The Hiller Instinct: Obama's Iraq Speech

Nothing is easy anymore for President Obama. Virtually everything he says divides America into cheers and jeers, and tonight's speech was no exception: it will be praised, and panned.

Perhaps it's because Obama originally opposed both the war and the surge in Iraq, which is generally credited with turning the war around there.

And the surge--of course--will always be linked with former President George Bush.

Obama did not deny their differences, and graciously called him a patriot.

You can be sure there will be Democrats who won't like this:

President Obama:

"It's well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one doubts president bush's support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security."

The President also said it's time to turn the page on Iraq, but--unfortunately for him--the closest page is Afghanistan. Leaving Iraq will increase attention on Afghanistan, where Obama approved a surge.

But that war is not going well, and it will continue to be a problem for the President.

The President mentioned the economy, but probably didn't say enough to satisfy his critics.

My cruel conclusion: the President is trapped by events, and can't free himself.

I’m Andy Hiller, and that’s my instinct.

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