The Trap
There is another op-ed today in the Financial Times pointing out the trap the Democrats have managed to set for themselves. Clive Crook points out just how dangerous a position the Democrat's left-pandering on the Iraq war has put them into. In short, they could very well sink themselves if they don't back off right away.
The better news, though, poses a challenge for Democrats as the election approaches. Opposition to the war has been their chief theme. This still commands broad and strong support, of course, but the intensity could continue to fade. Republicans will seek opportunities to accuse Democrats of wanting the US to fail, or of wishing to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory – and those charges will acquire some force if the view that the surge has worked takes hold. For Democrats, even putting the recent fall in violence in its correct context poses a political risk, because it can be portrayed as failing to recognise the military’s efforts and achievements. If the Republican presidential contenders have any sense, they will tread very carefully here – while hoping that Democrats fall into the trap and helping them to if the opportunity presents itself.
Personally, I do not believe the Democrats can change course at this point. They are too heavily invested in an American defeat. I pointed out when they first started this out-of-Iraq push that betting against America could be a disaster for them. I still think it is likely to be one. Even the firmly left-leaning New York Times is starting to see how dangerous a position the Democrats have gotten themselves into.
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This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here » Verdict first; trial afterwards — Monday, 26 November , 2007 @ 9:16 am
By syn, Monday, 26 November , 2007 @ 7:46 am
The Democrat Party passed the point of no return right after Moveon.org announced to the party “we bought you and now we own you.”