Though I will listen to his statement at 11:45 AM EST this morning, and follow up by paying close attention to any statements made before Christmas, I suspect that it will be difficult to find much of the Bipartisan Iraq Study Group ideas there. Yes, he is meeting with everyone he can in the attempt to show that he is looking at all options, but is he really considering any other than those which can only lead to escalation in Iraq and the Middle East? I know one of the options on his table is an increase in troop levels - and, all this amid a possible change in the Iraqi government itself. I’m afraid I am a total pessimist where this president is concerned, and I will be only too happy to admit error, should he prove me wrong.

At least the report of the Bipartisan Iraq Study Group has led to an actual conversation about the future of the Iraq war. The November election made it obvious that the voters of this nation do not want Mr. Bush to have a mandate concerning Iraq.

“Bush State Department to Consult on Iraq Options,” Associated Press on CNN.com, http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/11/bush.iraq.ap/index.html. Posted Tuesday, 9:33 AM EST. Viewed Tuesday, 10 :23 AM EST.

“Iraqi PM may face revolt from within the government,” Associated Press on CNN.com, http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/11/iraq.politics.ap/index.html. Posted Tuesday, 9:28 AM EST. Viewed Tuesday, 10:32 AM EST.

“Iraq Study Group Report,” United States Institute of Peace, http://www.usip.org/isg/iraq_study_group_report/report/1206/index.html. Viewed Tuesday, 10:47 AM EST.