Afterthoughts

Rumor advisory! President Barack Obama may be delaying more troops to Afghanistan in order to get liberal senators to support his health-care reforms. With Afghanistan and health care linked, will the fledgling Afghan army be covered under the plan?

Sen. John McCain is reported to be suspicious about "horse-trading tactics" regarding Afghanistan and health care. Will Gen. Stanley McChrystal have to wait until the health-care-insurance option passes before he gets more troops?

Hang in there, general. The Senate committee on health, education, labor and pensions is on it.

Conversely, if Obama sends troops right away, will the Republicans vote for his health-care plan? Perhaps — if he gives the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Sarah Palin.