While the Left tries to reject the Petraeus report in advance -- even demonizing General Petraeus and questioning his patriotism --the American people recognize that he and other members of the military are in the best position to offer a path to victory in Iraq.

Americans trust military commanders far more than the Bush administration or Congress to bring the war in Iraq to a successful end, and while most favor a withdrawal of American troops beginning next year, they suggested they were open to doing so at a measured pace, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll.

On the eve of what is sure to be a contentious debate on Iraq, the results underscored the benefits to the White House of entrusting the top American commander in Iraq, Gen. David H. Petraeus, to make the case that an increase in American forces this year had been successful enough to continue into next year.

I do have one problem with this poll -- the 5% rating for the administration is really an illusion because the selection of General Petraeus, the Surge strategy, and the draw-down that is a part of it are all part of the Administration's policy. I trust the Bush administration on Iraq, but would have fallen in the 68% who say I place my trust in the commanders in the field rather than the politicians in Washington. I suspect that many others would have said something similar.