A Washington Post op-ed written by Micheal Gerson traces the evolution of Senator Obama's positions on the Iraq War as they seem to evolve with popular public opinion.

Obama did indeed oppose the war early on. But he did not become an antiwar leader in Congress. He is not Dennis Kucinich -- and thank goodness. Obama's initial foreign policy instincts -- refusing to tie the hands of the military with arbitrary deadlines -- were not radical. I find this reassuring.

But there is little doubt that Obama has gained in political support among Democrats as his positions on Iraq have become progressively antiwar. His March 2008 withdrawal deadline -- which is up now -- would have undone the Anbar Awakening, massively strengthened al-Qaeda and increased civilian carnage. And Obama will find -- as John Kerry found in 2004 -- that Americans are suspicious of a prospective commander in chief who votes against funding U.S. troops in the field.

The Iraq war determined the paths for McCain and Obama. But there is a large difference between them. McCain eventually won his nomination because he showed political courage in the face of overwhelming pressure. Obama may eventually win his nomination because he surrendered to that pressure.

If President George W. Bush had listened to the public opinion polls instead of listening to those advocating a change in strategy to achieve victory, the surge never would have happened and Iraq would now be run by al Qaeda.  In a stunning turnaround, recent polls suggest that there has been a perceptible shift in public opinion, with a Pew poll showing a majority (53 percent) now agreeing that “the U.S. will ultimately succeed in achieving its goals” in Iraq.  True leadership is doing what’s right by the country – even when it’s unpopular.

USA Today is reporting that the Senate has voted to allow many of President Bush's tax cuts to expire in the next fiscal year.

Democratic rivals Clinton of New York and Obama of Illinois both voted to extend only some of Bush's tax cuts while allowing cuts in income tax rates and investments expire. They joined other Democrats in a 52-47 vote against extending $376 billion of them. ...

..."Democrats are quietly but very assuredly paving the way for a massive, economy-choking, tax increase," said Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La.

The Bush tax cuts helped keep the economy strong in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, leading to 7 years of unprecedented economic growth.  As the economy begins to slow, now is not the time to let taxes rise through inaction.  Liberals in Congress may dispute the notion that allowing tax cuts to expire is tantamount to a tax hike, but we think President Bush had an appropriate response:  “Milk expires.  Taxes increase.  And we know the difference.”