Demagogue

On the one hand, according to the new AP-Ipsos poll:

... (the) survey asked 789 registered voters if the election for the House were held today, would they vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate in their district. Democrats were favored 51 percent to 40 percent.

... Democrats also held the advantage among persuadable voters — those who are undecided or wouldn't say whom they prefer. A total of 51 percent said they were leaning Democrat, while 41 percent were leaning Republican.

But on the other hand:

One bright spot for the GOP is that Republicans hold an advantage over Democrats on issues such as foreign policy and fighting terrorism — 43 percent to 33 percent — and a smaller edge on handling Iraq — 36 percent to 32 percent.

The AP-Ipsos poll was conducted after the divisive Democratic debate in the Senate over setting a timetable for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq. Potential voters were paying attention to the GOP complaint that Democrats want to "cut and run."

Dems should counter this message right away or else they're going to be put on the defensive in the months ahead. They need to offer voters a soundbite like this: "Republicans have a plan to stay, but no plan to win."

Speaking personally, I don't think the Iraq's war winnable at this point. Of course, no one in Washington — not even Dems who think likewise — is willing to say that.