In the 2006 elections, many Democratic candidates ran on the promise to end the war. With that promise, they took control of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.

So, about six months later we’re still waiting for the Democrats to end the war in Iraq.

Although President George W. Bush has been weakened partially due to the administration of the war in Iraq, he appears to be the winner in the latest round regarding the funding of the war. He’ll get his funding by giving up a few billion for some pet projects, but he’ll get a bill with no time lines. Bush is the clear winner here.

I supported ending the war before I voted against ending it…
The Democrats had a golden opportunity to stop funding the war on May 16 when they failed to pass a bill that would end combat operations in Iraq by March 31, 2008.
Montana’s two democratic senators, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, and 17 other Democrats could not stomach the possible blowback from being framed as not supporting the troops, so they voted against it. Tester and Baucus both used the same talking points saying something along the lines of supporting the troops but not the war, not pulling the rug out from under them, safety and security of troops, blah, blah.

But, The Western Word (TWW) contends that you can’t frame it that way. The bottom line is that if the Democrats really wanted to end the war, they would have voted for this bill and let the chips fall where they may. Private John Doe won’t be left in Iraq without any bullets nor will he not get a ride home if there’s no funding approved.

The lefties who support complete pullout of Iraq may find stronger candidates for 2008 to promote their cause. Right here in Montana, Baucus may find a primary opponent because he did not, essentially, vote to end the war. Tester, on the other hand, has disappointed many from the left by not doing what he claimed he would do if elected and that was to get the troops out of Iraq.

The left must be going a little crazy about this vote. Time will tell if they stick with their people or elect new ones to better fight for their cause.
UPDATE: It looks like Keith Olbermann of MSNBC’s Countdown feels pretty bitter about the democrats, especially the leadership, in regards to the War in Iraq funding. You can read his “Special Comment” HERE.