Democrats supporting the war effort?

Strange as it may sound, it is true. Evan Maloney profiles Joseph Lieberman and recent statements he has made concerning the War in Iraq.

If only there were more Democrats with the backbone on Senator Lieberman. Unfortunately, politicians live off publicity, and Democratic politicians know the way to get on the news is to trash the war effort. Because it doesn't fit the model of the story the media wants to report, Lieberman's man-bites-dog stance on the war isn't going to get any attention. But some things--like security for our nation and freedom for the 27 million people of Iraq--are a little more important than winning the next election or getting your mug on the nightly news. It might be hard for this nation of cynics to believe, but there was a time when politicians put their own ambitions behind the best interests of the country.

I cannot say Lieberman and I see eye-to-eye on everything, but I have always respected Lieberman for taking a strong stance on national defense. Unlike some characters such as John Kerry and John Murtha, Lieberman has been consistent, voicing his concerns solely on principal and not to get a few more votes.

I am disappointed by Democrats who are more focused on how President Bush took America into the war in Iraq almost three years ago, and by Republicans who are more worried about whether the war will bring them down in next November's elections, than they are concerned about how we continue the progress in Iraq in the months and years ahead.

As Chad would say, indeed.

Speaking of Chad, he notes another Democrat making similar statements. Believe it or not, it is current Virginia Governor Mark Warner. Being an official elected to a state, not federal, position, Mark Warner has had little reason to infer his opinion concerning the War in Iraq before; his statements might be timed now to conincide with a likely presidential run in 2008. While I cannot judge his sincerity (particularly as I am hardly a fan of Governor Warner and some of his policies), this move provides just as many potential benefits as it does potential risks.

By making these remarks, Warner made his path to the Democratic nomination for President much more difficult, and he needs to be supported for doing so. (To clarify, Warner is doing the smart thing for the Dem nominee -- and he's doing the wrong thing for a Dem primary contender. As a friend said, that particular tier will be overrun with cut-and-run diehards.)

Yeah, it's a calculated move to set him apart from the rest of the field. Maybe it's based on principle, maybe not.

Still, it is again good to see a Democrat daring to challenge the rest of the party. The War in Iraq can only be helped by the people of our nation unifying, and Lieberman and Warner are making a valiant effort. With the rest of the Democratic Party shifting further and further to the left, I will give a hint to those Howard Dean enthusiasts; these are some real leaders. Take this as a free hint, because as weak as Republicans may appear right now, Democrats are weaker, and I suspect that that will not change anytime soon.