Why You Gotta Lie, Tell Me Why

Carl Levin on "time horizons":

“President Bush is now apparently willing to accept what he repeatedly has told a majority in both houses of Congress was unacceptable regarding Iraq: a commitment to transition U.S. forces from combat to a limited ‘overwatch’ role, focused on training and counterterrorism operations, and a ‘time horizon’ for completing this transition. Today’s statement contrasts with the administration’s previous absolute rejection of Congressional efforts to adopt even a non-binding goal for transition of most of our troops from Iraq, accompanied by a shift of mission, to the same missions identified by the President today.

“The President’s effort to distinguish between a ‘time horizon’ and a ‘time table’ to accomplish that goal falls flat.”