up to ten potential jurors without giving any reason. after that, they must request someone not serve on the jury, and the judge must agree. today with the stakes so high and the challenges so few, lawyers again and again peppered potential jurors with questions about what they knew about the high profile case. and whether they could be fair and impartial. in one gripping exchange, lawyers closely questioned one woman for an hour. she said she thought mr. zimmerman was innocent because of what she had seen on the news about trayvon martin. >> i knew that -- that he was learning how to be a street fighter. >> that who was? >> trayvon was. >> and where did you come to that conclusion? >> just from the news. >> what news? do you remember specifically saying that trayvon was learning to be a street fighter? >> well, nobody directly said that. it was just pictures that they had shown. >> which pictures? >> i saw pictures of him refereeing a fight. >> could this be an impartial juror? as of this hour, we don't know if she is still part of the jury pool, or if she has been taken off. on the other hand, some potential jurors had misgivings about mr. zimmerman. >> the question is, and i think you answered the question, you have not formed an opinion at this time whether he is -- in terms of the guilt or innocence of mr. zimmerman, that correct? >> um, for my belief? >> yes, sir. >> nobody can take nobody life. >> given how much publicity this case has received, it's a dramatic time in the courtroom as lawyers try to pick this jury. also today, the judge announced she will sequester the jury once it's seated. a huge decision. we'll talk about what it means for the trial. joining me now is former criminal prosecutor faith jenkins, nbc news legal analyst lisa bloom, and criminal defense attorney john burris. thank you all for joining me tonight. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> faith, let me start with you. we just heard one juror who talked about street fighting. isn't this an example of a juror being shaped by what she is seeing in the media? >> absolutely, because a part of the defense strategy was to release information about trayvon that would never get put out in front of the juries at trial because their message is trayvon is not only the initial aggressor, he is just an all around bad individual, and therefore george zimmerman was justified in killing him. you see from this one woman's comments, she has incorporated that into an opinion she formed. she is not going to be on this jury. she is not going to be impartial. i think they will remove her for cause. >> john burris, let me play something to you. we heard this jury that faith is referring to. talk about trayvon martin street fighting. now, three weeks ago, george zimmerman's attorney mark o'mara went on fox news and said something similar. watch this. >> he was a potentially violent guy who had some past violent episodes. what do the texts show, in your view? >> well, trayvon was 17 years old, and it seems from the text messages that he involved himself in some street fighting. >> now, john, does it strike you that this jury used the same phrase that o'mara used, and we had never heard of street fighting connected to trayvon until that interview we just heard o'mara do on fox? never came up about trayvon before that. >> well, certainly no coincidence. and what it means is that the defendant's strategy of releasing this information and trying to prejudice the jury pool against trayvon worked, at least as it worked in relation to this particular juror. and the concern is how many other jurors has it worked. and so it was a definitive strategy that was employed. at the end, more recent accounts, and so the defendant certainly has laid the groundwork for polluting the jury pool in the sense of turning them against trayvon at the very outset. this is an unfortunate chain of events, but that's how this case is being tried. >> now lisa, we don't know if she is on the jury or not, but what is your take on this? >> i'm shocked that the judge spent an hour with this woman. when i'm picking a jury and somebody says at the outset i've already made up my mind about the case, i usually just give a little glance over to the judge. the judge says you're dismissed, and that's tend of it. she has already reached a decision. she is not qualified to be a juror in this case. the end. >> faith, same juror, spent an hour on, as lisa says. same juror talked about trayvon martin's street fighting. also commented on other photos released by the defense. watch. this. >> there were pictures on his phone of him smoking. and that was on tv. and there was also a picture of a gun that was taken off of his cell phone too. and that tells me that smoking pot, you know, getting involved in guns, learning how to street fight, i mean, i know his family loved him. i know they did. and i think that he probably had just started getting in with a wrong crowd. >> now, i don't want to spend a lot of time on this juror because two or three -- two of the three of you have said she might not be on the jury. my point is that was this om'maa strategy to put enough out there, that even though he can't bring into it the trial, that clearly some potential jurors in the public see some of these things that were put out as fact. this woman is speaking as though these are facts about trayvon, not something that might have been used by the defense to set up their self-defense. and they're all not true. he didn't referee a street fight. >> well, they're speaking about it as if it's going to be evidence in the case. and that's the problem, because none of this is evidence in the case. none of it is relevant. the law is the law about self-defense. it's about what is in your mind at that moment when you decide you need to shoot someone