Thompson on Iraq

The debate is moving off economic issues and onto Iraq.

Thompson (again) went first, essentially positioning himself on the issue alongside the other frontrunners -- that is, criticizing the initial entry into Iraq but insisting that the surge is working

"The policy we are engaged in now is the right one," said Thompson, quickly adding: "We didn't go in with enough troops and we didn't know what to expect when we got there."

He went on to paint Iraq as a "front in a much broader war" -- echoing the sentiment offered by President Bush that Iraq is part of the broader war on terrorism.

It was Thompson's most assured answer of the day so far and one that should serve him well among Republican primary voters who remains supportive of President Bush as well as the surge.