Analysis: Obama won't say it, but vote on Syria has high stakes for his presidency

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference at the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia September 6, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

By Roberta Rampton and Caren Bohan

WASHINGTON | Sat Sep 7, 2013 1:02am EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It seems that everyone in Washington is talking about it except President Barack Obama: When Congress votes on the administration's request to use military force in Syria, the future of his presidency could well be on the line.

A defeat, a distinct possibility, would hobble Obama in affairs both foreign and domestic, particularly if fellow Democrats collaborate in it.