Once upon a time, the Democratic family consisted of two basic types of politicians–those who supported the Iraq war and those who were against it. As the war dragged on and the political climate changed, however, varied new species began to evolve, with all manner of ideas and opinions about the occupation. For months, these different Democratic factions lived more or less in harmony. But Pennsylvania Representative John Murtha’s dramatic call last month for a fast U.S. exit from Iraq was like a climate-altering asteroid event. Suddenly, Democrats were forced to articulate their Iraq positions as never before–and they found themselves in the throes of a Darwinian struggle for primacy over their party’s identity. Just as animals adapt and change on the craggy rocks of the Galápagos, Democrats are now morphing and grouping on op-ed pages, in think tanks, and on Sunday morning talk shows at a frantic pace.

(The species identified are Rapidus Exitus, Dovus Withdrawlus – “told you so” Democrats – Hawkus Withdrawlus, Bloviatus Gradualmorph – “cut and stay” or “I was wrong” democrat – DailyKos Pleaseasaurus – “cut and stay” disguised to blend into the kos crowd – Maximus Patiencis and Fidelis Puris, aka Lieberman, which is of course TNR’s favoured species).

When Bush says “let’s make a victory plan,” it’s stragegy. True.

When John Murtha says “let’s get out now,” it’s irresponsible. True.

When Hillary says “let’s make a victory plan with an emphasis on getting out soon,”… she’s no better than Murtha? C’mon…..

Obama says: http://obama.senate.gov/speech/051122-moving_forward_in_iraq/index.html

“Now, given the enormous stakes in Iraq, I believe that those of us who are involved in shaping our national security policies should do what we believe is right, not merely what is politically expedient. I strongly opposed this war before it began, though many disagreed with me at that time. Today, as Americans grow increasingly impatient with our presence in Iraq, voices I respect are calling for a rapid withdrawal of our troops, regardless of events on the ground.

But I believe that, having waged a war that has unleashed daily carnage and uncertainty in Iraq, we have to manage our exit in a responsible way – with the hope of leaving a stable foundation for the future, but at the very least taking care not to plunge the country into an even deeper and, perhaps, irreparable crisis. I say this not only because we owe it to the Iraqi people, but because the Administration’s actions in Iraq have created a self-fulfilling prophecy – a volatile hotbed of terrorism that has already begun to spill over into countries like Jordan, and that could embroil the region, and this country, in even greater international conflict.”

I’m a fan.

But I do like the joke about the Dems giving you more to complain about. Rapier like wit on display! Kee-ya!

And the Dems chaos is just how it’s going to be. That won’t change. Dissent within the donkey’s lair is pretty much standard operating procedure, and I’d much rather have that happen then the reverse. In other words, I’m not too enthused when a party simply falls in line with a President, and the last five years have been painful to watch, coming from a purely intellectually honest perspective. I mean, no vetoes? Are you kidding me?

In regards to the Dems message about Iraq, again, I’m on the side of staying. Can I understand why some in the party want to leave? You’re damn right I do, and I’m glad people are bringing it up. It holds the Dems who want to stay accountable for making sure they have a plan and really think about it. In other words, dissent breaks down “group think” and that’s vital in this day and age.

And ford, I’m disappointed. You’re only calling Dems whiners? What, are you tired today?

Where’s a Bill Clinton to unite the party and whip them into shape?