McCain is running on the "fact" that the surge is working, and Gates seems to be blaming Afghanistan on incompetent NATO allies - possibly a reference to Brown's less that Blair-like enthusiasm for the fray.  So its Brown's fault!  And of course Vietnam was only lost because the peacenics and assorted lefties betrayed their country.  Do not underestimate the power of denial.

I put in the "or" because with extraordinary renditions you don't have to lose a war - offending a major power is quite enough.

"It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."