Not really...they prove as much every day.
"...many freepers are eager to know the truth... and are eager for the administration to show that it is in control and has a plan..."
May freepers are only intent on making it appears as if the administration doesn't have a plan.
"...we are eager for them to defend themselves with some bit of information or discovery that will validate our support for them."
LOL! There are too many freepers who are only seeking ways to invalidate them.
"When they remain silent and seemingly aloof, it causes doubts to well up and confidence to fade.
It will only fade if you don't have confidence in them to begin with, such as the Anybody But Bush (ABB) crowd, or if you are buying into the media and ABB spin.
Well you certainly don't expect much. From a historical perspective can you point out the Wilson administration's public proclamations of its plans for World War I to demonstrate it was in control and had a plan? Same for FDR in World War II, Truman for Korea, etc.
President Bush has said we would take the fight to the terrorists. How many terrorist attacks have occurred against American targets or interests since 9/11/2001? President Bush asked for and got Congressional authority to depose the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The U.S., with assistance from several countries, routed the Taliban army and forced the Taliban government from control of Afghanistan. President Bush asked for and got Congressional authority to oust the regime of Saddam Hussein from Iraq and implement representative government with democratic principles. The U.S., together with several allies, crushed the Iraqi military, removed the Baathist government and arrested Hussein, The successful invaders are now working to implement the promised new government for Iraq.
So far the United States has been successful in accomplishing every goal set out by President Bush. We have not achieved final success, but we are making obvious progress. Don't the successes provide all the evidence needed to show the President and his advisors had competent plans for the operations conducted, and shouldn't that justify giving them the benefit of the doubt that events are being competently managed and in line with plans?
Oh ye of little faith.
What do you want them to say?
Do not actions speak louder than words?
If words comfort you, Kerry never seems to be at a loss for them.