and kill them in self-defense. what happened at that moment to make you come to that decision? it does not matter who the other person is, what their character. they can be a priest or prostitute. the law does not make a distinction. you are protected under the law, and the burden is on the prosecution to show beyond a reasonable doubt that george zimmerman did not act in self-defense. >> that's -- >> john, let me ask you. i want you to weigh in here. i want you to explain to me how in this particular situation, you have this juror, and possibly others with an opinion. wouldn't you have wanted to get her out of the jury pool right away because she may poison other potential jurors? i mean, how much of this is a problem to have someone with this opinion even sitting around the jury pool? >> a real problem. and typically we have more people sitting in the jury box. so you obviously want to get that person out right away. on the other hand, there may be something to be said here to find out what all these views are so that the next juror and the jurors after that you may be in a better position to focus questions around what they may or may not have heard. and so in many ways, this is just a teaching tool. this is an informational gathering process. there is some reason to allow that to happen. on the other hand, i guess most lawyers and myself included would prefer not to happen. but given that is out there, other jurors may have heard it. so it's probably best to explore it as far as can with this particular juror and then be ready for the next juror. >> lisa, your take on this. >> you know, it's not fatal. it's all going to be cleaned up during the trial, and especially in closing argument. both sides are going to remind the jury about the evidence that they heard in the case, that they have to decide the case based on the evidence. and most jurors are skeptical of the media, and they know they get wrong information sometimes from the media. i'm glad you're clearing this up, reverend al. but sometimes media gives out false information. and most jurors are aware of that. >> now, faith, let me go to another issue, another big issue today that another big part of this that was discussed. the judge said that she will guester the jurors. and this could be -- this could mean that they could be kept together with court security at all times, can't go outside of the group, and have limited access to the media, the general there will be, and their families. how does this affect the trial? >> well, so now this is going to be a factor that they're going to take into consideration when selecting jurors for this trial, because they know now that they're going to be separated from their families, from their children, if they have them, and now do nothing for an entire month, put their entire lives on hold and sit in judgment of george zimmerman for this case. this tells me that this judge is going to move this trial along quickly. the days will be long. they will be intense, but she is going to be focused on getting this trial through from beginning to end. >> john, does the sequestration affect jurors wanting to get out of there sooner than taking their time to deliberate? >> i certainly think it could have a negative impact on the deliberateness of a jury making a decision. because they have been together a long period of time. they may or may not like each other. they've been away from their families. they're tired of this whole situation. so i think you could have a clear rush to judgment at the end of this case, because of concern. and one thing you cannot prevent is they're going to talk about this case, probably when they're in close quarters all this time, which then causes, you know, the violation of the orders. and so i have real concerns about whether it's really will result in a fair verdict and an impartial verdict if they're sequestered. >> lisa, does it favor one side or the other? >> well you have to think about who gets more favorable treatment in the media. and there is certainly media that is very pro zimmerman. but i think there is more discussion in the public discourse that is portray von martin. so i think sequestration helps the defense because the jurors will not be listening to a lot of public discussion, about what a terrible person george zimmerman. they certainly won't be aware of rallies that may take place in support of trayvon martin. overall, thing is a little bit helpful to the defense to have the sequestration. >> faith jenkins, lisa bloom and john burris, thank you for your time. and in full disclosure, george zimmerman has sued nbcuniversal for defamation, and the company has strongly denied his allegations. ahead, we're shining light on the shameless priorities of house republicans. they're ready to drop food stamps for millions of americans. but democrats are proving just how hard it is to live on food stamps. we'll talk to one, next. and a day after a republican congressman talks about rape, governor walker says he doesn't have any problem with ultrasounds. oh really? didn't really knew you had so many. and for 43 years, "essence" magazine has empowered african-american women. it's known as a black woman's bible for all aspects of life. essence music festival has featured the brightest stars for years. this year something new and something exciting. we have a big announcement coming. and i love hearing from you, "politicsnation." friend or foe, i want to know. e-mail me. reply al is ahead. breaking news tonight. the white house has confirmed the syrian government has used chemical weapons against syrian rebels. president obama recently said chemical weapons by the syrian president was a, quote, red line that would impact action from the u.s. tonight we've learned the united states will provide military support to rebels in syria. over 90,000 have been killed in this syrian civil war. we'll continue to follow this story. 