[bnelson44]

Iraqi elections will be a mixed bag. Don't expect a big jump because of them.

[jmc1969]

Its the image that matters, if the Sunnis vote, and Rove spins this thing as well or better then he was able to do with the January election it will be quite helpful.

[birbear]

Iraqi elections will be a mixed bag. Don't expect a big jump because of them.

Exactly. After the last set of Iraqi elections, a full 25% of Americans surveyed said, "What Iraqi elections?"

Iraq, while the right thing to do, will not be a good campaign issue for the 2006 for Repubs. The way to win the war will probably take a few more years (of getting the Iraqi's up to snuff to take care of themselves, and they'll still have to deal with insurgents/terrorists for a while.) The alternative is much worse -- pulling out prematurely.

The public likes wars where the army can do what it's supposed to: kill people and break things. The public likes wars that are easy to define: "take out Saddam." "Destroy the Soviet empire." "Unconditional surrender of Japan." This Iraqi war is too complex for the average citizen to deal with.

Rallying behind the bully pulpit won't change that that quickly.

2006 is going to be won on the economy. If gas prices are where they are now, if the GDP is still cookin' along, and if people are optimistic about the Christmas 2006 season, the incumbents should win.

[swheats]

"Iraqi elections will be a mixed bag. Don't expect a big jump because of them."

Why not? and to not expect a good outcome is be a democrat.