Ttonight we heard President Bush say that the surge in Iraq is working, when we know that's just not true. Yes, our valiant soldiers have helped reduce the violence. Five soldiers gave their lives today in this cause, and we mourn their loss and pray for their families.

But let there be no doubt - the Iraqi government has failed to seize the moment to reach the compromises necessary for an enduring peace. That was what we were told the surge was all about. So the only way we're finally going to pressure the Iraqis to reconcile and take responsibility for their future is to immediately begin the responsible withdrawal of our combat brigades so that we can bring all of our combat troops home.

But another reason we need to begin this withdrawal immediately is because this war has not made us safer. I opposed this war from the start in part because I was concerned that it would take our eye off al Qaeda and distract us from finishing the job in Afghanistan. Sadly, that's what happened. It's time to heed our military commanders by increasing our commitment to Afghanistan, and it's time to protect the American people by taking the fight to al Qaeda.

And, in what I take as a jab at Hillary:

But I also believe the failures of the last seven years stem not just from any single policy, but from a broken politics in Washington. A politics that says it's ok to demonize your political opponents when we should be coming together to solve problems.

Back to the war in Iraq, I don't trust the phrase "immediately begin the responsible withdrawal." There's two restrictions in it: It says we only have to begin withdrawal, not complete it. Bush touted his Administration's beginning of withdrawal in his SOTU tonight. What's the difference between them? The beginning of troop withdrawal is just not enough.

Second, he says it must be a "responsible withdrawal." That's another sign it won't be quick.

I don't see how his Iraq exit plan is any different -- or better -- from the other Democratic candidates. Obama keeps reminding us of his early opposition to the war, yet he voted to fund it and he continues to avoid committing to a timed troop withdrawal.

He sure isn't saying "If I am President we will have all combat troops out of Iraq within X months (or 1 year) of my taking office." Either he hasn't thought his exit plan through or he knows he can't make it happen. Which is why I don't think he's entitled to portray himself as the candidate who will do the most to end the war.