Obama heading to Capitol Hill to personally push for Syrian strike

President Obama will go to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to personally make his case to lawmakers about why a strike against Syria is in the best interests of the U.S., according to multiple reports. 

{mosads}ABC News reported that Obama will meet with Senate Democrats at their weekly luncheon on Tuesday, and could also meet with some individual lawmakers who remain skeptical about further U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

Obama’s visit is part of a broad offensive by the administration to make the case that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s use of chemical weapons against his own people requires a U.S. military response.

On Sunday night, Obama and Vice President Biden met with six Republican senators – Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Susan Collins (Maine), Saxby Chambliss (Ga.), Bob Corker (Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) and Deb Fischer (Ne.) – at a dinner at the Naval Observatory.

The White House did not disclose the nature of the meeting, but the potential Syrian strike has consumed Washington. On Monday, national security adviser Susan Rice will make the administration’s case for an attack at the New America Foundation.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Twitter that Syria will be the “central question” facing lawmakers returning from recess.

Congress back in DC today facing one central q: Should there be consequences for a regime using chemical weapons against children? #Syria

— Josh Earnest (@jearnest44) September 9, 2013