Barone on the War Funding Issue

Michael Barone notes that you can sum up the Iraq war funding issue in six words: "End the war. Fund the troops." But of course, the issue is not that simple for Democrats:

What's curious is that congressional Democrats don't seem much interested in what's actually happening in Iraq. The commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, returns to Washington this week, but last week Pelosi's office said "scheduling conflicts" prevented him from briefing House members. Two days later, the members-only meeting was scheduled, but the episode brings to mind the fact that Pelosi and other top House Democrats skipped a Pentagon videoconference with Petraeus March 8. How long this fight will go on is unclear. Some Democrats predict that it will go on for months. But their dilemma remains the same. They want to be seen as acting to end the war. But they dare not be seen as not funding the troops.

For a party that seems intent on scrutinizing every move the Administration makes, rightly or wrongly, and blaming the GOP for a lack of oversight when they were in power, their position on the Iraq war is curious.

If the Democrats are intent on funding the war and wanting a withdawal, it would follow logically that some oversight is necessary. But oversight implies control and control over the Iraq war is the last thing the Democrats want, or need.