Bush may signal Iraq drawdown

Good news or "smoke and mirrors?" Is he finally listening to the masses, or just hoping to bolster those poll numbers? He has to try to save his place in history - beyond his place as the "one who lied to pull us into a war."

President Bush plans what is being billed as a major speech on Iraq for Wednesday amid signs that the administration is changing course.
Aides told the Los Angeles Times that the president is expected to say at the Naval Academy in Annapolis that Iraqi troops are close to being able to operate on their own.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said recently that the United States should be able to start reducing the number of troops in Iraq soon.
The administration is under pressure with increasing public disapproval at the president's handling of Iraq. Members of his own party are worried about next year's Congressional elections and the 2008 presidential race.

That's it. Trying to save the Party in 2006. Way to go W. After the elections what then? Sudden need to bolster troop strength?