We must wait to hear from General Petraeus on the Iraq situation. We only undermine his work and urge Al Qaeda to kill more of our troops by wimpering about failure. Iraqi civilians are joining the fight against Al Qaeda which means they feel confident enough to defy the terrorists. That is the best indicator of success!!!! We can't betray them like we did to the Vietnamese.

Shawnie-

Your point is well taken, and I mostly agree with you. I wish the media would ask better questions myself. I do think, however, that there are some good reports within the mainstream media that still keep it relevant. Otherwise, what are we both doing here on a CNN blog?

Yes, I suppose I did reveal my own bias…ooops!
Cheers,

Bob-

"However, when you use the term “liberal media”, which is a lame, conservative-invented buzzword, it reveals your own bias. With that in mind, I doubt you used to be “one of us”."

I believe that you just revealed your bias as well.

Bob, Wow, that was a very nicely worded, condescending reply. Who is "one of us"? Who decides who is "one of us"?

I don't have a lot of respect for people who impune the thoughts and motives of others. People are so complex that we rarely get it right.

Despite your doubts, my story is real. I disapproved of Bush and have been quite bothered by our presence in Iraq for a long time now.

What adjectives would you use to describe the media? Liberal and conservative are generally accepted words not intended to insult anyone. They describe an ideology, a general stance or approach. Two things I am certain of, the conservative media is quite the minority (and not a lame liberal invented buzzword). I am also sure as heck we don't have a balanced media, so if "liberal media" is an incorrect term, what is the correct word? Democratic? If the media predominantly supports supports a left-wing agenda, what is the proper reference to that media slant?

It is OK to acknowledge that the media tends to favor the "one of us" side of the aisle. And at times, might be out of balance - as in the case of the Irag war, not asking enough "What happens if we pull out?" questions. The consequences could be far worse than anyone bargained for.

There is a very good video segment on this Blog that appeared today and describes in part what I have been learning as of late. "What if US pulls out of Iraq? It deserves more investigation. It deserves a good thorough run through since a lot of people want to do just that.

I am feedup with King Bush this is a
country by the people and for the
people not for dictator Bush.

How bout that picture at the top, with that smug look, and that smirk, well by God, you just know what Der Fuhrer is thinking! Looking back at the previous elections, I'm proud I voted for Al Gore and John Kerry! Interesting that our Canadian friends call him a 'shrub,' that's original!

Numerous comments are being made on the consequences of pulling out of an unwinable war in Iraq. Exact same comments, with fears every bit as strong as today's, were made about Viet Nam [no, we've no monopoly today on fearing outside threats]. 60,000+ dead U.S. soldiers later, we did pull out of Viet Nam. None of the feared consequences; all of the dead soldiers. History can't always predict the future but it sure can make it easier to evaluate potential consequences of our actions. It can also help us better understand that many potential consequences of reversing mistaken actions aren't as likely as we either fear or are convinced to fear. In this case, it's too late to utilize history for the former but not too late to use it to evaluate the latter.

I agree that the war has turned into a quagmire, and that the reasons for going to war have turned out to be false. But to be honest, not a lot of time has been given to Bush's troop build-up strategy. It seems some members of the GOP are changing their minds in a matter of weeks after supporting the strategy. It's an unpopular war, but we made the mess and we need to clean it up. I don't know that the troop surge is the answer, but I don't know that setting a withdrawal date is the answer either.

More proof of a bias press was on full display at this conference. What a disgusting example of prgressive corruption our media has become.

Satisfactory progress. 8/18 goals completed. Thats more than can be said for our public education system. Time to abandon it too..?

Funny, I was listening to his speech in the morning, then go online and see that Al Qaeda is as strong as pre-9/11…….Does anyone really believe Bush anymore? Well America, we dug our own grave, now me must lie in it. I hope everyone is happy that they voted for Bush 2 TIMES. "There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again." I think that Bush quote sums up our nation's thought process! Please, someone with a brain run for president!!!!!

