Topic: Afghanistan Surge

Abdullah Abdullah has officially dropped out of the Afghan presidential race against Hamid Karzai, citing concerns over election integrity. The hosts speculate that his withdrawal was coerced to stabilize the political situation ahead of a planned U.S. troop surge of 40,000 soldiers. They characterize Karzai as a CIA-backed figurehead.

Senator Kit Bond's demand for a rapid troop surge in Afghanistan is linked by the hosts to the timing of the annual poppy harvest. They theorize that the 40,000 additional troops requested by General McChrystal are needed to secure the harvest before winter. The segment also mentions the "Republicans for Rape" website in response to opposition to the Franken Amendment regarding defense contractors.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who will continue his role under the Obama administration, plans to deploy three additional combat brigades to Afghanistan. The long-term military presence in the region is debated, with skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the surge. A recent interaction between President Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai is described as awkward and overly familiar.