The lead story in Sunday's
Washington Post points out that most Democrats in tight races for Congress are NOT embracing a timetable for U.S. troops to pull out of Iraq.
Among the 46 House races that nonpartisan political handicapper Charles Cook lists as the most competitive, 29 Democratic House candidates oppose a date-certain to begin withdrawing troops. The dynamic is different among Senate candidates, however, with more Democrats willing to call for a timetable for troop withdrawal.
Now I can understand why some Democrats in some districts would be gun shy of coming out for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq, but I think they are falling behind public opinion on the matter.
Among the Democratic candidates not calling for a pullout:
Diane Farrell, of Connecticut.
From WaPo:
``They want to give us this cut-and-run moniker and accuse us of a pre-9/11 mentality,'' said Diane Farrell, a Democrat who is challenging Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn. ``I absolutely refuse to be manipulated by Karl Rove and company.''
The problem: In recent Pew poll,
52 percent of those polled said they would favor setting a timetable for getting out of Iraq, while
41 percent would oppose that.
And furthermore, it appears that Farrell's opponent, has HIMSELF
called for a pullout as of Friday, reversing his earlier stand.
November 2005
Mr. Chairman, although some may feel otherwise, this is a serious debate about a serious issue. I strongly urge all members to vote against this resolution and against the premature withdrawal of our troops from Iraq."
But by last week, Shays had changed his tune.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
Friday, Aug. 25
Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), once an ardent supporter of the war in Iraq, said yesterday that the Bush administration should set a time frame for withdrawing U.S. troops. He added that most of the withdrawal could take place next year.
I think the Democrats are in SERIOUS danger of being WELL behind public sentiment on this war.
Enough of the timidity and fear of being a "cut-and-runner."
Most Americans want a timetable for withdrawal.
The Iraqi government wants a timetable for withdrawal.
And even some Republicans in close races are calling for withdrawal.
Come on Democrats, take a stand.