House Democrats again cede moral high ground to Bush

As we get closer to September, one might think that Democrats would start acting a lot tougher in preparation for their September confrontation with President Bush.  Not so.  They continue to be intimidated by a President with a 25% approval rating.  Their latest Iraq bill, although it could gain strong Republican support, would write into law that President Bush determines when the last troops leave Iraq:

House Democrats have drafted new Iraq legislation they hope will appealto Republicans fed up with the war: Start withdrawing troops in twomonths but leave it up to President Bush to decide when to complete thepullout.

The vote will come next week, as members take up a $460 billion billcovering military spending for 2008. Another vote could come again inSeptember, after Iraq commander Gen. David Petraeus delivers along-anticipated assessment on the war and Congress considers a $142billion measure needed to finance the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Imagine if the White House called the Democrats' bluff and went along with the bill.  The Democrats would be responsible for enabling the President to keep troops in Iraq through the end of his term.

Comments

[Robert]

It seems to me that the Democrats will do nothing and wait till September. If a bill is passed it becomes their problem and it looks as if they are fine with letting it continue to be Bush's problem. It is so important to take a stand rather then worry about their jobs. What is the point of their election. To continue to be elected or to represent those people, as a whole, who voted for you.

[granny]

I'm dumbfounded.

Is it just time to realize that "progressives" (whatever the heck that is...really. Is that something we just made up because we couldn't be "Democrats" anymore?) are not represented?

Is that because, dare I say it again, we don't get to pick the candidates for candidacies anymore?

Who is it that's represented by these Democrats?

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Exactly, Robert! It should be an easy decision for the Democrats -- take a stand, or possibly get booted out of office. Why are they scared? Bush has a 25% approval rating....and no higher than 34% in other polls. People disapprove of Congress because of their inaction, not because a majority of Americans agree with Bush.

[LaPopessa]

The 2006 Congress was elected to bring an end to the war. Each one needs to be held accountable for failing in this and being - as you put it, intimidated by that 25% approval rating.