Michael Ramirez on President George W. Bush and the Iraq War

And the firing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and replacing him with Robert Gates doesn’t look good either.

After today’s performance before the Senate Armed Services Committee the President should probably reconsider his choice of this APPEASER, Robert Gates.

AP: Gates Says U.S. Is Not Winning Iraq War

Robert Gates, the White House choice to be the next defense secretary, conceded Tuesday that the United States is not winning the war in Iraq and warned that if that country is not stabilized in the next year or two it could lead to a “regional conflagration.”

At the outset of his Senate confirmation hearing, Gates said he is open to new ideas about correcting the U.S. course in Iraq, which he said would be his highest priority if confirmed as expected.

Gates, 63, said he believes President Bush wants to see Iraq improve to the point where it can govern and defend itself, while seeking a new approach. “What we are now doing is not satisfactory,” Gates said.

“In my view, all options are on the table, in terms of how we address this problem in Iraq,” he added.

Asked point-blank by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., whether the U.S. is winning in Iraq, Gates replied, “No, sir.”

But, the President disagreed.

So, is Bush BUCKLING under the pressure?

Hugh Hewitt worries as does Michael Leeden.

Stay tuned for the Iraq Study Group tomorrow.

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