I asked about Andy Fisher's statement that the speech does not mean Lugar would switch his vote on the war. I commented to both offices that the statement is a bit ambiguous and did the statement also mean that the speech does not mean Lugar WOULD NOT switch his vote on the war.

In both calls the staffer said while they can't speak directly for Lugar that the statement didn't necessarily mean he would not change his vote. That in other words he could go either way and that he is very concerned about Iraq and wants a change of course.

This was not a hastily put together speech. According to a CNN article:

Lugar's call for a course change -- which his spokesman, Andy Fisher, said was "months in the making, weeks in writing"

At the very least Lugar is calling of a change of course - a Plan B as he says in his speech. Some here may take joy in down playing this speech as their pessimism and pet solutions out way anything else. But if one reads and then listens to Lugar's speech it is hard to come away with anything but understanding Lugar is being very serious here - and a phone call to his offices confirm that.

Mr. President, the issue before us is whether we will refocus our policy in Iraq on realistic assessments of what can be achieved, and on a sober review of our vital interests in the Middle East. Given the requirements of military planners, the stress of our combat forces, and our own domestic political timeline, we are running out of time to implement a thoughtful Plan B that attempts to protect our substantial interests in the region, while downsizing our military presence in Iraq.