When even the
Daily Beast pleads for some victory talk from the President (along with
others), you know there's a problem.
'It would have helped him immensely if he'd actually used the word "winning"—or any kindred words—somewhere, anywhere, in his speech. But he did not: "Successful conclusion" and "responsible transition" just do not hack it.'
Contrast 'victory' to
this:
'In a prime-time speech at the U.S. Military Academy, the president said his new policy was designed to "bring this war to a successful conclusion." The troop buildup will begin almost immediately - the first Marines will be in place by Christmas - and will cost $30 billion for the first year alone.'