Party planning (or not)

Rep. John P. Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, called for the immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq yesterday. I guess the only reason this is really noteworthy is because Murtha is a "hawkish" Democrat. A former Marine and Vietnam vet, Murtha voted in favor of the Iraq war way back when Bush and Karl Rove were busy hypnotizing Democrats into doing such things. There may have been a mind-control ray involved. But I digress.

I was reading a WaPo article on the brouhaha this has caused, and something jumped right out at me. While this was causing a big splash on the blogs yesterday, Congressional Dems seemed to be toeing the water rather timidly. In doing so, one of the Dems made a rather telling remark:

Murtha's Democratic colleagues reacted warily to his remarks, while Republicans pounced. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), head of the House Democrats' campaign effort, said, "Jack Murtha went out and spoke for Jack Murtha." As for Iraq policy, Emanuel added: "At the right time, we will have a position."

Wow. Read that last sentence again: At the right time, we will have a position.

That pretty much sums things up in my eyes. The Dems have been criticizing the administration for not having a "plan" in Iraq for ages now. Remember how Kerry had a better plan for Iraq all mapped out and ready to go? You know, the one he'd discuss with us if only we'd do him a solid and elect him President? Well, if we're to believe Emanuel, they don't even have a position on Iraq right now, much less a plan.

I know - it's not like I should be surprised or anything...

(via protein wisdom)