Yesterday, I wrote a post asking who else was supporting the Bush/McCain/Lieberman plan to escalate the war in Iraq. Today, the Washington Post gives the answer. So far, the only public supporter is LindseTy Graham. Other Republicans are holding back:
Bush has been hoping for bipartisan support for his new policy. But with the exception of Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (Conn.), comments from the leading Democratic experts on national security matters last week indicated strong opposition to any plan that would involve increasing troops in Iraq beyond the current level of roughly 140,000 soldiers. And while McCain has been joined by Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.) in promoting the idea of sending more troops, many other Republicans appear to be laying back.This may be the first time Republicans on the Hill are right about Iraq. However, wait and see if they all line up behind Bush like they usually do.
"Republicans are scared to death of it politically," said Ed Rogers, a top GOP lobbyist with ties to the White House and Republican leaders on the Hill. "The fear is that it won't make any difference. There won't be a perception of turning the corner."
