Can't Decide

Since the embarrassment of the Carter era, Democrats have dithered mightily, almost tragically, with tough decisions pertaining to the military, often with lamentable consequences for the armed forces and for the image and morale of the United States at large. Bill Clinton deftly carried on the tradition of presidential fecklessness in this regard as well, think Mogadishu, his sorry handling of numerous and deadly attacks on U.S. interests at home and abroad, his refusal to pursue bin Laden with lethal force, etc., etc. I believe it was Dick Morris who astutely observed that Clinton's persistent weakness in this regard, i.e., his inability to commit and invest heavily in military engagements for fear of suffering at the polls, was the determining factor that barred the talented politician from ever entering the pantheon of "great" presidents. One must feel sorry for a military whose commander in chief demonstrates such brazen incompetence and impotence. Bush, to be sure, struggled with decisions, but he certainly didn't dither endlessly. When the time came, he made the call and stood pat.

From the Washington Post

With much of his party largely opposed to expanding military operations in Afghanistan, President Obama could be forced into the awkward political position of turning to congressional Republicans for support if he follows the recommendations of the commanding U.S. general there.