Horrible commander- in- chief

* DECEMBER 2, 2009

Critics From Across the Spectrum Rip Plan
Some of Obama's Most Loyal Backers Denounce Escalation Despite Quick-Drawdown
*
By PETER WALLSTEN

WASHINGTON—A barrage of instant criticism blasting President Barack Obama's new Afghanistan strategy from across the political spectrum signaled the challenges ahead in selling the plan to a skeptical public and Congress.



Many Republicans, while supporting the troop increase, were quick to charge that the timetable for withdrawal would embolden U.S. adversaries. Arizona Sen. John McCain warned that Mr. Obama risked telling the enemy "that you're coming and you're leaving."


The plan appears designed to minimize political fallout—calling for a progress assessment a month after the November 2010 congressional elections and initiating the troop exit the following year as Mr. Obama begins ramping up his own re-election campaign.

But the difficulties ahead for Mr. Obama were evident as many in his own party, including some embroiled in tough campaigns for next year, were quick to express displeasure.

Martha Coakley, front-runner in the special election to succeed the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, said in an interview that imposing a strict timetable wasn't enough to win her backing. "If you asked me to vote today, my vote would be no," said Ms. Coakley, whose Democratic primary election is next week.


Strategists in both parties said they expected Mr. Obama to easily win votes in Congress for his plan. Support from Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal and other military officers will make it difficult for Republicans and many Democrats to attempt to block it.

But the president faces a bigger challenge in persuading the American people to give the strategy time to work. Continuing public skepticism could cloud next year's elections and further erode Mr. Obama's standing with voters, making it harder for the White House to press its domestic agenda.