Shawnie-

I'll answer one of your questions addressed to Pete about unbiased news. First of all, I completely agree with you that all major news networks can do better jobs in investigative reporting and not give any attention to distractions like Paris Hilton. However, when you use the term "liberal media", which is a lame, conservative-invented buzzword, it reveals your own bias. With that in mind, I doubt you used to be "one of us".
What geography lesson did you take that all of a sudden made you support this war? Perhaps in that lesson somewhere you would have learned that we poured gasoline on the fire by trying to take over a country for oil. You see, when we do something like this, the only people who don't realize the evil of such an act are the ignorant (i.e., those who buy into the propaganda of the Neo Cons). There is a good reason why the majority of the world despises the US now.

Oh, to answer your question: Check out the NEWS HOUR on PBS, or NPR on the radio. You might dismiss those as "liberal media" as well, but they're not; people use that blanket term for any journalism that does not support a right-wing agenda.

I am almost at a point of saying, yes, we are stuck in this quagmire and it is going to take a very long time to undo what has been done.

But, may we please, please, get someone else in charge?

Even a republican, one with an education, and not one with over blown opinion of himself.

But I should not be all negative. At least we are all safe from gay marriage, major corporations can still ship jobs overseas, our borders are as empty and wide as the space between our exhalted leader's ears. Whew! I can sleep better now!

Its not just the war folks. Look at EVERYTHING he is doing to us.

give it to George W. The man who gave you no child left behind…8 satisfactory out of 18. That is 44% and is a failing grade on any test. That means no funds?
Come on George W. Your legacy is compromised on this war… remember what Colin Power told you.. if you brake it you own it….
MR Bush you own this one.
bring our soldiers home….

It was a mistake to go in there, it's a mistake to stay. Nothing is made any better by us being there, nothing says things will automatically get worse (one wonders how they could) if we leave, and we have every reason to believe things might get a lot better with us gone.

- Ron Paul.

George keeps talking about "winning" and he seems to have this rosy view that if given just a little more time the tribes in Iraq that have hated each other for hundreds of years will all come together and be our world partners! Is there anyone in this country (other than George) that think this has any possibility of happening?

Mike, Al Quaeda is Sunni FYI

Pete, Rudeness aside, please advise me of the sources of media which are free of political bias reporting that Americans are so spoiled to cherry pick from?

What I see happening is selective editing and essential facts left out for the sake of putting a certain political party in a bad light. What I would love is all the facts from the beginning, without the bias so that any of us can make an informed opinion regardless of our political persuasion.

I was on the other side of the fence, angry at Bush until I got a lesson in geography and the dynamics going on in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, between the Kurds, the Sunni, Al Quaeda, Taliban and the Shia. I feel very mis-led by the majority of info from the more responsible news organizations (and I'm a CNN addict). Instead it appears they are pandering to the political fad of the day by omitting some details and facts that would change the storyline and perhaps a lot of public perception.

If Bush was in it for his own glory, he would pull out so all the people could cheer him. Now I see he is in a much tougher spot and is angling a long term outcome. His approach may not be the best, his public relations abilities poorer than they could be but the jury is still out for me. What I know understand is this Iraq situation is not as insipid as the media and liberals have painted it either.

My last question is, are the anti-war folks (whom I used to support) going to take credit for the outcome of pulling out next year rather than achieving a specific benchmark/outcome? Will it be a second mistake, worse than the first? Will we end up with a bigger mess to clean up? There now appears reason to believe so.

"I simply cannot imagine the state of the world should Al-Queda gain control over Iraq and align with radical Iran and Syria."

The Sunnis have their own interest. The Shi'a have their own interest. The Kurds have their own interest. None of these include al Qaeda. They will be slaughtered when we leave. Al Qaeda simply cannot "gain control over Iraq."

Let's remember that al Qaeda is not the source of all this conflict. Not everyone firing a gun in Iraq is a terrorist aligned with al Qaeda. From what I understand, most aren't.

Bush keeps on saying "mission accomplished" but can't even realistically define what the mission is!
He's living in a fantasy world.

