You have no idea about the WOT/Iraq to suggest such (and citing FNC is meaningless). You clearly know nothing about FID nor COIN as it was because of our actions / OP tempos of 05/06 that allowed for the success we see in Iraq today, to happen. The "surge" did not bring success to Iraq, it was simply great timing in filling the vacuum that was created because of our actions of 05/06 (destroying AQ and their mimics within Iraq, along with the containing of JAM).
That void was going to be filled by some source. The "Surge" was exactly what was needed to fill it. But the only reason that void existed was because of our successes of 05/06. But those with no Mil-experience and further who were never there on the ground don't understand this reality (especially news sources).
I am not going to argue with you on winning/losing since I was not there. But how could he decide we need all this addition troops and money, only immediately after the 2006 election? Rumsfield kept a big lie and GWB listened to no one else, not even FNC that was sympathetic to him?
But the public perception, and not just from NBC, but also FNC, was what I said. It is a totally rational conclusion. And it destroyed GWB and our party. Claiming PR does not matter means what we have now, Obama Pelosi.
Although I must admit this 900B bailout just before this election is definitely close. This guy really must hate republicans, or is a Dr Smith.