Mr. Klein, I acknowledge that you made those remarks while discussing your misgivings and doubts. But, when you conclude that the war is the right decision then you are not an opponent of the war. And, therefore, your post today is dishonest and you are a liar.
Now, let me address your challenge. I am a great admirer of General Petraeus. I have a high regard for his competence and his abilities. I do not hope that he fails in his mission of stabilizing Baghdad. But you are asking the wrong question. Think about it like this. Imagine you are at a Georgetown cocktail frankfurter party. Maybe it's at Sally Quinn's house. And imagine that Bill Bennett knocks back eight scotch and sodas as he regales you with talk of his recent hot streak at the Atlantic City poker tables. And now imagine that Bill Bennett, ruddy and ribald, stumbles to his car and turns the ignition. Here's my question? Do you really want Bill Bennett to wrap his Jaguar around a telephone pole and die?
As for me, it's easy--I'll be rooting for Bill Bennett's success in getting home safely because, in spite of the overpowering arrogance and stupidity that led to his decision to drive, we owe some peace and stability to the Washingtonians and the region. For the record, I'll be outraged that Bennett is ignoring the law and the reality on the ground in DC. I'll think he is putting more young American lives at risk. I am fairly certain that Bennett will wallow amongst our worst pundits for getting into this mess. But I hope events prove me wrong. I don't even care if Bennett thinks he deserves credit for the "victory" and smirks at the cops. I just don't want him do die.
One minor correction: Bennett was a slot-and-video-poker junkie, not (mostly) a table player by accounts.