8 satisfactory out of 18. What about the remaining 10? Last I knew, 44% is a failing grade on any test.

Look at him. Even he doesn't believe what he's saying to the American people. Liar, liar pants on fire!

"…pass a law to share in oil revenues."

First of all, the Sunni's have absolutely no vested interest in losing almost exclusive power under Saddam and handing it over to the Kurds and Shiites.

Secondly Mr. Bush can you please tell us Americans that are paying for the war how the oil revenues are PRESENTLY being used and how the oil is getting exported???

Call me a skeptic or crazy but last time I checked we are taxpayers and have a right to see an audit and know how our money is being used.

Wolfowitz proclaimed that the Iraqi oil revenue alone would pay for the war. Now this famous statement couldn't be further from the truth.

People are getting killed, we are fighting in a civil war and progress has been made in 8 out of 18 benchmarks. Oh yes, that is "cause for optimism". We now need a president that will take charge and pull our troops out and leave the Iraq to defend its own sanbox. I am tired of it, the nation is tired of. Bush has caused more countries to hate us since he has been in office then in the last 50 years. Now he wants missle defenses in Europe! Why don't we invade Canada? Hey, Mr. President, lets fight the Germans again or maybe the Japanese. Or go into Mexico and solve your imigration problem by force, which is what the Bush really wants to do. Thank you Republican voters for allowing the nation to see your true colors. Red, Red, and Red.

I agree 100% with Bret. 50% = FAILURE, not "cause for optimism". I get the impression that he (along with military officials) were expecting the report to be worse, so for them to achieve 50%, in their eyes, is a cause for optimism.

I feel mislead and am very resentful that we ever went into Iraq. It was not our war to fight, and now we have caused the whole Middle East to become unstable, which could haunt us down the road. Unfortunately, there is no good resolution to this crisis. If we pull out, the Iranians and Syrians will "invade" Iraq and who knows what will happen. If we stay, we subject ourselves to losing many more brave soliders in a war we cannot "win" (despite what G Dubbya seems to think). I hope my children don't pay the price for his stupid decision to invade.

Dave,

Yes I have, and I try to read this precious document at least once a week. Furthermore I have fought the “War on Terror” And Dave, it is Iraqis killing Iraqis, yes we have let Al Qaeda in and they are players but not as much as the administration wants you to believe.

“WE THE PEOPLE”

Ann, this issue has nothing to do with party affiliation, this issue is about AMERICA, and last time I checked we are the greatest democracy on this planet.

Get of off this notion that we are fighting Al Qaeda in Iraq, sure we created a training ground for some, but we are fighting Iraqis and a nation of hatred toward their fellow country man.

My brothers and sisters are dying for a LIE and I for one will speak up at every possible occasion and venue that I can.

I am a registered Republican but I am an AMERICAN first!

“WE THE PEOPLE”

I simply cannot imagine the state of the world should Al-Queda gain control over Iraq and align with radical Iran and Syria.

Ever since Viet Nam and Watergate, the traditional media has adopted a self righteous attitude concerned only with todays sensational headline and the opportunity for being the next Woodward & Bernstein like hero. Balance and perspective be damned!

After watching the news conference today, I felt resentfully misled by the liberal media and politicians who are riding the current anti-war political band wagon and my question - to where will this anti-war wagon lead us in the end?
Shawnie, you as all AMERICANS have choices as to what media you get your news from. Don’t quote this “liberal media” crap as your justification.

The issues we face to today are because we invaded Iraq, plain and simply a mistake that will haunt America for a long time. Had we finished Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and “smoked them out as “W” stated we would be in a much better position to defend our great nation.

Smoke and mirrors only last so long.

“WE THE PEOPLE”

Well I dunno Shawnie. I see it like this.

If we stay in Iraq we can be guaranteed more bloodshed and more military lives will be lost. Based on the Bush track records to date we can also guarantee that all blood shed and loss of lives will have ineffectively been for not as they have been up to present time!
And if we stay the course, we can all be guaranteed, America and Nato Allies, that many more dollars will be spent on War Interests that will definietly take away from much needed National and Community Based Programs like for instance, Health Care and Homeland Security. We can't afford both and stay afloat..We Need Both To Stay Secure and Well.

