While the House debates whether they were for the war before they were against it, President Bush yesterday made it clear that the blood will literally not be on his hands if they pull the rug out from under General Patraeus, the troops and the Iraqi people.

“When General Petraeus’ nomination was considered three weeks ago, the United States Senate voted unanimously to confirm him. And I appreciated that vote by the senators. And now members of the House of Representatives are debating a resolution that would express disapproval of the plan that General Petraeus is carrying out.”

He’s is exactly right. Even more, according to David Broder of the Washington Post this gives Bush a new bounce in his step.

Make no mistake, if the house pulls off this stunt the political ramifications will be on them, not on the President, and yes the blood of soldiers as well.

UPDATE: Placing Rick Moran on official Andrew Sullivan watch. First, to Rick’s point:

“The question that echoes through everyone‚Äôs mind is what the hell took so long? Why did it take a massive defeat at the polls for Bush to reach out and attempt a little bi-partisanship?”

I would remind Rick that it’s not been Bush that has been playing the antagonist for the last five years - that honor solely belongs to the Democrats who have put up designed resistance to the war since oh, at least 2003 with the Rocky plan.

UPDATE II: The MSM is beginning to smell disaster for Dems already.

UPDATE III: According to Rassmussen who tracks daily the Presidential approval rating, the seems to have begun.

“Forty-two percent (42%) of Americans approve of the way that George W. Bush is performing his role as President. Fifty-five percent (55%) disapprove. (see comments on comparing Approval Ratings from different polling firms). The President earns approval from 80% of Republicans and 14% of Democrats. “

For those who follow along, those numbers for both Republicans and Democrats are up from last months numbers. While we’re at it, Democrats are sucking wind in similiar polling.

UPDATE IV: House passed the measure, 246-182. Now we’ve got their cut and run position on paper saying “We lose”. Meanwhile according to an AP poll support for the surge rose from 26 to 35 percent, and it will rise higher. This is gonna backfire on Dems watch and see, they ALWAYS overplay their hand. Up with the who ayed and nayed soon. CNN says “17 White Flag Republicans” joined the cut and run Democrats. Make no mistake, we will clean house in upcoming elections. Names to come.

UPDATE V: Victory Caucus has the names of the White Flag Republicans who sided with the cut and run Democrats. Capt Ed says it all:

“This was an unprecedented move by Congress to interfere in the command of American troops during wartime. Congress has threatened to cut off funding before to end conflicts and deployments, but no one can find an example of Congress scolding the President over a specific strategy while the military implements it. It declares a military operation in its opening stages a defeat before it has a chance to succeed, a mind-boggling statement, and one entirely performed for partisan purposes.

Seventeen Republicans voted for the resolution. A new joint project, the Victory Caucus, lists the GOP Representatives who voted to declare a defeat before the Army and Marine Corps have entered the field in full. One of them comes from Minnesota — Jim Ramstad, who can be reached at 202-225-2871 or by e-mail here.

Why are we listing these members? The Victory Caucus wants to ensure that we find suitable primary opponents for them in 2008. If you live in their districts, we need your help to find people who either support the mission or do something tangible to end it, and not to sit on the sidelines and try to run a war by complaints.”

See you at the polls.