I remember top Democrats voting for war and then coming straight outside the chambers, literally within minutes of their “yes” vote, to attack the war.
That way they were covered. If the war went well, they were for it. If it went badly, they were against it. And if necessary, both at the same time depending on the needs of the moment.
I can’t forget Hillary Clinton screeching “SADDAM HUSSEIN MUST GO!!!”
I suspect the big mistake made was for Bush I not to continue Gulf War 1 for 24 more hours. Of course, there was Russia to consider, but I think that 24 more hours would not have triggered a reaction.