance. Total your car and we give you the money to buy one a model year newer. Learn about it at libertymutual. Com. Liberty mutual insurance. Responsibility. Whats your policy . The nfl season kicks off thursday, and College Football is well under way. But after last weeks settlement over concussion related lawsuits, the focus is less on the game and more on player saved. Thanks so much for being here. Good to be here. Youre also a former College Football player who suffered multiwall concussions. How damaging can a concussion be for a Football Player . Well, obviously its the immediate factors of cognitive dysfunction, but it can also sometimes lead to severe sequela as weve seen. Do you think the changes in the procedures are enough to protect players from the dangers of concussions . Well, certainly its a multifactorial approach. The rule changes are just a part of it. I think heightened surveillance and retesting, return to play protocol, i think they also play an important role. In the settlement, the nfl didnt actually accept any culpability for any longterm effects. Do you think that thats important . Should they have to admit this is a problem thats being caused by the game . Or is that a secondary issue thats not really relevant . Well, you know certainly my opinion i would add this humbly to the argument or to the dialogue. One, i would say that were headed in the right direction. Also the direction of research and preventive measures, i think thats way more important than culpability at this point. The fans sometimes really like to see crashes, thats part of the appeal. They dont want anybody to get hurt, but does add to the excitement. In the case of football, fans like those big hits. Is it a matter of the nfl changing some of the dynamics just in how it plays out, the players are kept safer . I think but certainly the safety overall is more the issue here. How do you change that . Being a former Football Player yourself, how do you change that . Is it a matter of telling your players this is something were going to reserve only for the most necessary cases . Are there rules you would put in place for unnecessary hitting, for example, or the strength, intense legitimate . How do you measure that . Theres a lot of controversy, but i think the biggest thing we can do at this point is what were doing on the Grassroots Level with such program as headsup hitting. I think the next generation will definitely learn to play at a safer level. I think to highlight the attention to concussions and head injure,with respect to the Sports Medicine staffing, coaches, players, families. I think we have to take a multifactorial approach to attempting to diminish the longterm request ella that we obvious see. Certainly an important issue, one well undoubtedly be talking about more. Dr. David crumbie, thanks for your help. Well, thats it for us. Keefe it here on msnbc for news updates throughout the afternoon. Have a great labor day. Is really made of cheese . [ crisp crunches ] whoohoohoo guess it was. [ male announcer ] pringles, bursting with more flavor. [ female announcer ] pop in a whole new kind of clean with tide pods. Three chambers. Three times the stain removal power. Pop in. Stand out. Now you can give yourself a kick 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. [ 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. What do you want to do . What do you want to contribute . You have a car, a [ bleep ] apartment, a [ bleep ]. Give me a [ bleep ] break. Take all your money and ill move out, but i want you gone. Debby walks all over peter. He treats her bad, and she is always upset. I dont have a place. I havent been looking. Im not. Youre living with us. Im sleeping on the floor. I cant continue down this path. I dont want to see severen tormented by this constant