"First, claiming these significant troop reductions ‘token’ is a continuation of the left-wing’s despicable attacks on the integrity of two fine people serving America, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker.

"A withdrawing maneuver is one of – if not the most – dangerous attempted by an army in the field, because one’s forces grow smaller as the enemy grows more empowered.

"Unlike their left-wing critics who are proposing a politically motivated and irresponsible retreat in the face of the enemy, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker care too much about our troops and civilians in Iraq to play politics with their lives.

"Secondly, smearing the proposed surge reduction as ‘token’ demeans our troops’ concrete and hard earned security gains in Iraq that have made this proposal possible.

"Thirdly, deriding the troop reduction as ‘token’ belittles the very real sacrifices and, thereby, the joy our troops’ families will feel when their loved ones return from harm’s way.

"Finally, by denouncing these troop reductions as ‘token,’ left-wing Democrats have proven their desperation to surrender in the face of the enemy. It is a truly sad day for those who remain in what used to be the Democratic Party of Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and John F. Kennedy; and, thus, as sad day for all Americans who hoped our nation would unite, if not in the cause of victory, at least in the welcoming of good news."