Even in the midst of their stunning losing streak, it took the Republicans less than 24 hours to neutralize the Hillary Clinton/Rahm Emanuel "centrism" strategy. The pseudo-moderate Democrats have essentially been saying that what we really need in Iraq is better management. Well, Rumsfeld's out, and voters aren't dancing in the streets. Why should they? They didn't vote for better execution of the war effort. They voted for a change in policy, and a timely withdrawal.
What part of the poll results can't this Democratic faction understand? Per CNN:
According to exit polls, 57 percent of all voters disapprove of the war in Iraq and 58 percent disapprove of Bush's job performance. Most voters cast their ballots on national rather than local issues, with 60 percent saying national issues mattered most to their vote ...
Another poll revealed that 6 out of 10 voters want us to withdraw some or all of our troops.
Hillary's response was to declare that voters want "a new course in Iraq." No, they don't - they want us out of there. The Bush/Rove team, however much it may be reeling, was able to checkmate this timid approach before the sun went down on the claims of victory being issued by the "centrists."
The Emanuel/Clinton faction doesn't seem to realize they won't be running against George W. Bush or Mark Foley in 2008. They'll be running against John McCain, or someone like him. McCain's happy to tell you how dissatisfied he's been with Rumsfeld's management of the war. His biggest complaint? Rumsfeld's unwillingness to commit more troops to the quagmire.
How can Rahm and Hillary respond to that? Having staked their position on more efficient management, rather than a effective strategy for withdrawal, they're left debating who'll be a better steward of the war effort. Who has more credibility in that regard - McCain, or Hillary?
To Sen. Clinton's credit, at least she supported the Democratic Senators' compromise initiative to begin the withdrawal process in 2007. But the shortcomings in her nuanced position have just been made apparent. McCain's willing to tell voters what he would do if he were calling the shots. Now it's the Democrats' turn. A war-weary nation isn't going to be moved by evasive statements. They're looking for leadership. That means charting a course and following it.
The Republicans have called the "centrist" bluff by getting rid of Rumsfeld. He was, admittedly, lousy at his job. He thoughtfully went out with a final fusillade of condescending and self-serving horse manure, just to remind us how hapless he truly has been. America's generals will certainly not miss him.
But voters have rejected the war, not the middle management responsible for its execution.
The GOP has just pre-empted the ground that Emanuel, Clinton, and Schumer have laid out. Democrats - it's your move.