Democrats might be getting the picture

This isn't done deal yet.  But it looks like the number two-ranked Senate Democrat, Dick Durbin (D-IL), is putting his foot down and will oppose new war funding unless the money is tied to a withdrawal strategy:

Durbin’s commitment--and a forceful speech he delivered against newfunding for Bush’s war strategy--positions an influential Senate leaderin favor of a hard line at a moment when some Democrats are signaling awillingness to compromise on war funding.

“This Congress can’t give President Bush another blank check for hiswar in Iraq,” Durbin said. Later, he added, “The Consitution givesCongress a means to force the President to change course: the power ofthe purse. For the sake of our long-term national security interests,Congress needs to use that authority now.”

Durbin had better realize that if he puts his foot down on this issue and then lifts it back up, there will be lots of angry progressives and calls for him to give up his leadership post.

This is just in the nick of time.  Remember, the White House is asking for more money:

The White House is expected to ask for some $200 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the fiscal year that starts on October 1.

Pretty much all progressives agree that the only money allotted for Iraq should be funds that pay for redeployment from the country.  Like with other blogs, Democrats who vote for funding without a plan for complete withdrawal will be outed on this web site.  Enough is enough.