This article does not promote a Democratic win in 2008...in fact, it only reinforces the idea that Democrats are cowardly and weak-willed.

America's Mideast policies are flawed, yes, but attacking Democrats is not at all helpful in the debate.

Politicians cannot dare suggest that our Israel policy needs overhauling because if they do, all hell will break loose. Jewish Americans have enormous clout in both parties...not only that, they have it in the press also. It would be political suicide for any Democrat to get on the bad side of the Jewish lobby. Because of this, I am not optimistic that our Israel policy will change substantially. Should a Democrat capture the White House in '08, there might be subtle, even desirable changes in that policy but any candidate or politician must be very careful. I don't like these facts at all, but I am realistic.

Progressive websites should keep in mind the realities of the political landscape and not lambaste the Democrats for funding the troops. The American people want the troops funded, period. They will not tolerate anything less and it would be disastrous for politicians to vote to end funding. I can just picture all the television networks carrying clips of Giuliani, McCain, the Mormon, Bush, Cheney...the whole works smearing and clubbing the Dem's for not funding the troops. The GOP terrorists would have a field day!!! It would not be a pretty sight.

As for Iran, I don't believe the Democrats will facilitate a war with them. The American people are not behind this action. The recent spectacle in New York against the Iranian president was principally a Jewish endeavor. Again, any Democratic politicians coming out against all the name calling would have incurred the wrath of the Jews.

To sum it all up, I don't expect politicians to commit political suicide. What good would that do in the long run?

I'm afraid Vishnu13's representation of my comment is utterly insulting. I do not agree with his/her assessment that the Democrats are doing nothing. They are trying to facilitate a withdrawal from Iraq but they are hamstrung by forces which are completely frustrating the process. Calling them cowards, etc. is not going to get us out of Iraq. On the other hand, it may hand the presidency, the house and senate over to the Republicans in the next election. Why not blame the decider for our current problems in Iraq rather than undermine the Democrats when they are not successful in their attempts to get us out...the Democrats tried...there were not enough votes to force Bush's hand. The Democrats must have some help from the other side of the aisle in order to have a veto proof bill. That is the reality.

I reiterate: the American people will not tolerate not funding the troops...that is a fact. So what should the Democrats do? Not fund the troops and create a media nightmare for the party insuring that the American people hear how the Dem's are causing our troops to get killed? This is what is going to happen. Are the Dem's cowards? No. Realists, yes. There will be no withdrawal without a Democratic victory in '08. I think we should endeavor to get them elected rather than undermine them.

This is the gist of the "Let's get rid of the Democrats" song: Okay, let's bludgeon the Democrats because they are complicit and not trying to end this war; in fact, they are behind it and Bush, too. They are cowards and are bad, bad, bad. So let's vote for someone else because there is no difference in the parties.

Of course, voting for someone else will ensure a Republican victory in '08, but that's okay...that's fine...there's no difference anyway. Let's keep the Republicans in because they have done such a stellar job on the abortion question, health care reform, environmental issues, consumer protection, separation of church and state, and other progressive agendas promoted by the Democrats. And Republicans are so rational...they understand that Iraq instigated 9/11, plus they have a host of other brilliant ideas such as trickle down economics, getting rid of welfare, and cutting taxes so that the rich are fattened further. Above all, the Republicans are keen to go to war with anybody who doesn't jump through our loops. Yeah, let's have a Republican majority in the congress and another Republican president, also. That'll show those Democrats just how mad we are!

Vishnu, I refer you to my comment this morning at 9:55. Apparently, I have hit a nerve because you keep singling me out. I am not the only commenter to take this position...there have been a number.

And don't try to read my mind...I do not approve of secret surveillance. Nor do I approve of the rubber stamping...it was disappointing, yes, but not fatal as far as I'm concerned because I do believe that our best chance to end this war lies with the Democrats. The Republicans will keep up the conflict and even expand it. Certainly there is no third party candidate on the horizon who could possibly get elected in '08 or who has voiced that we should leave abruptly, except the unelectable, Ron Paul. But his other ideas are so far to the right I could hardly vote for him, ever. Therefore, I cast my lot with the group who holds the most promise to get us out of Iraq...the Democrats. I believe this fully and hope it is true.

Yes, it bothers me that unrealistic voters expect the Democrats to somehow perform miracles. It is fine to express displeasure with not beginning a withdrawal. I am disgusted with all the vitriol aimed at the only party which might help us get out of the quagmire.

Please read Walter Shapiro's article here in Salon entitled "Iraq. Why the antiwar surge failed in Congress." Sept. 26th. You will have to search for it but it is there.