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[ female announcer ] you trust your doctor. doctors trust citracal. republicans have come up with a whole bunch of ugly names for people who need a little help putting food on the table. well fed queens, takers, the 47%. and now house republicans are poised to pass a bill that would cut more than $20 billion from food stamp programs and take away benefits from two million americans. we've seen it over and over again. republicans putting politics over people. >> the role of citizens, of christians, of humanity is to take care of each other, but not for washington to steal money from those and the country and give it to others in the country. >> it appears to me that the goal of this administration is to expand the roles of people that are on s.n.a.p. benefits. another purpose for that is just to expand the dependency class. >> why don't we just pay for your clothes, pay for your shoes, pay for your housing? >> these republicans are shameless. they have no idea what it's like to wonder where your next meal is coming from. why don't they try to live on the average food stamp benefit of just $31.50 a week? that's exactly what 26 house democrats are doing, starting today. with the s.n.a.p. food stamp challenge, it's not easy that they have to make, and they have to make some hard choices. one lawmaker drove the point home last night by unpacking his groceries on the floor of the u.s. house of representatives. >> it's going to be a challenge. i certainly will not be eating three meals a day. i will eat in the morning, and then i will eat in the evening. >> three meals a day. that hardly seems like too much to ask in the greatest and most powerful nation on earth. joining me now is that lawmaker you just saw, congressman hank johnson from georgia, and richard wolffe, executive editor of msnbc.com. thank you both for being here tonight. >> thank you, reverend. >> congressman, do you think republicans would pass these food stamp cuts if they had to live on $31.50 a week? >> no, i really don't. and the problem is that we have so many millionaires over there on the other side of the aisle that they will never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or trying to stretch dollars so that they can eat for the period of time that they have the finances to pay for it. . >> you know, richard, when the congressman says that let me give you the facts, the numbers, that food stamp recipients versus lawmakers, weekly food stamps benefit, $31.50, as i said, $31.50 a week. the medium net worth of a member of congress is $966,000 a year. you talking about almost a million dollars a year, medium income. you're talking about net worth here, not a year, of about a million dollars median income for members of congress. and you're talking about these are the people that are going to vote to cut $31.50 for people that receive food stamps. this is outrageous. >> you can earn a lot less than $900,000 a year to understand that $31 a week is not enough to feed anyone, really. and there is not a dependency culture that comes out of $31 a week. >> right. >> we're talking about millions of hungry people in the world's richest country. and, you know, it wasn't so long ago it was republican who said you shouldn't balance the budget on the backs of the poor that republican was george w. bush when he was running for president as a compassionate conservative. you know, hunger is not partisan issue. and what they're doing now is trying to turn into it a partisan issue. that's not the republican party of even george w. bush. >> congressman johnson, not only is it not a partisan issue, look who it impacts. 45% people who receive it are children. .5% elderly. 20% disabled. these are people that are the most vulnerable. children, seniors, disabled. >> and reverend al, many of the people who receive food stamps are employed. they're working as much as they can, but they're working for minimum wage. they can't make ends meet. and they need the food stamps to help. and it's just -- so we've got working poor. we've got poor. but regardless of what your status, $31.50 a week adds up to about $1.50 a meal per day. and it's just -- to take $20 million, $20 billion, excuse me, away from this program, which serves as a safety net for 47 million americans is just callous. it's -- especially when we are looking at spending $3 billion on an east coast missile defense shield for a threat that does not yet exist. $3 billion. >> and the defense department does not want. if we can find that $3 billion, we certainly can find how we can keep the $20.5 billion from going away. >> let me ask you this, congressman. you unpacked your bags last night. very little food showing dramatically what you can do with $31.50 a week. explain to the audience what you were able to buy. >> well, for -- i focused on breakfast first. i bought two packs of bacon, because i could get two packs for one. and that's going to basically be my meat for the day. i did bring -- i did buy some hot dogs also, maybe about eight of those hot dogs. then i've got some waffles in the morning, some syrup in the morning. some oatmeal in the evenings. and also some bananas and some tea. i splurged on something to comfort me, some tea. and also, the ramen noodles. i got an eight-pack of those. i have a little bit of variety, but i'm going to have to do my best to stretch -- stretch this food. and i can tell you, i'm already feeling weak today from just having -- >> and you just started today? >> just started this morning. i don't know. i don't know how i'm going to. >> i got to tell you. the congressman made the choices many people would choice. but what he is talking about, apart from the