Dick Morris and Eileen McGann now think Rudy Giuliani is the GOP front-runner for President. I dislike the horse race handicapping that goes on at this early stage, but it has an impact in terms of funding. If McCain is seen as someone who is slipping, and Giuliani as gaining, in the polls, this can have a direct impact on their ability to raise money.

Michael Barone says the President is turning toward Iran. Barone approves.

Officers with PhDs are advising General Petraeus in Baghdad. Finally, officers with a clear-eyed view of how to fight a counter-insurgency war are in the driver's seat. Unfortunately, from a domestic political standpoint, it is too late. Still, they are apparently getting ready for a massive offensive in Baghdad to crush insurgents and other militants. I guess I still hold out hope that the efforts of these new commanders can, at least temporarily, restore order to Baghdad, after which they might be able to push the various political factions toward some sort of grand bargain. Our commanders must realize that, no matter what else happens, our troops will begin withdrawing no later than the Spring of 2009, as a new Democratic administration, backed by a Democratic Congress with an even larger majority, will seek to end our participation in the Iraq War.