Sprinting to the End

President Bush’s surprise trip to Iraq to meet newly named Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is just what the doctor ordered. Americans need to be reminded of the progress we’ve made, and the high stakes of finishing what we started.

Bush in Baghdad is a big deal.

And, looking at the news recently, things certainly appear to be looking sunnier for the Bushies.

Bright spots:

1. Zarqawi dead.
2. Iraqi government getting it together – key cabinet positions filled.
3. USA Today/Gallup poll shows huge boost in public confidence over Iraq.
4. Bush's poll numbers climbing.
5. Rove cleared…
6. Goldman’s Hank Paulson signs on at the Treasury.
7. Tony Snow’s masterful job at press secretary.
8. Chief of Staff Josh Bolten showing command.
9. Investor tax cuts extended.
10. Deficit is narrowing, revenues are soaring.

Earlier this spring, I was asked to join a handful of journalists to an Oval Office morning meeting with the President. Someone asked Mr. Bush whether he was in danger of becoming a lame duck.

Bush responded, “I’m going to sprint to the end.”

Like him or not, the President is a fighter, he's running hard, and there's a lot of time left on the clock...