This election was not all about Iraq, as others have pointed out. Yes, there is enormous frustration across the political spectrum over faulty intelligence, flawed military strategies and tactics, the absence of meaningful metrics, the continuing failure to wage either an effective counter-insurgency or an effective “war of ideas.”
But voters have not sent a message that they want the U.S. to surrender to Saddam loyalists, al-Qaeda terrorists and other assorted thugs. How do we know? By one of the few bright spots last night: Joe Lieberman’s crushing defeat of the left-wing-blogger favorite Ned Lamont.
I would suggest that before too many hours roll by, President Bush should call Lieberman, congratulate him, and tell him that he looks forward to working with him and other Democrats who understand what’s at stake in Iraq and in the broader war against Militant Islamism.