The changing tides on Iraq

Issues for the next President, Presidential Candidate

Mr. Michael Vass is a contributing author.

I noticed an interesting observation today. For nearly a year there have been Democrats that have been calling for the retreat of our troops from Iraq. That’s not a new thing. For that same period of time the majority of Republicans have backed the President’s position. But now there has been a growing tide of change in the Republican party.

In both cases the Presidential candidates have reflected the positions that their respective parties have claimed. The degree of following the party line may differ but overall that is it. But with recent events signaling the probable end of Senator McCain’s campaign, support of the President on his Iraq position is beginning to wane. The current frontrunners, including the still unofficial Mr. Thompson, have all back off from prior convictions on the war.

The question seems to be when and exactly how any candidate will bring the troops home. While that would be a nice thing, none of the candidates have announced a full plan, or outline, on how to bring the troops home or what will happen afterwards. The only exception to that is probably Mr. Fred Thompson, who has discussed to some degree what might happen.

So with Republican candidates backing off, do the Democratic candidates lose some of their steam and appeal with moderates? Does this mean that this is the best course of action for America? Is it better for America to have a President that is willing to stand alone with the best interest of the nation at heart, or to recognize that the will of the people must be followed no matter the eventual cost?

This is the issue that all the Presidential candidates must determine for themselves. I expect that the one that gets the answer will be running in each party, and the one that understands it best will win. Only time will tell I suppose.

admin @ July 12, 2007