Bush's refrain: 'Surge' working

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President Bush has used a monthlong vacation by the Democrat-controlled Congress to mount a frontal assault on why the U.S. must remain in Iraq, declaring the "surge" of troops a success while also preparing war-weary Americans for a continued military engagement there.

Throughout August, the Bush administration has filled the vacuum with positive news from the war front, culminating with the release of a report last week detailing "measurable" success during the surge of 30,000 troops the president ordered to Baghdad in January.

In addition, Mr. Bush last week laid out a historical case for staying in Iraq using the wars in Vietnam and Korea as examples of premature pullouts, and he has used press conferences with four world leaders during his own vacation to press his case that victory is still within reach.

The onslaught appears to be working. Pollster John Zogby said his firm's most recent survey, to be released this week, shows "a majority of Americans do not feel the war is lost."

"His timing is good, not only while they're not here but also while there's a little bit of disarray among congressional Democrats in terms of what their message is," said Mr. Zogby, a self-described liberal Democrat.

"The Democrats are in a state of confusion right now. ... They know their base wants to withdraw, but they know geopolitically it's impossible to just withdraw," he said.

Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh agreed, saying, "The White House is more effective pushing its message and using public relations than really changing public opinion," although she added that Mr. Bush faces a greater challenge from "Republicans and military leaders who oppose them rather than Democrats."

Even though Democrats are in disarray, top Republicans continue to move away from the president's refusal to set a timetable for bringing troops home.

Sen. John W. Warner of Virginia was the latest defection, and yesterday he said he may support Democratic legislation ordering withdrawals if Mr. Bush refuses to set a return timetable soon.

"I'm going to have to evaluate it," Mr. Warner said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "I don't say that as a threat, but I say that is an option we all have to consider."