Robert Kagan supports the ramp up of forces in Afghanistan but sounds a note of caution:

The only worrying aspect of administration actions so far has been the (largely self-serving) tendency on the part of some key officials to declare the situation hopeless, which raises doubts about the administration’s staying power. The worst thing the administration can do, both strategically and politically, is to give the impression that it doesn’t have the stomach for this fight. Then support, both in the U.S. and, even more, such support as still exists among NATO allies, will begin to evaporate.

But that has been the pattern for the Obama team on virtually every major policy front. The economy is a heartbeat away from catastrophic failure. Afghanistan is near hopeless. All the war on terror policies are “very complicated.” The mix of fretting and fear-mongering seems to be the automatic reaction to every difficult challenge.

Why do they fret and moan so? This is, after all, a team that is obsessed with politics and campaigning. So the political spinners must be whispering night and day, “lower expectations.” It is a defensive, poll-driven approach to governance, which puts primary emphasis on “how will it play?” Or even worse, “how do we avoid blame if this fails?”

But, if you think the Obama team is above mere politics, the alternative explanation is even more troubling. What if they really are overwhelmed and uncertain, lacking confidence in their own abilities? That’s what it sounds like to domestic and international audiences. It sure comes across as “we know this may not work but…” Let’s be honest, not even the best actor could look as bedraggled and uncertain as Tim Geithner during his bank bailout-plan’s roll-out.

Much hay was made of George W. Bush’s refusal to express doubts and question his own approach to hard policy decisions. But perhaps he understood something fundamental to leadership which the Obama team has yet to master: unless you project confidence, others won’t follow you. Even Bill Clinton is imploring him to pep up: “I just would like him to end by saying that he is hopeful and completely convinced we’re gonna come through this.”

Americans and our international allies don’t need worry warts in the White House. They need resolute, optimistic, and firm leadership. Let’s see if the Obama team can muster some of that.