Head over to Daily Kos Elections for a Colorado recall and New York mayoral liveblog
First thread and live video here.
6:12 PM PT: So we're about ten minutes into the speech—no discussion yet of diplomatic possibilities.
6:13 PM PT: And just as I type that: "Over the last few days we've seen some encouraging signs, in part because of the credible threat of military action, and discussions I've had with Russian President Putin" Russia is talking about pushing Syria to relinquish its weapons.
6:14 PM PT: "This initiative has the potential to" resolve the issue "without the use of military force." Therefore, he says, "I've asked leaders of Congress to postpone the vote."
6:14 PM PT: "Meanwhile, I've ordered our military to maintain their posture" ... "to be in a position if diplomacy fails."
6:22 PM PT: This is Obama explaining why he's not going to ask Congress for approval if diplomacy falls apart. Prediction: There will never be a congressional vote—unless it's to ratify a diplomatic solution.
6:28 PM PT: Here is a transcript.