If we pull out, we'll have our Military here to support us if anything should come upon our soil.
But, personally, I believe that threat by the Republicans is just another Scare Tactic….The Iraquis et al will attack us here regardless if we pull out of Iraq or stay. They have proven that already…In fact, we're doing them a great service by sending all our troops to Iraq…they know where they are, and they know we are sitting home with no one to defend us! "Sitting Ducks" I believe is the Familiar Term. Perfect setting for a Homeland Attack by Iraquis if you ask me. Wouldn't you say?

Well that shot of Bush certainly doesn't impress upon viewers the Face of a Happy Man or the Bearer of What He Conceives, or would have us believe, is Benchmark Optismism! HA

Sorry, but this President just keeps on keeping on making himself look worse by the minute!

Why doesn't he just do the Noble Thing and Step Down and take Cheney with him!

Satisfactory Progress on Eight of Eighteen Benchmarks is far from my view of Satisfactory!

I can only hope that people like Shawnie in OR are the majority, who don't beleive everything that CNN wants us to. God forbid people turn off Entertainment tonight, stop worring about Paris Hilton, and try to educate themselves on what we are really facing.

Hooray for Helen Thomas!

Thank you Ms. Thomas for having the courage to tell Mr. Bush in his pressroom that the Iraq war was started by him, it is his fault Al Qaeda has been established there, and he could end this ridiculous war today. Her veteran status made her one of the few that could do this, and I am so happy she said what needed to be said!

Um, Pete
Isnt it Al Qaeda blowing uup innocent people in Iraq along with our soldiers? Maybe if Pakistan wasn't full of radical scumbags that think Bin Laden is great we would have him by now. Not to mention he is probably safe in Iran anyways. Has anyone who comments here even read the Constitution? I guess Jeff would rather we wait until Al Qaeda shows up in NYC again to fight them?

Once again Bush proves he IS A MORON AND A LOUSY President. Everything is "satisfactory"? GW, you sir are a complete bafoon.

Wesley Cole, Palm Springs CA

Only in Bush's weird Bizzarro World is a 50% a cause for optimism. In the Real World, 50% = F.

"SAAAATAN"?

Listening to the Democrat's today, I am beginning to believe that the Democrats are joining forces with al Qaeda to destroy America. Democrates have completely lost the point of their place in this country. I am ashamed to have worked with Democrats.

May I please have some more Cool-Aid, Uncle Dick?

Please join me on the space ship.

I am not a Bush fan and am one who voted "disapproval" for him in the polls

After watching the news conference today, I felt resentfully misled by the liberal media and politicians who are riding the current anti-war political band wagon and my question - to where will this anti-war wagon lead us in the end?

I wonder if all those anti-war politicians and like minded will be willing to take credit for the consequences of bringing those troops home soon. Why doesn't the media cover the future consequences of such an action? Or how about covering the whole picture, everything that is going on in the entire region and the inter relationships? So that we can make informed choices as a public.

I learned several issues surrounding the reason for the ongoing war that are never touched on in the news.

No wonder everyone is tired of the unromantic war, but it the long-term that we need to study out and weigh. We're currently not looking at the long-term. Pulling out will come back on us in a bigger, more regrettable way.

Just like the “No Child Left Behind”, comment on the positive and exaggerate and brush off and ignore the bad.

Mr. President,

Why are you killing my brothers and sisters for your own agenda? Osama and the real Al Qaeda are in Pakistan. They are the ones responsible for 9/11.

We are less safe now because of your actions. You have failed America!

“WE THE PEOPLE”

Let me see.

Once again, Bush's numbers are down, his report card stinks, our people are still dying for a war based on lies, and what happens?

Bush says everything is just fine, but his Homeland Security chief says the sky is about to fall, all with an implied message that only George and his cronies, and their contempt for the rule law and the American people in general, can save the day.

We have been here before people, only now the circle we have been traveling on has even more blood on it.