Reaction to Bush's Speech

I didn't get to see the President's speech last night, but have been reading reaction from around the blogosphere. Glenn Reynolds thinks the President knows we're winning, and his candid speech was an effort to put himself squarely in front of the issue and claim credit for it:

BUSH DOUBLES DOWN: I just watched Bush's speech. Nothing new there for anyone who's been paying attention to the speeches he's been giving over the past couple of weeks. But one big thing struck me: In this national televised speech, Bush went out of his way to take responsibility for the war. He repeatedly talked about "my decision to invade Iraq," even though, of course, it was also Congress's decision. He made very clear that, ultimately, this was his war, and the decisions were his.

Why did he do that? Because he thinks we're winning, and he wants credit. By November 2006, and especially November 2008, he thinks that'll be obvious, and he wants to lay down his marker now on what he believed -- and what the other side did. That's my guess, anyway.

Interesting, and if things improve rapidly in Iraq as many non-Democrats think they will, the President and those who stuck with him will benefit.

Then, of course, there's always Scott Ott's take in which the possibility of Baghdad Disney was a late scratch from the speech.