Democrats, who have taken control of Congress, want very much to retain control after 2008. They also would like to win the Presidency. But what stands in their way is Iraq. They have got to take the right positions. But what are the right positions as far as Americans are concerned?
That's a tough one to answer.
True, the MoveOn/Daily Kos crowd want them to remove funding for the war and get everyone home. But while they are vocal, they are not a majority.
If a Democratic strategist were to look at the new Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll, they just might get a headache trying to discern the mood of Americans.
It is quite clear that Iraq is foremost on most people's mind. 45% polled said that it was the most important issue with which the government must deal.
And on the one hand, 59% oppose sending more troops to Iraq, and if given a chance, 57% would vote against it. Most, 52%, don't think more troops will make a difference.
On the other hand, 52% would not cut funding for the war as many Democrats are proposing. And most dangerous for Democrats, 63% of Americans want Bush's plan to succeed in Iraq. If Democrats leave the impression that they were the ones who caused the plan not to succeed, they will likely pay a heavy price at the polls in 2008.
And right now, Democrats are losing the PR war. 48% of Americans believe that Democrats want the Presidents plan to fail; only 32% believe Democrats want Bush to succeed.
Nothing I've heard since the President's speech would lead me to believe that impression is wrong.
Keeping control of Congress means Democrats will have to navigate the mined waters of public opinion. People might not like the War in Iraq, but they will like losing even worse. Especially if losing means increased chaos in the Middle East and resultant sky-high oil prices.
But it doesn't seem to me, today, that Democrats are aware of the perilous waters in which they sail.
