Troop vilification efforts and withdrawal pressure sent via satellite throughout the insurgence of the Middle East?! A glance at the Marxist/Leninists backer- origins of Sheehanoid Anti-War. James Joyner gives his reaction to: Democratic Leaders’ Le....

The more I think about your remarks, the more laughable they become. There was near universal agreement going in to the election that it was all about Iraq. The well funded, well trained GOP organization, with a huge spending advantage and complete control of the government, got their heads handed to them. It was not "one on one" it was a near tidal wave. Ask Richard Pombo. I think we all know how often incumbent members of congress lose in years when it really is an election based on local issues.

As for midterms not meaning much, well what happened in '94? Did Newt just have a good day at the track, with no larger context?

How about 2002? After Rove B-slapped the Democrats, did you go around telling everyone how little it meant?

While you are at it, why not blow a little smoke up our asses about "the six year itch"? Funny how it did not seem to affect Clinton and Reagan, who actually did a good job leading the country while in office.

I guess its no surprise you support Bush. You both dwell in some strange pocket universe where reality seems to play very little role.

This President is pretty much of a legend for only hearing what he wants to hear. Why exactly do you find it hard to believe that he does not listen to contrarian advice?

Different generals have different ideas about what should or should not be done. How can we listen to all of them and do what they want? There will always be those who's ideas are rejected and used by the political opposition as "proof" the President is incompetent.

We have an active undermining of the confidence in our war time leader by people who politically oppose him and look to damage his party as well. This is not good for our country.

As too many cooks spoil the broth we can expect too many generals to spoil the plan. We can also expect too much open discussion of war plans to weaken whatever plan is chosen.

Failure to succeed does not necessarily mean ineptitude. The difficulties of Iraq may be such that no plan will ever succeed but yet a plan must be put forward. Plans also have to be adjusted or discarded throughout the process.

I find it hard to believe that our President is not listening to many advisers and working hard to remedy a tough situation. I also find it hard to believe people are still calling every move he makes wrong. That's what is not rational.

Steven may be upset that Congress is attempting to interfere in an Executive function, but if the President refuses to follow all rational advice, and continues to press forward down a path detrimental to national interests, he can only be removed by Congress - unless we can afford to wait another 2 years...

This is the first salvo of the oncoming appropriations battle. The difference between this and ISG is that, whereas the ISG was merely a bunch of greybeards telling the president what he ought to do, Congress weilds the power of the purse. Not exactly the same context.