[George W. Bush]

The point you miss with your assessment of the political game is how the enemy assesses this action. That is what is important...to hell with what those jackasses in congress are doing...

I don't think so.

This resolution is a do-nothing when you boil it down. It calls on a move toward an Iraqi control of the country (policing primarily). While the Iraqis have only one entire major unit in action currently, they're doing quite well in action and we have many police units well on their way in training and can expect at least ten to be in action by next summer. And a successful upcoming Iraq election, following the recent ratification, are another success ahead of us.

As far as the idea that Bush will be "compelled" by the Senate to define when and how we will bring the troops home, it's a no-brainer. The answer is, as it has always been, that we will withdraw most of our troops, not all, as Iraqis take over the job of defending the country from terrorists and are capable of squelching internal violent political struggles (Kurd vs. Shi'ite vs. Sunni) within the law, whatever law they define for themselves. And the answer of 'when' is also the answer to 'how' which is the other element in this resolution.

Really, this just isn't that significant. And I don't think the White House was caught by surprise here. I think Rove planned it in the context of next year's elections.

[Laverne]

This gives the President an opportunity to address a joint session of congress, every 90 days, get national attention to his assessment of the WOT. Although I think the pubbies were spineless in their adopting this resolution...it can have a positive affect. Just think of the President addressing the nation every three months on this issue -- a one way dump of the President's message to the world.