Crossfire Live Blog, Sept. 12, 2013

U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) and Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute join hosts Newt Gingrich and Van Jones in the Crossfire tonight to debate Putin's Syria plan and his take on the United States.

by Eric Weisbrod, Crossfire...

Welcome to the Crossfire live blog!
Russian President Vladimir Putin grabbed America's attention with his New York Times op-ed arguing against military intervention in Syria, particularly with the final paragraph where he disputes American exceptionalism.
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) and Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute join hosts Newt Gingrich and Van Jones in the Crossfire tonight to debate Putin's Syria plan and his take on the United States.
We want you to weigh in: Is America the most exceptional nation? Vote below ortweet your response using #CrossfireReturns. You can also vote by commenting on our Facebook post.
Tune to CNN at 6:30pm ET for the show and jump into the conversation on our live blog. You can also tweet using #CrossfireReturns and your tweet may appear right here. Also, don't forget

by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 9:27:07 PM
VOTE

by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 9:39:49 PM

Is America the most exceptional nation? Reply now with Yes or No using #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter retweeted by mjaconiCNN 9/12/2013 9:02:18 PM
Fuming is right! RT@CrossfireCNN In our show meeting Newt is fuming over Putin's @nytimes op-ed on Syria.Don't miss #CrossfireReturns 630pET

by Newt Gingrich via twitter retweeted by exLWaters 9/12/2013 9:15:25 PM
In the Crossfire 6:30pmET: Rep @AlanGrayson and @dpletka of @AEI @AEIfdp debate Putin's #Syria plan. #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter retweeted by AlanGrayson 9/12/2013 9:21:46 PM
What is Putin's motivation? @VanJones68 & @newtgingrich discuss at 5:35pET in @CNNSitroom with @WolfBlitzer - a preview of the 6:30p debate

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 9:29:37 PM
RT @rebuilddream : Busy week for @VanJones68 - First, he re-launched Crossfire - now - he relaunched vanjones.net for #TeamVan !

by Van Jones via twitter retweeted by atgiggleswick 9/12/2013 9:35:37 PM
Looking forward to this! Hosting @crossfirecnn 2night w/ @newtgingrich . Guests: @dpletka & Rep. Alan Grayson 6:30pmET #CrossfireReturns

by Van Jones via twitter retweeted by AaronCalafato 9/12/2013 9:44:07 PM
Checking in for my exclusive @vanjones68 sticker! #CrossfireReturns #GetGlue gtg.lu/14wXS8q

by Eric Weisbrod, CNN via twitter 9/12/2013 9:54:39 PM
The #Senate is adjourned until Monday at 2:00; the next roll call vote will be at 5:30 on Monday.

by StewSays via twitter retweeted by mjaconiCNN 9/12/2013 9:57:53 PM
Check into @GetGlue for your exclusive @VanJones68 sticker! getglue.com/stickers/cnn/c… #CrossfireReturns http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BT_pNVcCMAAb1qF.jpg

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:01:53 PM
Is America the most exceptional nation? Reply now with Yes or No using #CrossfireReturns and join our live blog: on.cnn.com/1d9176c

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:18:34 PM
#tbt of tonight's @crossfirecnn hosts. Who had the better hair me or @thisjenkim ? #crossfirereturns instagram.com

by Newt Gingrich via twitter 9/12/2013 10:23:21 PM
Is America the most exceptional nation? Reply now with Yes or No using #CrossfireReturns and join our live blog: on.cnn.com/1d9176c

by Van Jones via twitter 9/12/2013 10:25:52 PM
RT @crossfirecnn : Is America the most exceptional nation? Reply w/ Yes/ No using #CrossfireReturns & join live blog: on.cnn.com/1d9176c

by Van Jones via twitter 9/12/2013 10:27:37 PM
Crossfire starts now! Time to turn your TV sets to CNN and jump in the debate with #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:28:54 PM
#Crossfire is about to begin! Tune in for Night 4 with @VanJones68 and @newtgingrich #CrossfireReturns #Syria

by Billy_Holbert via twitter retweeted by CrossfireCNN 9/12/2013 10:29:16 PM
.@VanJones68 : All we’re hearing is the same usual crap from the same usual complainers. #Syria #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:30:20 PM
I'm not watching, but the question is compelling. Define exceptional. This makes a difference in the answer.

