You broke it, you own it

by Dave

For obvious reasons, the War in Iraq is the biggest debate this country has.

But, it's time to stop using the AUMF in Iraq (Authorization for the Use of Military Force) as a litmus test for what makes a good liberal. Same point goes to whether we should pull out of Iraq.

I'm gonna let everyone in on a dirty little secret: There are alot of liberals who don't think we should pull out of Iraq. (OMG!!) I'm one of them.

This is not to say that I think we should have been in there in the first place. I was against going in to Iraq, and participated in the protests in D.C. against the war.

The talking-point summary of why is basically "You broke it, you own it". Obviously it gets more complex than that, but it's not my point.

My point is that I want to know what a nominee sees when he or she looks at Iraq. What's the endgame? How do we get there? What defines "success"? Are you willing to leave without that "success"?

Do you have the capability/experiance/creativity required to handle the war? Most importantly, can you provide a contrast in honesty from this Administration?

More than anything else, the War in Iraq has been a dishonest debate with false choices ("Stay the Course" vs "Cut and run". "With us or against us". etc.etc. etc.) If you don't know, Say So! I already don't believe anyone currently knows, so until you prove me wrong by showing me specifics, or at least a vision, just level with me (and the rest of America) and tell us it's not easy, you don't know, but, by god, you'll try your damnedest, change your tactics if things aren't working, and be honest the whole way through.

That's how a Senator deals with his or her "war vote".

Now somebody turn those into talking points.