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The Surge Worked!

In a WSJ [1] commentary this morning, John McCain and Joe Lieberman reflect on the anniversary of Bush’s announcement to implement the 2007 Iraq Troop Surge, and made an excellent case for the surge and for continued managed presence in Iraq, and for dependency on General Petraeus’ skills to reduce the troop levels appropriately in the near future:

Every American should feel a debt of gratitude to Gen. Petraeus and the great American troops fighting under him for us. This gratitude is due not simply for the extraordinary progress they have accomplished in Iraq, but for what they have taught us about ourselves.

If the mismanagement of the Iraq war from 2003 to 2006 exposed our government’s capacity for incompetence, Gen. Petraeus’ leadership this past year, and the conduct of the troops under his command, have reminded us of our capacity for the wisdom, the courage and the leadership that has always rallied our nation to greatness.

As Americans, we have repeatedly done what others said was impossible. Gen. Petraeus and his troops are doing that again in Iraq today.

I appreciate the words of support from these two men… there is no doubt that the surge has been a tremendous success and that we are winning in this conflict. I support bringing our troops home as soon as possible, but possible has to include successful. We cannot have the opinion of Congress a year ago…

In Congress, opposition to the surge from antiwar members was swift and severe. They insisted that Iraq was already “lost,” and that there was nothing left to do but accept our defeat and retreat.

A left-leaning Congress is always going to think with their hearts… I commend them for caring about the lives of people in the short term, but we must always keep the long term view in front of us because that’s where our legacy is born.

Obviously, this missive provides McCain with some substantive credibility in two regards: 1) A conservative perspective on the effort in Iraq and 2) an ability to work with those that come from an area closer to the left. Lieberman’s independent party affiliation notwithstanding, McCain may really be able to do what Obama only claims to want to do in working with both sides of the aisle. Something to think about.

If McCain is nominated, can Joe end up as VP? <– That’s a joke! (or is it…)

Hat Tip to memeorandum [2].  Also blogging is Blue Crab Blvd [3].