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Two words: Exit Strategy
Now, let me make this clear. This article is about winning, not about the specifics of my personal feelings. It is about what can the Dems to take back control of the government.
We can't go back and rehash the reasons for fighting the Iraq war. This plays right into their hands in terms of who voted for what, who knew what, etc. While we may be on the correct side of this issue, it is difficult to clarify and leaves them several easy outs with the public at large.
Exit strategy is a no-win situation for the right. They have painted themselves into a corner by refusing to even discuss the most basic elements of withdrawing from Iraq. This is perfect for the Dems as the public at large is growing very weary of seeing little if any progress, and wants to know when they can expect to see their sons and daughters at home.
So, what exit strategy?? It can't be cut and run. That won't win with the public (note, the public extends far beyond the audience here at DU....remember that not everybody thinks as we do). It also can't involve a firm date, as that is too easy for the right to ridicule. Rather, it should be a rough time frame (say 1-1.5 years), and involve a few basic elements that can be EASILY ARTICULATED. No more of this mumbling details or "yeah but...." crap. Make a checklist: - Iraqi constitution in place - stable Iraqi government - Iraqi army capable of defending itself
When these are in place we will start a very specific drawdown to the point where we are just a stabilizing force in the background.
More details are needed....but that is not the point. The point is THE ISSUE and THE MESSAGE. I'm tired of watching these people ruin our country. We have to win the government back, and we have to be disciplined, truthful, and smart to do it.
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