Howard Dean's View

Howard Dean, the DNC chair and former governor of Vermont, has been on the record for some time in his opposition to the war in Iraq. His latest utterance on the war was to WOAI in San Antionio:

"the idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong."

The White House through spokesman Scott McClellan addressed Dean's comments with a few comments of their own.

One thing that does appear to be similar to Viet Nam and Iraq is that, although never losing a major military engagement in either war, the press and leftist interests in each war were intent at bringing the boys home regardless of any consequence. In both wars the enemy was encouraged by our leftists and our press, and decided that while they knew they could not win the military war, they might very well win the publicity war back in the US.

Now, however, is it worth wasting the opportunities and situational advantages we have gained through our efforts? Howard Dean either believes we have gained no advantage, or that any such advantage should be squandered.

He predicted the Democratic Party would come together on a proposal to withdraw National Guard and Reserve troops immediately, and all U.S. forces within two years.

This isn't even a retreat with any recognition of accomplishment, just a pack up and get out quick attitude. Does Dean think that immediately removing National Guard and Reserve troops from the arena would add stability? Does he think that the remaining forces would be in any way protected by such a move.

You know, when I was a kid in Michigan, we often referred to the tail of a white tail deer as its "flag." A retreating deer was said to have its "white flag raised" as it retreated. Such an animal could never be confused with Howard Dean. While his white flag is plainly visible, his tail is tucked tightly between his legs.