When it comes to Iraq, Dems don’t want a veto; they want a spending bill. Both chambers have already approved funding with a withdrawal timeline; if the president wants to work out a deal, now’s the time to pick up the phone. So far, the Bush gang, true to form, has preferred silly games to actual governing. Today, it reached an almost comedic level.

Bush on Tuesday invited Democrats to discuss their standoff over a war-spending bill, but he made clear he would not change his position opposing troop withdrawals. The White House bluntly said the meeting would not be a negotiation. […]

“At this meeting, the leaders in Congress can report on progress on getting an emergency spending bill to my desk,” Bush said. “We can discuss the way forward on a bill that is a clean bill, a bill that funds our troops without artificial timetables for withdrawal and without handcuffing our generals on the ground. I’m hopeful we’ll see some results soon from the Congress.” […]

In essence, Bush invited the Democratic leaders of Congress to come hear the stance he has offered for weeks.

The AP’s headline reads, “Bush inviting Dems to meet about Iraq.” A more accurate headline might read, “Bush inviting Dems to give him everything he wants with no exceptions.”

It sounds like an offer Dems can easily refuse -- and probably will.