They convinced themselves that their wins in 2006 meant that the whole nation was now thinking just like them. Ironically, in 1994 I believe the Republicans made the same mistake.

Since then, it has become obvious that the "mandate" for unconditional surrender was anything but. Polls asking people if they are happy with the way the war has been conducted rarely ask the follow-on question--"why?"

Other than trying to destroy Bush, the new Democratic leadership has no other coherent goals.

If the spectacle of having to wrap the Iraq Surrender Law* inside barrels of pork--and STILL having to whip votes out of your own party--wasn't enough to get the clue across, wait and see what happens if Reid is actually stupid enough to field a "withdrawal only" bill.

(you can use "Iraq Capitulation Law" if it fits your sense of precision better)