The Grand Illusionist

As conservative Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) put it last week, "the worst thing we can do is hold ourselves hostage to some grand illusion that we're winning. Right now, we are not winning. Things are getting worse."

Washington Post

Mr. Hagel said the State Department request was "a clear acknowledgment that we are not holding ourselves hostage to some grand illusion that we're winning."

New York Times

Has Hagel given us the label that will stick to Bush? The Grand Illusionist.

I see magic wands with silly glittery ribbons and plastic pumpkins as the prop everyone can wave. "POOF! Iraq is a stable democracy! Abracadabra! Everyone has jobs! Bipitty-Bop! You'll never pay taxes again!"