Two Democratic committee chairmen (Thanks again, Jeffords) expressed their misgivings:

...Such a spiral of withdrawals would be dangerous - and predictable, said Sen. Carl Levin D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.



"Unilateral withdrawal will likely lead to an action-reaction cycle in offensive and defensive technologies, including countermeasures," he said. "That kind of arms race would not make us more secure."

Sen. Joseph Biden D-Del., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also said quitting the treaty could lead to a new arms race.

"About eight months ago they were taking about weaponizing space," Biden said Wednesday. "God help us when that moment comes."



Perhaps Biden needs a refresher on Chinese space plans.

The New York Times, of course, jumped right in on command:

The News: Bush Pulls Out of ABM Treaty

The Spin: Treaty's End Would Ruffle Russia's Politics, Bush's Move on ABM Pact Gives Pause to Europeans

And finally, the Official Opinion of the Times: Tearing Up the ABM Treaty