I commend the Iraqis for voting this week in their nation’s parliamentary elections. This is compelling evidence that victory in Iraq is not only possible – it’s approaching.

Defeatist Democrat Howard Dean said last week that we cannot win the war in Iraq. Dean’s statement was reckless and irresponsible – but not expected – from the chairman of the Democratic Party. It demonstrates how out-of-touch the Democratic Party is with mainstream America.

Iraqis are seeing better days on the horizon. A recent ABC News poll conducted in Iraq shows that seven in 10 Iraqis say their lives are going well, and nearly two-thirds expect things to improve in the year ahead. 

American troops are defeating the Islamic extremists, allowing Iraqis to stand strong and exercise their commitment to the democratic process. Today’s election – which is the third this year in Iraq – is an undeniable signal pointing to victory that defeatist Democrats like Howard Dean cannot deny.