here to talk about his his big gamble and risks are cornell belcher, donna brazile, and thanks to allbeing here. let me start with you, david. surprise. good thing, bad thing? >> always a bad thing. and it's not just washington is surprised, america's international relationships are surprised, too. no surprises is the first rule of good alliance management. allies expected american action this weekend, and now postponed. and the overhanging risk that congress may say, no. if asked, i sincerely hope congress will say yes because it will be a blow to america's standing if congress says no, but then it might say no, and we have a huge political embarrassment for a president who theoretically might be able to do it, but politically won't. >> it sounded like john kerry -- >> no, the president was ready to act, okay? he was ready to go forward. but he decided he needed consensus and debate and brought -- and is willing to bring congress in to this debate to give them the same evidence that he's been presented with, so that they can make an informed decision along with the administration. th