by Kathy 9/12/2013 10:31:34 PM
Vladimir Putin's comments on American exceptionalism, Syria cause a fuss
(CNN) -- If Vladimir Putin wanted to get America's attention, he's done a pretty good job.
The Russian president's opinion piece arguing against military intervention in Syria, published on The New York Times' website late Wednesday, set off a flurry of reactions -- some outraged, some impressed, and some just plain bemused.
Read more at CNN.com

by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 10:31:59 PM
Danielle Pletka
@dpletka
I'd love to believe the administration about helping the Syrian opposition if they hadn't promised to do it in June… & betrayed that promise
Sep. 11, 2013
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by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 10:32:11 PM
Rep. Alan Grayson
@AlanGrayson
Regarding the new McCain war resolution the United States should not intervene militarily in Syria, through the front door or the back door.
Sep. 10, 2013
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by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 10:32:31 PM
Rep. Alan Grayson: "It doesn’t matter whether Putin came up with this plan or Paris Hilton. . ." @CrossfireCNN #CrossfireReturns

by David Chalian via twitter 9/12/2013 10:33:38 PM
.@AlanGrayson : Doesn’t matter if Putin came up with this plan or Paris Hilton we have to follow through to see if something good comes of it

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:34:15 PM
.@dpletka : The President has presented two extremely bad options to the public. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:37:22 PM
Syria civil war: 5 things to pay attention to today

(CNN) -- The United States isn't leaving anything to chance.

While it pursues a diplomatic solution to the Syria crisis by sending Secretary of State John Kerry to meet with his Russian counterpart in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, it has also started arming the rebels. Two rebel groups, though, say the arms have yet to reach them.

Meanwhile, a Vladimir Putin-penned editorial in The New York Times has at least one White House official saying it's an indication the Russian president is "now fully invested in Syria's chemical disarmament." And a U.N. report says that both sides -- the regime and the rebels -- have committed war crimes in Syria's bloody 2-year-old civil war.

Here are the five things to pay attention to today.

Read more at CNN.com

by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 10:37:46 PM
Kerry-Lavrov talks launch new phase in Syrian chemical weapons crisis
Washington (CNN) -- An international crisis over Syria's chemical weapons entered a critical new phase Thursday as Secretary of State John Kerry launches talks with his Russian counterpart to seek a diplomatic solution instead of threatened military attack by the United States.
The planned two days of meetings in Geneva by full diplomatic teams including weapons experts were considered a litmus test by the Obama administration for whether Russia is serious in pushing its ally Syria to give up hundreds of tons of chemical arms.
Read more at CNN.com

by Eric Weisbrod, CNN 9/12/2013 10:38:02 PM
I love this show. I wish it were on for 2 hours!!!!!

by Tawana Smith 9/12/2013 10:38:17 PM
Get the popcorn out... @vanjones68 and @newtgingrich are in the Crossfire right now. #crossfirereturns

by RebuildDream via twitter retweeted by CrossfireCNN 9/12/2013 10:39:50 PM
.@NewtGingrich is fired up about Putin & his op-ed. He takes him on, next. #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:42:32 PM
"Putin is unworthy of being insulted by." -@newtgingrich on @CrossfireCNN #wellsaid

by johnstucker918 via twitter retweeted by CrossfireCNN 9/12/2013 10:42:45 PM
Nice to see @AlanGrayson on @CrossfireCNN . Way to educate @VanJones68 on foreign policy. Too bad he's so hawkish Cc: @newtgingrich #syria

by Michael_Shank via twitter retweeted by CrossfireCNN 9/12/2013 10:43:21 PM
Be sure to vote: Is America the most exceptional nation? Reply now with Yes or No using #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:44:28 PM
what do you think of tonight's @crossfirecnn debate so far? tweet me your reactions. #crossfirereturns

by Newt Gingrich via twitter 9/12/2013 10:44:57 PM
.@NewtGingrich on Putin: This is a guy for public relation purposes wrestles bears. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:47:20 PM
.@NewtGingrich : For us to take Putin seriously is a sign that we have forgotten who Putin is. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:47:49 PM
.@NewtGingrich : Frankly we should laugh at Putin when he tries to say America isn’t exceptional. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:48:22 PM
.@NewtGingrich : Putin is one more in a long line of dictators and thugs. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:48:41 PM
.@VanJones68 : Nobody around here is a fan for Putin. But it's important to look at what set him off. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:49:09 PM
.@DPletka : I don't like the hypocrisy and the inconsistency, when discussing Libya vs #Syria and Pres Obama's moves #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:51:11 PM
.@VanJones68 : Sometimes leadership is messy #CrossfireReturns #Syria

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:51:38 PM
.@AlanGrayson referring to Obama going to Congress: The price you pay when you ask people for advice is you have to actually listen to it.

