Charlie McCarthy

This is a quote of the day via Steve Benen:

"Bush and the Republicans aren't dominant. They're a minority, but an unusually effective one. One measure of this: At the end of 2007, there will be more American troops in Iraq than when Democrats took over Congress in January."

-- Fred Barnes in the new issue of the Weekly Standard.

Given that Barnes generally can't speak while Karl Rove is drinking water, one should probably assume this reflects the White House's thinking on troop deployments in Iraq.

Aside from the cool snark, I have to agree with Barnes. The proof is in the putting, and the fact is true that there are more troops in Iraq now than before. That's a pathetic statement on the passion of American voters. It's one thing to answer a poll, it's another to actively go after your Congress-critter to end the war .... particularly when you're a Republican.