New White House Strategy on Iraq

deadline poet

By Calvin Trillin

This article appeared in the November 13, 2006 edition of The Nation.

October 26, 2006

It seems now we'll get out, but in a way
Designed by White House spinners to convey
That George the Resolute would not endorse
A plan reversing vows to stay the course.
So they'll devise some "benchmarks" for Iraq
To meet. Or, quite reluctantly, they'll back
Some Plan B by a mover or a shaker--
Perhaps the plan devised by Jimmy Baker.
That all takes time. They cannot move much faster
Or they'd admit Iraq is a disaster.
From now on out, it's getting clear, what passes
For policy is coverage of their asses.
And those who die while this is in committee?
What must the White House think: "Oh, them? Oh, pity."

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About Calvin Trillin

Calvin Trillin is The Nation's "deadline poet." He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1963 and has written the syndicated weekly column "Uncivil Liberties" since 1986. He has authored many, many books, including Tepper's Not Going Out and Deadline Poet: My Life as a Doggerelist. more...
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