No one expected any kind of breakthrough this week on Iraq as General David Petraeus reviewed the situation for lawmakers.  But after President Bush's statement from the White House on Thursday, the divisions on the war are more clear than ever.

"President Bush delivered yet another address on Iraq," said Hillary Clinton, "but we've heard enough speeches that are long on promises, short on facts."

"Now once again President Bush is asking Americans for time and patience - but the American people are saying he's had enough of both," she added.

While Team Clinton zapped her statement via email to reporters just moments after the President finished his remarks at the White House, it took Team Obama two hours to get things done, but they were just as dismissive.

"President Bush gave no answer to the most important question about the way forward in Iraq: how will we end this war that is not making us safer?" said Obama.

"We cannot finish the fight in Afghanistan and focus on Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda's core leadership unless we end this war that should've never been authorized," Obama said in a veiled jab as well at Clinton.

This was the end of just the First Act on Iraq for 2008, as soon the Congress will have to work on extra money for the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democrats have indicated that they aren't going to try a full court press to block money for Iraq, though I bet we do have some extras added on in an effort to force the Iraqi government to pay for more of the cost of this mission.

The real battle though is going to be over what the Dems really want to add on to the bill, money for domestic programs, economic aid and more.

That should be a fun one to cover in the weeks ahead.  I'm sure there will be an awful lot of posturing on both sides - and the best part is - the bill has to go through the Senate, which means the Presidential candidates will be involved as well.

Like I said a few days ago in one of my blog entries.  This year, everything is political.