No commitment: Democratic candidates take no firm stand on troops

After months of promises concerning when they will bring home every last soldier, sailor, airman and Marine from Iraq, some of the Democratic frontrunners in the presidential campaign have backed off specifics.

In a recent debate, none of the leaders of the pack came up with a promise that every last U.S. troop would be removed from the Middle East by the end of 2013.

And that is a sign that perhaps someone might be starting to think a little bit more about listening to the generals and others on the ground in Iraq about what the best course of action might be, and what the ultimate goal should be, in any future plans concerning the battle against Islamic extremists and the countries that harbor and encourage them.

In other words, it seems that the dove candidates have finally gotten the message — Americans want to hear about the end of the war, just not with empty promises and less safety for their children and grandchildren.

Now, maybe there can be a realistic debate on the issue in Congress and in the presidential campaign debates.

Or, then again, perhaps it is just more poll-watching and politics. We will just have to wait and see.

Both Republican and Democratic candidates had better be careful before they make promises concerning what they will do when they are in the White House.

This is not a predictable situation with a defined cause and effect. It is impossible to know what will happen two or even 10 years from now. We should be wary of anyone who says he or she has all the answers. He or she is bluffing.

It will be interesting to see what the candidates say next.

Published in Editorials on September 27, 2007 11:10 AM