We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
What did Bush tell them? To produce that kind of dramatic about-face in one week, they must have been told something that the public has not yet been told.
While its tempting to believe the leading three Democrats have seen the light, it could be many other factors.
About a month ago, the Baltimore paper had a article where several logistics specialists said a orderly withdrawl would take two years at minimum. Didn't see much about this online and can't find the article now. So, they could be resetting expectations.
Another could be, this was a warning shot to the Net-roots.
A more likely possibility, they are the front runners because of their ability to be firmly on both sides of an issue.