CNN is pouncing on the Syria situation, bumping up the debut of its rebooted debate show “Crossfire” a week to Sept. 9 — an effort to capture the moment of brewing political and military tension before it passes.
“Crossfire” was canceled in 2005 but is being revived with Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp, Stephanie Cutter and Van Jones. The half-hour debate format will air weeknights at 6:30 p.m. (with a 2 a.m. re-air).
Also read: Syria Crisis: How the Networks Are Covering
Obama said in a Rose Garden address Saturday that the U.S. military was poised to “strike at the time of our choosing” in Syria, which is accused of using nerve gas in an Aug. 21 attack on rebel strongholds in a Damascus suburb, killing nearly 1,500 people.
But Obama’s declaration had a twist — toward the end of his address, he said he’s asking Congress to decide whether to pull the trigger. They’ll open the debate when they return from recess, and since the military strike is considered punitive, they have a few days to think it over.
Maybe even long enough that Gingrich will have his say.
Politico first reported the news of “Crossfire’s” move.