Several years ago the Democratic party was united in demanding that then-president George W. Bush provide an exit strategy for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But now that they control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives they can't even agree on a strategy to fight the war, let alone end it.

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While our perpetually indecisive commander-in-chief is still considering all the options, lawmakers made the usual rounds of the Sunday morning talk shows today:

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California), head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said today that the US mission in Afghanistan is in "serious jeopardy" and needs more troops to turn the tide against an increasingly potent Taliban insurgency.

Senator Carl Levin (D. Michigan), chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, believes in crafting a new, comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan saying "At this time, don't send more combat troops."

Meanwhile, General Stanley McChrystal, President Obama's hand-picked commander in Afghanistan, has made it perfectly clear he needs more troops (his strong preference is 40,000) to successfully fight the eight year old war.

Why the dissent in the ranks? Politics. The president and the so-called leaders in Congress are not making decisions based on how to win a war or what's best for this country or even for Afghanistan. They are trying to figure out how to maintain (or increase) their own power. Terrified of making the wrong call and the political fallout that would bring down upon them, they delay and discuss and speak in general terms. Even Senator Feinstein avoided specifics in her comments that more troops are needed.

Over on the Republican side, there's solid support for General McChrystal's request and the brave men and women who are currently risking their lives in Afghanistan:

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) said that if President Obama asks for more troops in Afghanistan to fulfill a request by commanders there, he expects Republicans to support the action, "We know that this has been a haven for terrorists in the past and we don't want to let it become a haven for terrorists again."

Senator John McCain (R-Arizona), the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said it would be "an error of historic proportions" if the president decides against a significantly larger US presence.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said Afghan national police are "getting slaughtered" and thousands more forces are needed to bring security and stability to the country.

To summarize, General McChrystal knows what he needs to get the job done and has clearly communicated it to Washington. The Republicans are ready and willing to support him and his troops. And we continue to wait for the president and his cronies in Congress to play politics while the terrorists gain ground and up their kill count.