bananas and the oatmeal, you're talking about a lot of unhealthy food there. this is a paradox of what we have in this country. a lot of hungry people who are also eating bad food. you can be obese and hungry at the same time. and that is a sad case in america today. >> and i have to go. but i also wanted, not only do we show the most vulnerable, the makeup of the people in this country on food stamps, 35% white, 23% black, 15% hispanic. because we seem to color this all one way. and the facts speak for themselves. that's the graph of the racial breakdown of food stamp recipients from the department of agriculture, this racial breakdown was given. congressman johnson, thank you for being with us. and thank you for your dramatic example with your other colleagues. richard wolffe, thanks for your time tonight. >> thank you. >> and congressman, good luck with that food stamp challenge this week. >> i'm going to need it, reverend. >> all right. ahead, wait until you see how we caught marco rubio after denying he knew the congressman who was talking about rape. he'll be reaching for the water again after this. and i've got very exciting announcement to make about this show, coming up. stay right here. 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[ male announcer ] from broadband to web hosting to mobile apps, small business solutions from at&t have the security you need to get you there. call us. we can show you how at&t solutions can help you do what you do... even better. ♪ chalky... not chalky. temporary... 24 hour. lots of tablets... one pill. you decide. prevent acid with prevacid 24hr. everyone knows the republican party has a woman's problem. everyone except the republican party, that is. >> think that you guys should be spending so much time on issues that -- >> jobs continues to be our number one concern. >> jobs are our number one concern. that's right, jobs, jobs, jobs. soto's 19 republican men had jobs in mind when they voted to restrict women's rights yesterday. and congressman franks was concerned with jobs when he made those rape comments. here is a job, speaker boehner. get your story straight. but the gop women's problem doesn't end there. remember governor ultrasound, bob mcdonald? well, it looks like he is getting a buddy. governor scott walker is on track to sign a bill requiring all women seeking abortions to get an ultrasound. why? well, governor walker says i don't have any problem with ultrasound. few! i'm glad you don't. this comes days after democrats tried to continue debate on this very bill. but they were shut down by the republican senate president. >> call the role. darling? >> you're out of order. >> ellis. >> you're out of order. >> step down. you're not recognized. >> the question before the house is not debatable. call the role! >> something sought of order, all right. the gop's priorities when it comes to women. joining me now democratic wisconsin state senator lena taylor and lauren ashburn, editor-in-chief of the daily download. thank you both for copping on the show tonight. >> thank you, reverend. >> my pleasure. thank you for having me. >> state senator taylor, let me start with you. why would democrats silence on something as important as this bill? >> why were we what, reverend? i'm sorry. >> why were democrats silenced from debating on something as important as this bill? >> well, know that it was not because we chose to be silent. it was because the republicans, although they say they want to change their ways, they are singing from the same hymnnal which is to take women backwards. they silenced us. they refused to allow anyone other than two women to speak on the bill, and then they called the question, which ultimately shut down debate, shut down discussion, would not answer any questions, and slammed the gavel so hard, reverend sharpton, that he broke the gavel, the president did. >> wow. now, this legislation would force women to have an ultrasound before they could get an abortion. is that what the bill calls for? >> that's exactly -- that's exactly correct. as a matter of fact, we did not accept, our governor did not accept the medicaid expansion dollars. so we're going to actually make it where 40,000 or more residents will lose medical coverage. so at a time that we're doing that, we're going to mandate an unnecessary medical procedure that is not even done by anybody who is skilled or trained as a technician or in the medical field. and we're going to -- >> go ahead, go ahead. >> we're going to require people to, women to take this ultrasound. and this is really not just the abdomen ultrasound. it could also be a vaginal probe ultrasound that we're going to require women to take that insurance is not required to pay for. this is really, you know, overreaching. it is big government at its worst. it's in the womb of women of wisconsin. >> now, lauren, when you look at this governor, he has, aside from endorsing this ultrasound bill, he has a long history of anti-women legislation. he signed several bills restricting abortion. he has pushed through the defunding of planned parenthood. he repealed wisconsin's equal pay for women's law. and as i just pointed out, he believes in small government, but it would take big government to execute this bill. >> like it or not, abortion is the law of the land. and to go at it through these back doorways is just cheap. it's politically cheap to try to get votes. and they know that something like this, i would be surprised if something like this wasn't overturned once passed. and so the problem, the bigger problem with all of this is the fact that legislators are getting in between people and their doctors. and politicians don't have any place being in there. does a doctor say that this is a medically necessary procedure? if the doctor says something is medically