As The Polls Turn

I have greatly enjoyed seeing editorials and political cartoons in the past week accusing Democrats of flip-flopping on the war, saying that they are basically shifting in whichever way the wind is blowing. Because you know strongly the administration has clung to its pre-war stances (*coughWMDscough*). This is especially funny in a week where even Donald Rumsfeld is claiming he didn't advocate the war.

In the past week, we have gotten erratic (and somewhat nasty) rhetoric from the White House and other Republicans on war critics, then they toned it down, but not really. At first they spoke tough. But then the polls showed that the American people disliked the tactics (and *gasp* the war!) and this only hurt them more. So the White House shifted positions- enter the kindler, genter attacks!

Here's the evolution in the past week of White House/Republican comments...

On War Critics-

First: Bush, Cheney, and others say war critics are "dishonest" and "irresponsible". Their actions hurt troop morale and embolden the enemy.

Now: Cheney says the war debate is "more than just a sign of a healthy political system- it's also something I enjoy".

Except: When they try to "rewrite history". That's very bad.

On hawk turned war critic Rep. John Murtha-

First: McClellan says he's in the "Michael Moore and the extreme liberal wing" of the Democratic Party. Newbie Congresswoman Jean Schmidt says "that cowards cut and run, Marines never do."

Now: Cheney says Murtha is "a good man, a Marine, a patriot — and he's taking a clear stand in an entirely legitimate discussion".

Mmmmm, now that's revisionism!