[Paradox]

Is it just me, or does anyone else have the feeling that this is something of a dog and pony show, from BOTH sides. Both sides are benifiting here, the Dems get to placate their base, and the President gets to use the "Good cop, Bad cop" routine on the Iraqi leadership ("clean up your own house, b*tches")... It all just seems rather contrived.

To be honest, having gone to DC several times for business, and having rubbed elbows with folks in Government, I'd say that most of that cr*p is contrived..

[hsalaw]

Both sides are benifiting here, the Dems get to placate their base,

An interesting thesis, but the dems can't placate their base by backing down, and they knew they'd have to back down.

[Digger]

Is it just me, or does anyone else have the feeling that this is something of a dog and pony show, from BOTH sides. Both sides are benifiting here, the Dems get to placate their base, and the President gets to use the "Good cop, Bad cop" routine on the Iraqi leadership ("clean up your own house, b*tches")... It all just seems rather contrived.

This is your corrupt "Two-Party Cartel" at its best.

[ChildOfThe60s]

To be honest, having gone to DC several times for business, and having rubbed elbows with folks in Government, I'd say that most of that cr*p is contrived..

If you live there for any length of time you really get a feel for the "inside the beltway" culture. In many ways, it truly is like another country/culture. The people that live there, not just the elected ones, honestly have very little understanding of those out here in the hinterlands.