Kabuki, via the ever-reliable Wikipedia:

Nearly every full-length play would be performed in five acts, the first one corresponding to jo, an auspicious and slow opening which introduces the audience to the characters and the plot. The next three acts would correspond to ha, speeding events up, culminating almost always in a great moment of drama or tragedy in the third act and possibly a battle in the second and/or fourth acts. The final act, corresponding to kyu, is almost always very short, providing a quick and satisfying conclusion.

So, if Petraeus and Bush can show optimism despite all evidence suggesting such optimism is unfounded (ponies notwithstanding), then I can go all give-them-the-benefit-of-the-doubt on the bit and speculate that the Dems have actually played it brilliantly, at least this fall.

We've been in the first act (jo), an auspicious and slow opening.

1. Circulate the word that a few Senators and Congressmen are prepared to reach bipartisan consensus (read: capitulate to Bush yet again) on Iraq funding. The liberal base will be up in arms, but they’re pissed about the whole FISA capitulation fiasco, anyway.

2. Let Petraeus and especially Bush make their case to the public.

3. Encourage dissidents within the armed forces (who have contacted you and said, “What the fuck are you Dems doing?”) to come forward more publicly.

4. After carefully considering what Petraeus has presented, and the Bushian lie of troop withdrawals next summer, come out in strong opposition to the Bush plan.

Instead of “they had their minds made up already” they look like they listened to and took seriously King Petraeus. And they give Bush enough rope to hang himself.

Then again, I could be a foolish dreamer, and the Dems are going to capitulate AGAIN, and they won’t even muster the self-respect to whimper “Not in the face, please.”

Either way, let's hope for "a quick and satisfying conclusion."