Americans understand that Iran is an enemy
New York Times opinion writer Thomas Friedman has stated publicly what many Democrats appear to believe privately: he would accept U.S. defeat in the Iran conflict rather than see President Trump politically strengthened by military success.
Friedman acknowledged that removing Iran’s regime would benefit the region, but expressed reluctance because he views both Trump and Netanyahu as “awful human beings.” This ambivalence toward victory reveals misplaced priorities, the author argues.
The Iranian leadership poses genuine threats to American interests. The regime executes its own citizens, funds terrorist organizations including Hamas and Hezbollah, pursues nuclear weapons while chanting anti-American slogans, and has attempted to assassinate U.S. officials and the sitting president.
Democratic Criticism and Military Performance
Peek contends that Democratic politicians have undermined the conflict since its inception. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Trump a “military moron,” despite supporting $114 billion in Ukraine assistance.
The author emphasizes that U.S. military operations have been remarkably successful, decimating Iran’s naval assets, air force, and missile infrastructure while maintaining minimal casualties for an operation of this scale.
Media Narratives and Public Support
Liberal media outlets have portrayed the war negatively through headlines suggesting strategy failures and presidential weakness. However, polling data reveals stronger public support than critics acknowledge.
A CBS survey showed “big and bipartisan majorities” support opening the Strait of Hormuz, protecting Iranian civilians, preventing Iranian regional threats, and permanently halting nuclear programs. Fifty-five percent of Americans consider Iranian leadership remaining in power “unacceptable.”
Constitutional Concerns
Some Democrats have called for invoking the 25th Amendment, though the author questions whether Cabinet members genuinely believe Trump is disabled, as the amendment requires.
Peek concludes that Iran’s negotiating intransigence stems partly from believing political pressure will force American withdrawal. If Trump succeeds, she warns, Democrats will appear both foolish and unpatriotic.
This article originally appeared on Fox News.
