Pushback

The President yesterday:

"We recognize that many members of Congress are skeptical," Bush said in his radio address yesterday, adding: "Members of Congress have a right to express their views, and express them forcefully. But those who refuse to give this plan a chance to work have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for success. To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible."

For the better part of 3 years, Democrats have derided the war effort, they've insulted and impuned the President's intelligence and judgment and insisted that his chosen strategies for fighting in Iraq were an abject failure. Through that entire time they've never once offered a plan aimed at fixing what didn't work and accomplishing the United States' stated goals for it's efforts in Iraq.

Contrary to what opponents and the Post might think, withdrawing troops is not a 'strategy':

Many Democrats, in fact, have proposed alternatives centered around pulling out troops, an idea Bush flatly rejects.

If it were, someone could and would I imagine argue how that makes the situation better. They don't. Instead we're treated to rehashed arguments about the failures of the President's policy.

Well--and our good friend and co-blogger argued for this (not here, but elsewhere)--now the Democrats have won back a seat at the table of power. It is time for stating solutions not regurgitating criticisms.

The President and members of his Administration are right to call them on all the preening and posturing. Bring something constructive to the table; help win the fight.