you have civilian leadership and secretary gates saying this. >> we didn't say we would switch off the lights. we would begin a transition face in which the afghan government is taking on more responsibility. >> we are not anding for victory in december and afghanistan stabilized 13 monthses from now. we ask by december that we have enough evidence to demonstrate the proof of concept and that the approach is showing progress and we are headed in the right direction. >> general petraeus wants more troops. >> remember, wasn't it joe biden or said this is a date certain and tank it -- take it to the bank. it sounds like there is room for flexibility on the date