Winning Topic for Democrats in 2006....

[CardInAustin]

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.

[confludemocrat]

1. Losing topic for Democrats: not withdrawing now. Anything else in cynical

positioning that won't win with the public. They are looking for courage and leadership, but with plans like yours, they will sooner or later see the game. You can't have both a "conditional" or "contingent" withdrawal and a "rough" 1-1.5 year timeframe. We are at cross purposes with one item on this checklist: stability, and the constitution being in place solves nothing and we will probably wait well beyond 1-1.5 years for the Iraqi Army to be ready. That is transparent nonsense that is brain dead and shows a lack of courage. Besides, the public actually wants withdrawal, so this is a no brainer.

"stabilizing force"? unbelievable.

[bluedawg12]

3. The longer we stay the moe likely conflict will spread in the ME

The neocon's and neoliberals seem to be in love with perpetual war and perpetual conflict.

it keeps us the people under their grip and fearful.

[CardInAustin]

6. Ok....

I understand what you are saying and might be untenable to say that we have to have a "stable iraqi government". Fair to say wtf does that mean.

But to put lead with "exit strategy" is not cynical or a right wing agenda. To simply leave immediately with nothing in our place would be a loser in the real world and the political world....and rightfully so. We created this, and do owe it to the Iraqi people to leave them with something better than anarchy.

The admin refuses to even discuss exit strategy. This is a loser with the public AND with parts of his own party. By leading with exit strategy you are showing:

1) In touch with the public
2) In touch with reality by not saying "Leave Today!!"
3) Strength to try and finish a job that somebody else botched, yet still bring our troops home

Plus, by focusing on an exit strategy you put the admin and Rep leadership in a position where part of their own party may not defend them.

If the Dems rehash why we went into Iraq they are fools. The public is tired of that argument and simply want to end this war. The Dem response argument for how they voted for it but didn't vote for it didn't work in '04 and it won't work in '06. Yes, there is a strong inner need to continue to fight the good fight and prove that you were right all along. But there is also a need in the real world to move on and fight the battles that you can win.

Remember, this is NOT about winning over you or me. It is about winning over Americans who may share many values with us....but not all.

[bluedawg12]

2. Those three ideas are admirable and pretty much

what the repugs are trying to do right now.

A month ago I was saying: draw down, garrison, and then leave.

Now the truth is get out. it is a cluster f*ck.

How long will it take to train an Iraqi self defense capability?

We have been there over three years. Is it going well?

Get out and get those who voted for the war out of office.

[melissinha]

4. Unfortunately I agree

All the things that SHOULD be on the agenda hinge upon not committing any more money to this lost cause:

education
transportation
relief from fuel hikes
environmental research
medical research
poverty
real homeland security
immigration
etc
etc
etc

[msongs]

5. you are really rehashing right wing talking points here:

- Iraqi constitution in place
- stable Iraqi government
- Iraqi army capable of defending itself

those are the basics of what bush is saying. the only thing bushco has not given is an exact timeline with real world dates.

perhaps it is time to disagree with bush.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

PS - not implying you are a right winger at all, just commenting on the content.

[OneBlueSky]

7. using those criteria, we'll still be in Iraq when . . .

George W. Bush's grandson is sworn in . . .