Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, traditionally strong allies of President Obama, emerged from a Monday afternoon meeting at the White House with Obama largely unconvinced by his arguments for intervention in Syria and wary of contradicting their constituents, who CBC members say are almost uniformly against any kind of military action.

“I have to consider my constituents. Most constituents are opposed,” said Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) He added, while saying he remains undecided on his vote, “I helped to elect this president, I want him to be successful, but as I said before, I can disagree with him and still admire him and support him.”

Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri said after the meeting, “everyone in the room wanted to say ‘we are with you,” but simply could not.