I'm a big fan of the Out of Iraq caucus in the House. They have been the conscience of our party on the war, and we wouldn't have won the election last year without their clear message. I thought, however, that their stubborn opposition to the Pelosi/Murtha effort to set a withdrawal date and fund the appropriations request was misguided, shortsighted and nearly cost the party dearly.
What the Caucus needs to understand is that there isn't anyone left in this country who needs to be convinced. The vast majority of people in the country from every demographic have turned against the war and have accepted the arguments of the Out of Iraq Caucus. The biggest percentage change has been among white males who once supported the effort in the past, and are a largely a Republican voting group.
The GOP knows we're right, but they won't vote with us because of the last two remaining stumbling blocks to ending this war: Cheney and Rove. (I leave Bush out of the equation for now because he is constitutionally protected, barring impeachment. That discussion for later).
Cheney and Rove have control over every division within the executive branch, from the department of defense to the department of justice. All scandals in this administration, ranging from Abramoff to Plame, can be traced to them. They been involved in enough crimes and have told enough lies to warrant subpoena, prosecution and incarceration (and impeachment in Cheney's case). If we put these guys under the threat of imprisonment, the entire policy would change overnight. Even Bush would cave without his two biggest advisors thrown into legal jeopardy. This isn't a philosophical or political debate anymore. This is about putting thugs with power in jail. The entire myth of this war as central to the war on terror and US foreign policy would collapse like the Berlin Wall if they were removed from power.
There is support for bringing Rove and Cheney to testify under oath and to challenge executive privilege. Liberals need to advocate strongly for this as a way to end the war. So, tell Conyers to issue the subpoenas. Bring Rove and Cheney in for questioning on Plamegate and other scandals. Do it now. Force a fight in the courts over executive privilege. That will begin the process of cracking fortress Bush.