That nonbinding resolution against escalation

Kos came out forcefully today against Reid's nonbinding resolution condemning the "surge," mainly because it's, well, nonbinding. He favors instead a more aggressive proposal to deny funding to the troops in order to perhaps force Bush to remove them.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/2/1/171732/1208

Personally, I'm split on the issue. On the one hand, it would be nice to use the new majority to stand up to Bush's latest militarist scheme. But on the other hand, cutting off funds for the troops would just play into the Republicans' hands. They could paint the Dems as bastards who would deny soldiers basic equipment and body armor just to score political points, and it would be a talking point throughout 2008.

Do not doubt Bush's (and by that I mean, Cheney's) ability to refuse to withdraw the troops even in the face of lack of funding. They will simply fob off their deaths on the Democrats. They have shown zero concern for the troops thus far... why should they start now?

Instead, perhaps a better idea would be to pepper the funding bill with specific goals and deadlines for the escalation. Then, when Bush fails to deliver on the points (as he will) the Dems can declare the escalation failed and THEN get the troops withdrawn.

Let's face it. Even with both houses of Congress, there is nothing the Dems can do short of impeachement to stop the escalation. May as well play it smart.