Go Big, Go Long, Go Home

The Washington Post scooped the major other dailies on the Pentagon's closely guarded review of the War in Iraq. The review boils down the military's options to three: "Go Big," "Go Long," "Go Home."

"Go Big" - aka The McCain option - involves a significant troop increase. "Go Long" involves a long-term troop commitment for stepped-up training and advising of Iraqi forces (with a possible temporary troop increase). And "Go Home" puts a crisp, obvious tag on what several Democratic candidates campaigned for.

Each option's appeal depends on how you define victory and whether your informed judgment says victory is possible.

Between all options lie several shades of grey. Public opinion is torn. A big majority is concerned that the president will stay the course. And a big majority [78 percent] is concerned Democrats may leave too hastily, according to a recent Newsweek poll.

At any rate, Bush's take no prisoners, good versus evil, Barney Fife posture has gone the way of Friendster. America is thinking again. The quality of public debate surrounding war proposals should compensate for the simplified, jingoistic catchiness of "Go Big," "Go Long," "Go Home."