Emerson Gets Blunt with Bush

Chatter gives us the heads-up on Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's new blunt talk to the Bush administration on the war.

The New York Times reports that Emerson was part of a coalition of moderate lawmakers that delivered a "blunt warning" to the President on Iraq.

The message: Show progress in Iraq by fall, or we'll desert you.

Here's an excerpt:

"Lawmakers said Mr. Bush made no commitments, but seemed grateful for their support and said a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq could cause the sort of chaos that occurred in Southeast Asia after Americans left Vietnam ... The delegation included Representatives Mark Kirk of Illinois, another leader of the moderate coalition; Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania; James T. Walsh of New York; and Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri. Mr. Kirk, Mr. Walsh and Ms. Emerson declined to discuss the meeting," reports The Times.