Corker and Ford, Jr. on Iraq

ACK (over at Volunteer Voters) states that Bob Corker's policy position on Iraq (as well as other issues) is "all over the map," but I think Corker's stance has been consistent. I think it has always been, "stay the course," inasmuch as the phrase means persevere, don't quit, and finish the task. I think it is inherent in "staying the course" to adapt to new challenges, consider quitting as a last resort and support/encourage those who in good faith are attempting to succeed in the mission. The fact that Corker conceded that replacing leadership on the ground may be appropriate shouldn't shock anyone who fairly considers Corker's position on the war. And I don't think it is a flaw in Corker's candidacy that he is not inclined to second-guess on the difficult task of winning an arguably necessary war.

About Ford. While proposing an X-part plan can certainly be a clever marketing strategy to convince voters that a candidate has ideas and is serious about solving a problem, too often such a plan is a high-falutin' hypothetical that ignores the practical realities of a situation.

Ford, Jr. is vying to become a senator, not the commander-in-chief, and we all know of legislators who play to the crowd and tilt at windmills while benefitting from his audience believing the windmills to be actual evil knights. Voting is less like choosing a project manager on Designer's Challenge and more like hiring someone on retainer who will be best qualified to represent your interests in addressing mostly unexpected and unpredictable problems.

UPDATE: Brittney at Nashville is Talking has referenced this post:
Someone Didn't Get The Memo
"I think that Bob Corker's stance...has consistently been "stay the course" inasmuch as that phrase means to persevere, not quit and finish the job." --Ned Williams, WisdomIsVindicated

Posted by Brittney at November 2, 2006 11:41 AM

To which I say:
Sorry but I won't let them make that phrase something it's not . . .