For what it's worth, and I hate to disappoint DU, the presidential candidate who can articulate the

[jerryme1]

following will likely win the 2008 election:

1. The U.S. will not abandon Iraq (the idea that the U.S. will immediately remove all troops from Iraq is unrealistic)

2. However,the U.S. will significantly reduce the number of troops in Iraq.

3. Remaining U.S. troops will be pulled back to Iraq's borders to prevent al qaeda from entering the country (remember to always cite al qaeda).

4. Remaining U.S. troops will no longer be patrolling Iraqi streets. But instead will be used to train Iraqi forces and to quelch al qaeda in Iraq.

I don't mean to sound smug, but this is the way it is likley to play out unless the Iraqi government asks the U.S. to leave beforehand. Any ideas? Thoughts?

[leftupnorth]

1. Um. Yeah.

Didn't the Iraqis already ask us to leave?

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. The Iraqi people want our troops out

It is surely only a matter of time before their govt asks us to leave.

[eShirl]

3. this time it looks like not being Republican might be enough to win the election

The question is, what kind of candidate can win the Democratic Party nomination?

[H2O Man]

4. You forgot Poland. n/t

[Solly Mack]

6. I love you

[deutsey]

17. LOL

:evilgrin:

[mmonk]

5. I will not vote for such a candidate.

I will work for the truth. When the American people see the forever war goes on, they will be pissed. Also, I don't know how many people are buying the lies anymore. All I know is they wanted a change in course.

[jerryme1]

9. I think the above would be a major change in course. From that position, the U.S. president and

Iraqi government can work for an expeditious and complete U.S withdrawal from Iraq.

[mmonk]

10. Won't work.

[mmonk]

13. I would need more assurances of withdrawal

and I don't think as long as the oil contract issue exists, its realistic. If the Iraqis have control of their assets, then sure, I'd consider.

[Ganja Ninja]

7. Dream on. n/t

[peaches2003]

8. We'll never know

The American public will never be told if the Iraqi govt, what there is of it, asks us to leave. As long as there is a Bush around we are not leaving!

[EVDebs]

11. but but but but, who will continue funding those 14 Permanent Bases we'll be 'gifting' to Iraq ?

If the U.S. is ultimately leaving Iraq, why is the military building 'permanent' bases?
http://www.fcnl.org/iraq/bases.htm

vs.

'As Iraqis Stand Up, We Will Stand Down,' Bush Tells Nation
June 25, 2005
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=16277

No wonder the Quakers were being spied upon by the NSA. They told the truth and made sense doing it. We're in Iraq PERMANENTLY, I suppose. Congress didn't vote on THAT now did they ?

[jerryme1]

15. Of course Bush is not leaving Iraq. I'm talking about the ability to

get someone elected who can help get us out of Iraq. I am not convinced most Americans will opt to completely "back down from al qaeda." The winning candidate must continue to "fight" al qaeda.

[EVDebs]

19. That elected 'someone' better start focusing on the true costs of this occupation...er, war per M$M

[Bluebear]

12. Need some wood? nt

[sandnsea]

14. We did that in 2004

So, no, we won't do that again in 2008. Out of Iraq, with troops in Kuwait and Turkey, refocus on global terrorism, I/P peace talks, that will be the winning message.

[jerryme1]

16. I hope you are correct. But never forget America's fixation on al qaeda.

[sandnsea]

20. "refocus on global terrorism"

Exasperation.

[jillan]

18. The candidate that is not afraid of denying * a blank check

for his failed policies is the one that is going to get my attention.

I want a leader, not a follower.

[EVDebs]

21. Dittoed on post #19 ! Follow the money !

[Hell Hath No Fury]

22. A-fuckin'-men, brother!

My 75 year old Mom called me this morning, in a fury. She had been planning on voting for Hillary in '08, but heard Hillary's wishy washy non-response to a direct question about defunding the war. Mom said she would not be voting for anyone who was unable to clearly say that we need to get our asses out of Iraq, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen, even if I go down in flames trying.

Times like these show who the true leaders are.

[GeorgeGist]

23. More deception ...

rings true

Welcome to the DLC b----ke sale.