Penance on the left?

The political ramifications of the successful election in Iraq will be fascinating to watch here in the US. The left currently is grappling with how to handle what appears to be an overwhelming vindication for Bush's strategy of spreading democracy to the Middle East. Take Mark Brown, for example. In his recent column, he suggests that people like him on the left who have been consistently opposed to the President's policy might have to admit the possibility that they've been wrong. Brown's ability to look beyond his politics to the reality on the ground in Iraq is commendable. He ends by saying:

If it turns out Bush was right all along, this is going to require some serious penance.

Maybe I'd have to vote Republican in 2008.

I can only hope (although with not much optimism) that others will follow.