QUOTE OF THE DAY - AT 7:40 A.M. ET:  From Karl Rove, writing in The Wall Street Journal:

The responsibility for the outcome of the war in Afghanistan rests squarely with Mr. Obama. Until now, he seems to have treated the conflict as a distraction from his efforts to nationalize our health-care system. But the war is now front and center. He has been told by Gen. McChrystal that America needs more boots on the ground to win...

...It was easy in 2008 to criticize Mr. Bush's war leadership. But winning a shooting war requires a commander in chief's constant, direct and deep involvement. Mr. Obama could show he understands this if he uses his trip to Denmark this week (where he will serve as pitchman for Chicago to get the 2016 Olympics) to make a surprise visit to Afghanistan.

Refusing to provide all the troops and strategic support that his commanders are requesting will be to concede defeat. We'll soon know whether Mr. Obama has the judgment and the courage to win this war.

COMMENT:   "Judgment and courage."  I haven't seen those words applied to Barack Obama.  They seem so much less exciting than "godlike" or "spiritual."  But judgment and courage are what war requires. 

More than 40 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan since General McChrystal first submitted his request for more troops.  The president is taking his sweet time to reply.  If this had been George Bush, the press would have been all over him, printing the names of the fallen each day.  But it is Obama, so this indecisive president is being spun as wise, deliberative, willing to listen.

Step up, Mr. President.  History won't wait, even if you will.

October 1, 2009