[Monti Cello]

Bush staked out the only responsible ground on terrorism immediately after 9/11 and is unwilling to concede it to this point. Prior to 9/11 the Dems demonized Bush to such a degree, and had thrown so much bloody rhetorical meat to their base, that they couldn't dare approach Bush on any policy, least of all war policy.

So any reasonable position on Iraq will shred any credibility with their base. It's not like they can say, well Devil Bush isn't really so bad - and we must stand with him for the sake of the country. They created a monster and now they have to feed it no matter how stupid and traitorous it makes them look in the process.

If Bush were to go soft on Iraq, the Dems would immediately try to occupy the hawkish territory he abandoned for political advantage, but that ground is radioactive to them while he stands there. They are boxed in on a ludicrous stance, but they can't do anything else.

[Don Carlos]

Dems... "are boxed in on a ludicrous stance, but they can't do anything else"

Good analysis!

[ClancyJ]

great analysis.

[Liberty Valance]

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