The Damning But...

What has been speculation for several days now, is turning into reality. John Cole has the early roundups of the Damning Buts, now being hit from the MSM. The following is only the beginning of his post:

The Damning "But"

The Damning But (aka the "Copperhead Conjunction") is out in full force:

Reuters-

Iraq to Vote Shadowed by Threat of Bloodbath-Sat Jan 29, 2005 04:24 PM ET

Insurgents threatened a bloodbath on Sunday when Iraqis go to the polls in an election intended to unite the country and quell violence but which could instead foment sectarian strife.

Or they could all join hands and sing Kumbaya. Or they could go on without incident. Or there could be some mild violence and nothing more. The possibilities are endless. Why pimp only the worst case?

AP-

Iraq leaders urge calm on election eve, two Americans killed in embassy attack Iraqi officials have predicted up to eight million of 14 million voters will turn out for Sunday's election to choose a National Assembly and governing councils in the 18 provinces. Voters in the Kurdish-run north also will select a regional legislature.

But turnout is uncertain, especially in the Sunni Muslim areas of central, northern and western Iraq where the insurgency is most deadly. About 300,000 Iraqi and U.S. troops are on the
streets and on standby to protect voters.