Demagogue

Is the House Democratic leadership taking a page from the GOP leaders it toppled last November? I hope not, but at least one incident worries me they may follow down that path. During this Sunday's "Meet the Press," host Tim Russert asked House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) about the debate over resolutions concerning the so-called Iraq war "surge":

RUSSERT: Now, on Thursday, you said this: “The Republicans will be given either a substitute or a motion to recommit so that they can propose whatever substantive alternative that they choose. That will also be debated.” Is that still your plan?

HOYER: Not necessarily our plan, at this point in time, and let me tell you why. As we discussed this, we saw the problems that the Senate was confronted with, where the whereas clauses and the therefore clauses confused the issue. We believe the American public want a straightforward answer to the question ....

Yes, a straightforward answer would be nice, congressman.

If House Dems aren't prepared to follow through on a promise, they shouldn't make it in the first place.