Bush Ready to Bug Out?

Robert Novak's column yesterday seemed pretty definitive, since Novak is known to have impeccable sources inside the Bush White House (need we mention the Valerie Plame outing?). Under the headline "Quick Exit From Iraq Is Likely," Novak wrote: "Inside the Bush administration policymaking apparatus, there is strong feeling that U.S. troops must leave Iraq next year. This determination is not predicated on success in implanting Iraqi democracy and internal stability. Rather, the officials are saying: Ready or not, here we go."

So much for "stay the course," eh? Farewell to "We'll stay in Iraq as long as it takes to get the job done."

And why, if this is the projected policy, why not be honest with the American people? "Dear Voters: I know we've been through a lot in Iraq, in our effort to plant sacred democracy firmly in the Middle East, but I've finally come to my senses and realize that over a thousand dead and over seven thousand American soldiers horribly wounded actually hasn't been worth it, since my advisors now tell me we can't win. So all previous statements are inoperative."

Why not be honest? Because to be honest NOW would be to admit how badly you lied earlier.

Butter won't melt in Novak's mouth: "Six weeks before the election, Bush cannot be expected to admit even the possibility of a quick withdrawal."

Thank Gawd Kerry has finally decided to focus on the awful, awful mess we have in Bush's War.