united states senate today to not repeal don't ask, don't tell, the policy that prevents gays from serving openly in the u.s. military. the president's statement, among other things, saying minority of senators were willing to block this important legislation, largely because they oppose the repeal of don't ask, don't tell, referring to the national defense authorization act. as commander in chief, i have pledged to repeal this discriminatory law, a step supported by the secretary of defense and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and informed by a comprehensive study that shows overwhelming majority of our armed forces are prepared to serve with americans who are openly gay or lesbian a great majority of the american people agree. this law weakens our national security, diminishing our military readiness and violates fundamental american principles of fairness, integrity and equality. the president very, very disappointed. let's talk about this and more in our strategy session. joining us now, democratic strategist donna brazile, cnn political contributor republican strategist, john fear rush the