They were spreading defeatism since before we entered Afghanistan, saying we could never navigate that mountainous landscape, millions would starve there from our efforts, etc. They said we couldn’t beat the Taliban, too much local support, etc. Then we could never beat Saddam's army, our supply line was stretched too thin to Baghdad (remember the panels of retired generals), the Republican Guard would chew us up in Baghdad, we would never get elections, we would never get a constitution there, etc., etc. They have been cheerleading against us all along, all dour, pompous, arrogant, and shameless after being consistently wrong every step of the way.
In the case of bringing peace to Iraq, our demonstrable resolve is one of our most important weapons. With global media and the nature of this conflict, it is a direct assault on the mission to be campaigning against our cause with this undeserved pessimism. It is one and same with giving hope and encouragement to the enemy. Even the endless story of Bush's low ratings, always attributed solely and specifically to his determination in Iraq, is to tell the enemy that the man leading the fight against them has no support, and that they should hold out at least until 2009 when surely someone of less resolve and focus will be elected, maybe even someone who will immediately withdraw. (If this happens, heaven help us.) I blame the old media and the leaders of the Democratic Party for the ongoing deaths and injuries of our soldiers and innocent Iraqis. And this global war with radical Islam will turn against us if don't correct this course very soon. I know... I'm not alone here.
I believe you are absolutely right - and they are, by the same, responsible for many of our troops deaths and injuries...