9/9/13 - Congressman Mike Rogers is among a distinct minority of Republicans to publicly favor a military strike on Syria, but argues that the opposition to the move is due largely to President Obamaâs lack of leadership on the issue. The Howell Republican, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, on Sunday criticized the White House for its push for congressional authorization for a strike on Syria, calling it ineffective and likely to go down to defeat. Rogers said President Obama had âdone an awful job" of explaining why an assault is needed. "I completely understand why people are skeptical of this. You have a reluctant commander-in-chief, first of all, who's trying to come to the American people and say, 'I'm going to do something but I'm not going to do a lot; I'm not sure exactly what we're trying to do.' I mean, that's what the American people are hearing. And hearing that, I'm skeptical as well." Public opinion surveys show intense American skepticism about military intervention in Syria, even among those who believe Syria's government used chemical weapons on its people. Obama will speak to the nation on the issue Tuesday night and Rogers hopes heâll use that time to make an effective case. (JK)
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