necessary, then by all means do it. but if they don't, politicians can't say that it should be so. >> now, state senator, let me tell you about this. you know the gop has gone to extremes to distance themselves from congressman trent franks' rape comment. in fact, when he was asked about congressman franks' comment, senator marco rubio said, quote, i don't know who that is, talking about congressman franks. the problem is here is a picture of the two of them at a dinner together. that's not enough. they've also shared a stage as the only keynote speakers at an event in may of 2010. and more recently, senator rubio signed a letter that franks wrote to president obama. so-so much for him not knowing him. but they're trying to get away from an extreme statement. but at the same time, you have people like your governor saying they'll sign extreme legislation. >> well, i think one of the reasons, reverend, that they shut us down is because they were trying to get away from the extreme statements that the author of the bill made, senator mary lazic. one of her comments was that having an abortion was the thing you had to do to be a woman. it was the hip thing to do in the '60s. how ridiculous. >> wait a minute. she said this? the sponsor of the bill actually said this? >> those are her words. those are her words. >> it's amazing. >> and i have to say immediately the president went through the process of gaveling to the point that he broke the gavel. clearly, they knew that her statements were going to encourage other individuals to speak. but her statements were all the way to the extreme, all the way to the far right. the extremist kind of view. and i don't believe that anybody wanted to be associated with that. but it clearly is not them rebranding themselves for women if this is the way that they think and these are the kind of bills that they're going to be doing. we heard the same thing, that they're all about jobs. this is not going to create jobs. this is not going to help women to have access to health care. and it surely is not allowing women to have a choice for themselves. >> you know, lauren, it's not just legislation. i mean, listen to this main lawmaker explain why he is against expanding medicaid coverage in the state. listen to this. >> in my mind, a man's mind, i -- i hear really two fundamental issues. from the other side of the aisle, i hear the conversation being about free. this is free. we need to take it, and it's free. my brain, being a man's brain sort of thinks differently, because i say well, it's not -- if it's free, it really free? because i say in my brain, there is a cost to this. >> in a man's brain, my brain, a man's brain. i mean, lauren, this is 2013. this is unbelievable. >> what's that book? women are from venus, men are from mars, or it might be the other way. this guy is from a different galaxy. what was he trying to say? i guess because i'm a woman, i just don't understand. right? >> well, i have a man brain and i don't understand either. but state senator lena taylor and lauren ashburn, thank you both for your time this evening. >> thank you, reverend. >> thank you, reverend. ahead, "essence" magazine has empowered women for decades, and so has their annual music festival. tonight we have a very special announcement to make about that festival. stay with us. 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"essence" has been known as the black woman's bible for life. and for nearly 20 years, its essence music festival has brought together the brightest stars and the greatest performers for a summer weekend to remember. this year some big changes afoot. the essence music festival is now the essence festival. but there will still be music, lots and lots of music. and tonight i am very proud to announce on behalf of msnbc that this network will be sponsoring the essence festival. this show and others in the msnbc family, we will all be in new orleans to cover the festival next month. joining me now is michelle ebanks, president of essence communication. michelle, thanks for being here tonight. >> thank you for having me. it's quite a pleasure. >> you know we are really thrilled on working on the festival with you. tell me how it will be a little different this year. >> well, it will be a little different. first of all, you know we did change our name. >> right. >> we're no longer the essence music festival. it's the essence festival. we wanted to step into more of who we are this year. 19 years ago when the festival was started as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of "essence" magazine, susan l. taylor, then the editor-in-chief said we're essence. we can't just have a party. well need to give back to the community. and that's when the daytime convention center programing was born. and this year the programing at night in the superdome and during the day will both be extraordinary. >> and i mean extraordinary, because at night some of the musical acts will include beyonce, ll cool j, new addition, brandi, jill scott, maxiell. they'll be performing at night. but during the day, some of the panelists will be myrlie evers williams, the widow of medgar evans, congresswoman eleanor holmes norton. dr. steve perry, steve harvey. i'll be speaking. and i've spoken at every essence since you started these festivals. so i'm batting a thousand. >> you are. every single one. and it's one of the highlights of each festival. and the convention center each day, we attract over 100,000 people. and it's extraordinary with the essence empowerment experience stage to have the greatest community leaders and thinkers, you know, who are there helping to empower women to improve their day-to-day lives. so it will be something truly special. >> so we're having mayors there to talk about gun violence. we're going to be