Poll: Dems Don't Have A Plan For Iraq; Skelton Notes Agreement on Redeployment

Nearly three out of five Americans say the Democratic party does not have a plan to deal with the war, according to a new AP-Ipsos poll.

From the Associated Press:

"In the aftermath of an anti-Republican wave, the latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll showed lingering uncertainty about the country's direction and the ability of Democrats and President Bush to work together. Underscoring the country's political divisions, Democrats expressed more confidence and optimism than Republicans."

"The poll was conducted Nov. 10-12 as the public adjusted to Washington's new division of labor, with President Bush in the White House and Democrats holding the reins of Congress for the first time in 12 years."

Also mentioned in the piece is Missouri's Ike Skelton, who will soon take over the reigns of the House Armed Services Committee.

"Everyone agrees that we're going to have to begin redeployment," Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., said of the Democratic position. Skelton has proposed withdrawing a U.S. brigade for every three Iraqi combat brigades rated fully capable. Skelton opposes setting a timetable for withdrawal but said at least one U.S. battalion or brigade should pull out promptly.

"It should send a clear message to the Iraqi government, the Iraqi people and the American people that we're not there to stay," he said.