Here's what I thought you'd like to hear about today:

1. A Resolution Opposed to the New Strategy is a Vote of No Confidence in You
2. Romney in Israel
3. The Hillary Laugh

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A Resolution Opposed to the New Strategy is a Vote of No Confidence in You

General Petraeus was confirmed unanimously by the Senate to be the new commander in Iraq, replacing General Casey. I'm going to play two clips from his confimation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. The first is his opening statement, where he describes the plan for Iraq. Thanks to C-SPAN for the video.

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Each of the Senators got their ten minutes to ask the General questions. They were far easier on the General than they would be on a member of the administration. Even Ted Kennedy deferred to his knowledge of military affairs. Lindsey Graham used his questions as an opportunity to attack the various no-confidence resolutions that have been circulating lately. This clip is from around two hours into the session.

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Of course it's not Viet Nam. But in many ways the debate is following the Viet Nam analogy closely. The Democrats have decided that Iraq is unwinnable, just like Viet Nam, and it's time for us to pull out, like Viet Nam, to avoid losing any more soldiers in a lost cause. They see Iraq as the great lost war of their generation. But in many ways Iraq is much different. My next clip is from last Saturday's Northern Alliance Radio Network podcast with John Hinderaker of Powerline Blog describing well the seriousness of the conflict.

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John makes a great point about how Iraq is not a war, but only a battle. The extension of this is that the enemy will simply find another battlefield if we retreat from this one.

Back to the idea of the no-confidence resolution, Secretary of State Robert Gates held a press conference recently where he addressed the idea of rejecting the idea but not the man. DefenseLink has the transcript. Thanks to the Pentagon Channel Podcast for the audio. Some of the questions were just plain stupid. But this one provided an opportunity to address the issue.

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Gates nails it there. The Democrats are the party of "intent politics". Increase the minimum wage even though it will only increase unemployment and make it harder for low skilled workers at the bottom of the economic ladder get their first start. Pass a resolution opposing the surge but have no effect on the ground. Refuse to even consider a budget stop on funding the war because it has no chance of passing. Intentions are what they are about, regardless of the consequences.

Romney in Israel

Powerline Blog ran a post last week where they raved about a speech Mitt Romney gave in Israel last week. Scott Johnson wrote:

Joel Mowbray continues his reports from the three-day conference in Herzliya, Israel that concluded this past Wednesday. Today Joel provides his take on Governor Romney's speech at the conference. Joel titles his report "Romney REALLY gets it."

Of all the speakers this past week at the Herzliya Conference, Israel's premier counterterrorism and security gathering, no one dazzled 'em like presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Other White House wannabes, including John McCain and John Edwards, also made appearances, but they spoke via satellite, whereas Romney was in the flesh. But that alone cannot explain the stark disparity in performance.

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It is very refreshing to hear a politician call a spade a spade. I was disappointed that his appearance later in the week at the National Review Conservative Summit was so poorly received. He must have his good days and bad days.

The Hillary Laugh

Since her announcement that she would be running for President, Hillary must have been getting consultant briefings recommending that she soften up her harsh personality. Her laugh has been all over the morning talk shows. Get ready folks, for the "new improved funny Hillary". Great news. Here she is with Harry Smith on CBS's The Early Show.

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That's all I can stand of the fair Hillary. Last night she was at the Democratic National Committee talking to the party faithful, where she was tacking to the left. Tom Delay, former House Majority Leader, now blogger, posted a clip of her bashing "big oil". I can never vote for someone who advocates nationalizing an entire industry. Listen to this clip.

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I can only echo Tom Delay's comment. He wrote:

WOW Even Hugo Chavez isn't willing to go this far...and we're not kidding about that.

That's it for now Podcatchers. I'm Charlie Quidnunc reporting from a very cold, clear, and blue skyed Boise, Idaho.