As for point one, everyone knows the administration has been trying feverishly to train Iraqi security forces to take over the primary role of defending Iraq. But neither Durbin nor any other Democrats offered specifics to expedite the transition because even they know it is a matter for the generals to handle, not officious, micromanaging politicians.
Indeed, their chest-pounding about training Iraqi troops faster reminds me of the weaselly President Charles Logan on the phenomenal TV series "24," demanding, with all the authority of the late "Barney Fife," that CTU "find those terrorists right now before they release their nerve gas." Like the Democrats, there is an inverse relationship between the shrillness of Logan's demands and the rationality and constructiveness of those demands. Like the Democrats, Logan brings nothing to the table. He just criticizes and impedes those genuinely trying to protect America's interests.
As for point two of the plan, President Bush clearly envisions Iraqis working together in the newly formed government. But he hasn't issued threats in case of their noncompliance.
But how about Durbin? What does he propose we do if Iraqis don't demonstrate the degree of unity that he and his fellow uniters demand? Precisely how would he suggest that we Americans compel greater sectarian harmony in the new government structure? Again, they offer nothing specific. In fact, what they offer doesn't even rise to the level of vagueness. It's just nothing. Nothing at all but more insultingly vacuous rhetoric.
Moving on, Durbin's responses to Wallace's questions about Sen. Feingold's attempt to censure President Bush were equally revealing of the Democrats' unfitness on national security matters.
First, he said Feingold's frustration with the Republican Senate for not holding Bush accountable is what led to the censure resolution. Second, he admitted that they needed more information to determine whether the NSA surveillance program "violated the law."
So here we have a leading Democratic senator refusing to condemn a like-minded colleague for trying to censure a president -- an extremely serious act -- for violating a law they don't even know for sure was violated -- all because they are frustrated with fellow legislators -- not the president. Talk about a reckless transferal of hostility.
Isn't it time for Democrats to demand more from their leaders?