Interesting Article by Michael Barone

This is a very interesting article on why the Dems message is falling short with some Americans when it comes to Iraq.

It comes down to this: A substantial part of the Democratic Party, some of its politicians and many of its loudest supporters do not want America to succeed in Iraq. So vitriolic and all-consuming is their hatred for George W. Bush that they skip right over the worthy goals we have been, with some considerable success, seeking there -- a democratic government, with guaranteed liberties for all, a vibrant free economy, respect for women -- and call this a war for oil, or for Halliburton.

Successes are discounted, setbacks are trumpeted, the level of American casualties is treated as if it were comparable to those in Vietnam or World War II. Allegations of American misdeeds are repeated over and over; the work of reconstruction and aid of American military personnel and civilians is ignored.

I think if the Dems should run on a platform that says the Bush administration has screwed up and turned Iraq into a quagmire but they have a better plan to succeed in Iraq. In other words use their plan as a backdrop to show how the Repubs have failed (they can go point by point) and how they will succeed if only the voters give them a chance. In other words tell us how the Dems plans to rebuild Iraq are better.

I have a feeling that many Americans don't like the war but they really want to see us eke out some sort of lasting victory. They want to see that all the deaths and destruction ended up building a better Iraq in whatever form it takes. They are not ready for the image of the last Air America helicopter on of the roof of the American Embassy as Saigon falls. I think some on the far left of the Dems can't wait to see that image so they can say "I told you so, look what the Repubs have wrought."