an election and an election fought with difficulty. >> yes, i think that is a question they have been repeatedly asked and answered saying that the election did give them a time and they have always intended to look after the election to do whatever fine tuning might be needed. now, obviously, this is more than fine tune figure they send anywhere close to 40,000 more u.s. troops over into afghanistan. so, it does suggest that in one way or another they have some reappraisal and some concern in their mind. i think we're going to have to see where he comes out on this. he certainly indicated, has indicated this week that the idea of withdrawing is not on the table. >> author of "battle for america 2008." thanks so much. >> thank you, andrea. up next, we ask senator orrin hatch about all of this, the impact that the committee's health care legislation would have on the middle class. you're watching "andrea mitchell reports." 90s slacker hip-hop. ♪ singer: buckle up, everybody 'cause we're taking a ride ♪