At the same time that Bush announced the resignation, or termination, of Rumsfeld, he cautioned our enemies not to “laugh” that the Democrats obtained majorities. It does have its funny side, but if this was a warning that the campaign against them would continue, if in other ways, it seems unwise.

He had no authority to speak for the Democrats, and even less power now than he had before. None of our enemies can seriously think that the Democratic Party has a policy they need to fear, at least not now. Al Qaeda and others will recognize the warning as bogus, as I do.

The most likely result in the short term will be more outrageous and wicked acts of terrorism. Al Qaeda and others recognize a distant victory because a mood for withdrawl and denial has already won at the polls, and only needs to be urged to completion. They might not even be right. Who knows?

This war will go one, whoever is in charge, but the Democrats need to define the war as something more pressing than a problem requiring a “solution” (Pelosi).