I think Murtha's play was more politics than substance, but it was a brilliant move for the Democrats. At a time when many people believe that a reduction of US forces in Iraq will happen anyway, Murtha got the Democrats out in front on the issue making them look pro-active. The Bush administration will look like it's responding to the Democrats call for a troop reduction simply by doing what they were going to do all along. A great play for the Dems before the 2006 mid-term elections.