The Good:

Tim Pawlenty: “Placing politics over principle, President Obama’s speech tonight is a continuation of his weak and ineffective foreign policy.  I opposed President Obama’s decision in 2009 to announce a timeline for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and I oppose it again now.  By overruling the best judgment of our military commanders in the field, the President has chosen to increase the chances that our mission may fall short of our goals.  I am alarmed to see America’s national security interests taking a back seat to partisan politics.  As President, I would draw down troops in Afghanistan as circumstances on the ground warrant, and I would respect the advice of our military commanders in the field.  We are in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghanistan does not again become a terrorist sanctuary, and the greatest duty of a commander in chief is to provide for the safety and security of the American people.”