Clinton’s Turn

Senator Hillary Clinton just wrapped up her turn asking questions of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. In tone, demeanor and command of the facts, she was – I thought – very impressive. Without grandstanding, she fufilled her oversight role and made some soberly effective points about the failures of the surge and the problems with an unlimited U.S. commitment in Iraq. General Petraeus’ marble-mouthed answer on the “conditions” that would have to prevail for him to recommend a change in strategy was a low point for him. Her performance was a reminder that a Clinton loss in the presidential race would be the Senate’s gain.