Moderates Running Scared
I don't for a minute believe that Republican members representing blue states are genuinely enthusiastic about Nancy Pelosi's ascension to the Speaker's chair. I am, however, glad to see that they at least feel a need to feign enthusiasm. That means such Republicans are right where a liberal wants to see them -- frightened that 2006 wasn't as bad as it can get for them. The only real way out of Iraq before 2009 is for such fears to both deepend and spread, prompting congressional Republicans to make a serious effort to end it. I don't think the odds are good, but the signs of fear are real.