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:52:23 PM
.@VanJones68 : We're now in a position where we could destroy all the chemical weapons. That's great! #CrossfireReturns #Syria

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:53:20 PM
Rep. Alan Grayson: "What do you think would happen? If we hit them, they hit us" @CrossfireCNN #CrossfireReturns

by David Chalian via twitter 9/12/2013 10:54:49 PM
Next: @VanJones68 & @NewtGingrich ceasefire and agree to disagree with Putin. #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 10:56:25 PM
.@VanJones68 America is exceptional. We have a founding dream that was about equality. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:00:17 PM
.@NewtGingrich : To get lectured by Putin on exceptionalism is an honor that I'd be happy to bare on behalf of the U.S. #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:00:59 PM
Thanks everyone for watching and tweeting. Tune to CNN tomorrow 6:30pm ET for a debate with @secupp & @VanJones #CrossfireReturns .

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:04:37 PM
RT @CrossfireCNN :Check into @GetGlue for ur exclusive @VanJones68 sticker! #CrossfireReturns http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BT_pNVcCMAAb1qF.jpg ow.ly/oPiE5

by Van Jones via twitter 9/12/2013 11:05:36 PM
don't forget to vote on tonight's @crossfirecnn question: is America the most exceptional nation? #crossfirereturns crossfirelive.cnn.com/Event/Crossfir…

by Newt Gingrich via twitter 9/12/2013 11:06:25 PM
What did you think of tonight's show? Let's talk at vanjones.net #crossfirereturns @crossfirecnn #TeamVan

by Van Jones via twitter 9/12/2013 11:15:42 PM
.@newtgingrich : Putin another dictator and thug: cnn.com/video/data/2.0… #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:23:24 PM
Here's some @CrossfireCNN 3-D elevator pop art http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BT_7abBCQAEmSJG.jpg

by adamplevycnn via twitter retweeted by CrossfireCNN 9/12/2013 11:24:36 PM
Rep. Alan Grayson in the green room before stepping into the #Crossfire . #CrossfireReturns . instagram.com

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:33:23 PM
.@NewtGingrich proudly stands with his co-hosts... Or their images on the CNN DC elevators.… instagram.com

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:37:18 PM
.@newtgingrich on Crossfire: Putin is just one more in a long tradition of dictators and thugs. on.cnn.com/1d994bj #crossfirereturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:43:39 PM
Gingrich: Putin is a dictator and a thug on.cnn.com/1d9bG9i (via @PoliticalTicker ) #CrossfireReturns

by Crossfire via twitter 9/12/2013 11:49:11 PM
.@WSJ : #Putin Rules- Goes along w/ what i was saying on @CrossfireCNN tonight #CrossfireReturns m.us.wsj.com/articles/a/SB1…

by Newt Gingrich via twitter 9/13/2013 12:01:30 AM
After all the effort and time that went into rebuilding Seaside, to see this going on today is just unthinkable. tinyurl.com/phs4te3

by Governor Christie via twitter retweeted by dpletka 9/13/2013 12:35:26 AM
Made my thoughts on Putin clear tonight RT @CrossfireCNN : Gingrich: Putin is a dictator and a thug on.cnn.com/1d9bG9i #CrossfireReturns

by Newt Gingrich via twitter 9/13/2013 1:03:23 AM
Looking forward to this... Hosting @crossfirecnn 2night w/ @newtgingrich ! Guests: @dpletka & Rep. Alan Grayson 6:30pmET #CrossfireReturns

by Van Jones via twitter retweeted by CordieMendoza 9/13/2013 1:05:49 AM
.@PressSec Thanks for the mention. As we said on the show, you have an open invitation to join the @CrossfireCNN on.cnn.com/15lI86y

by Newt Gingrich via twitter retweeted by CRANewtFanClub 9/13/2013 1:24:04 AM
Tonight on @crossfireCNN , @newtgingrich and I agreed on.... #ceasefire #CrossfireReturns ow.ly/oPqTB #video

by Van Jones via twitter 9/13/2013 2:20:22 AM

Meet the Hosts

Newt Gingrich

Author, documentary filmmaker, historian, Speaker of the House (1995-1999), and 2012 Republican presidential candidate

Stephanie Cutter

Fmr. Obama Deputy Campaign Mgr. and W.H. Sr. Adviser, founder of Precision Strategies, fmr. Sr. Adviser to Maj. Leader Reid and Sen. Kennedy

S.E. Cupp

Conservative columnist for New York Daily News, contributing editor at Townhall Magazine, commentator and author

Van Jones

Former Special Adviser for Green Jobs under President Obama, co-founder of Rebuild the Dream, author and attorney

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About the Show

Crossfire hosted by Newt Gingrich, Stephanie Cutter, SE Cupp, and Van Jones will debut Monday Sept 9th at 6:30 pm ET.

The classic debate program will resemble the show's original format with passionate conversation and focus on topical events on the day. The daily, 30-minute program will feature two hosts and guests each night, discussing a range of issues from all sides of the political and cultural spectrum. In addition to the weekday show the Crossfire co-hosts will appear across the network's programming.