Ten days after the U.S. and other NATO countries started military attacks on Libya, President Obama will address the mission, with a speech tonight from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.
In his first extended remarks on U.S. soil about the mission, Mr. Obama finds himself facing a bipartisan call for a more thorough explanation of what he hopes to achieve with this effort, even as the leadership of it is handed off to other NATO members.
"Our military mission in Libya is clear and focused," the President said in his Saturday radio address, as he declared the effort a success so far.
"Along with our allies and partners, we’re enforcing the mandate of the United Nations Security Council. We’re protecting the Libyan people from Qaddafi’s forces. And we’ve put in place a no fly zone and other measures to prevent further atrocities."
On the Sunday talk shows, the Secretary of Defense said rebel forces are gaining ground on troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi.
"I think that the no-fly zone aspect of the mission has been accomplished," Robert Gates told NBC's Meet the Press.
"I think that we have prevented the large-scale slaughter that was beginning to take place," Gates said on ABC's This Week.
While there was pointed criticism from both parties in the Congress, some were also sternly defending the Obama decision on Libya.
"We have the opportunity to help bring about democracy and freedom in the Arab world," said Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) on Sunday.
As for tonight's speech, the location might not be that familiar to readers, but it has been home to a number of presidential speeches in recent years.
The National Defense University is a high-level training facility on the grounds of Fort McNair, a little known military post located on a spit of land where the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers meet, right across from the more well known Hains Point.
President Bush spoke there almost once a year during his two terms in office, giving speeches after Nine Eleven, during the Iraq War and more.
As for tonight's speech, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said it would include answers to a number of criticisms leveled by Republican leaders in the Congress.
"I think it’s perfectly legitimate for members of Congress and the public to ask questions," Clinton said on Meet the Press. "The President is going to address the nation Monday night. A lot of these questions will be answered."
Mr. Obama made no references to critics in Congress during his taped remarks on Saturday, so we'll see if does tonight.
"Every American can be proud of the lives we’ve saved in Libya," the President said over the weekend.
"And people in Libya and around the world are seeing that the United States of America stands with those who hope for a future where they can determine their own destiny," he added.
The one wild card remains the Libyan leader. Will he stay or will he go?
That question has yet to be answered.
