Warner refuses to bow to White House pressure to soften his position on bringing home the troops.

Sen. John Warner's suggestion that some troops leave Iraq by the end of the year has roiled the White House, with administration officials saying they've asked the influential Republican to clarify that he has not broken politically with President Bush.

But Warner said Friday that he stands by his remarks and that he did not object to how his views have been characterized.

"I'm not going to issue any clarification," Warner, R-Va., said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I don't think any clarification is needed."

I have to admit to being a little skeptical when I first heard this story. I have been disappointed before by Republicans that seemed to be breaking with the President but suddenly, either just stopped talking, or fell back into line with the administration.

So if John Warner really is going to be the one to start looking at the reality of the situation and say that no matter what Petraeus says it is time to bring our soldiers home, then I applaud him.