[Solson]

If they're backing off on their call for withdrawal as well as trying to spin this as a timeline for 'success', it means they've received considerable downside pressure because of their stance.

Kerry would never say anything like this without polling data to show the President is starting to have an impact and a rebound in the numbers.

[hsalaw]

"Kerry would never say anything like this without polling data to show the President is starting to have an impact and a rebound in the numbers."

You're right. The WaPo published a poll indicating that something like 70% of those polled thought the dems were taking this anti-war position solely for political purposes AND that it was hurting the troops' morale, and about the same number thought we should finish the job in Iraq (i.e., the replacement of our troops with Iraqis as the latter are qualified to do so). And now we see the dems starting to do the usual 180 after they'be been found out.

[libertarianPA]

I think Bush could send them into retreat if he continues to make speeches like he did today. I only wish he had done this a long time ago, when the Dems were first starting to attack him.

One of the things that irks me about Bush is that he has the tendency to "be the better person" when the Dems attack him. When the better strategy is to fight back and show their hypocrisy.