talking cultural issues, motivation. no one can beat ileana on that. politics will talking. voter rights, john lewis and myself and others will be talking. and then at night we go and get our groove on. >> we get our groove on. >> a party. >> of course. the one and only beyonce returns to the superdome. >> you've seen me do the james brown. you've never seen my beyonce. >> i've never seen your beyonce. i may need to be my camera, have my phone ready. but it will be -- it's shaping up now to be the biggest festival in our 19-year history. so we couldn't be, you know, happier, and we couldn't be more thrilled to partner with msnbc, because the day-time programing has been, you know, one of the best kept secrets. but now having "politicsnation" and other daytime programing from msnbc really showing the commitment, the importance of community. everyone will see what is happening and see the best, the best of african-american community. >> "essence" magazine, which started 43 years ago. >> yes. >> and has been really the drive behind this. and it really shows excellence among women, black women, but women period, and men read it. i mean, it shows a celebration of american life unlike anything i've seen. >> absolutely. and, you know, writer sheila radford hill said african-americans need community more than any other group. it's an important part of our discussion. it's an important part of our optimism and our joy. and so what -- when this audience come together, it's to celebrate those traditions that have propelled us forward. it is a moment each year to be proud, to be very proud of. >> well, it's a great weekend. i mean i -- you see gobs of people as they used to say, and generations, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and their husbands and boyfriends and some of the most beautiful but brightest smartest people in the world. >> yes. >> we gather in new orleans for this. michelle ebanks, i'm real excited about it. and we can't wait to get to new orleans. and we going to be there and we going to be sharp of mind in the daytime, and we going to party hearty at night with the essence festival. and look here at the schedule. all the times are eastern. on friday, the 5th of july at noon. now with alex wagner kicks off coverage, followed by "hardball" at 1:00. newsnation at 2:00. we're on at 3:00. "the ed show" at 4:00. and over the weekend melissa harris-perry from 10 to noon. the ed show. and we'll close it out with a special edition of "politicsnation" at 1:00 p.m. we're going to be working hard. we hope you join us. send your questions in to reply al. it's coming up. remember, friend or foe, i want to know. coming up. every parent wants the safest and healthiest products for their family. that's why i created the honest company. i was just a concerned mom, with a crazy dream. a wish that there was a company that i could rely on, that did all of the hard work for me. i'm jessica alba, and the honest company was my dream. 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[ male announcer ] new alka seltzer fruits chews. enjoy the relief! now it's time for reply al. your e-mails are rolling in. it's great to hear from so many of you. anthony writes dear reverend sharpton, i appreciated your updates on what rush limbaugh and the political right are up. to but do you think we give them too much credit or power by even mentioning them? well, they have an audience and people listen to them. i believe if you're going to step in the ring you call names and you deal with your opponents straight up. don't become bullied. say i'm addressing you so people are clear that we're not ducking and we're not avoiding issues. we're taking them head-on so people can respond head-on. we're being very transparent. sharon writes, i wish i could lose weight like you did. you look great. but don't lose anymore. well, sharon, i'm about where i'm going to stay. i wanted to get down to a certain size. i'm there. i'm very determined and disciplined in terms of having the will power to lose weight. it takes even more power to stay there. but i'm not getting any lighter until i go to new orleans with the essence festival. i may dance off one or two pounds. but other than that, i promise you i'm going to stay right about here. tom asks, reverend al, can you update any plans concerning the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march? it's interesting you ask. martin luther king iii was here with us today, and we are going to have the march on august 24th, the 50th anniversary weekend. the whole week, the king center, elder bernice king has five days of activities. the march will be that saturday. go to national action network d network.net and get all of the details. and all of us believe in making the dream a reality, and not just commemorate, but continue fighting for what is right. you should plan to be in washington with us in august. i love hearing from everyone. so please keep your e-mails coming. send me your questions to askrev@msnbc.com. remember, friend or foe, i want to know. thanks for watching. i'm al sharpton. "hardball" starts right now. president obama's red line is crossed in syria. let's play "hardball." breaking news tonight. a major escalation in the u.s. role in the civil war raging in syria. a conflict which has already claimed some 90,000 lives. the white house says it has conclusive evidence that syrian president bashar al assad's regime has used chemical weapons against opposition forces seeking to overthrow the government. the white house says that syria's use of these weapons crosses what president barack obama has called a red line, triggering greater american involvement in the crisis. in a statement tonight, staffer ben rhodes says, quote, following on the credible evidence that the regime has used chemical weapons against