Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), 90 days ago:

"What we do can affect the outcome. But if we don't see progress on two of the three big issues -- oil revenues, de-Baathification, provincial elections -- in the next 90 days, it may not happen. And Iraq could be a failed state."

Just for good measure, let's also not forget that Graham also said we need not worry about Iraq failing the vast majority of the agreed upon benchmarks for progress, because a major step forward was near. "In a matter of weeks, we're going to have a major breakthrough in Baghdad on items of political reconciliation — the benchmarks — because the Iraqi people are putting pressure on their politicians." That was Sept. 2.

Oh, all right, one more. Graham told Time magazine's editors that unless there was political reconciliation in Iraq within 90 days, Americans should give up hope. "If they don't deliver in 90 days, I will openly say the chances for political reconciliation are remote," Graham said, adding, "If they can't do it by the end of the year, how do you justify a continued presence?" That was Sept. 26.

For reasons that I’ve never entirely understood, the media establishment decided years ago that Graham is a “serious” lawmaker whose opinions on Iraq necessarily have merit. I have a hunch, reality notwithstanding, this won't change.