David Sacks

So I do tend to think that this is a good time to declare victory.

I think, Brad, you're right that the president has never said that democracy promotion is one of his objectives.

Yes, J-Cal, obviously everyone would welcome if the people rose up and chose a new regime, but that's not something that we've said we have to accomplish.

And this would be a really good time to take stock of where we are and try, I think, to seek an off ramp.

And look, if escalation doesn't lead anywhere good, then you have to think about, well, how do you deescalate?

And

De-escalation, I think, involves reaching some sort of ceasefire agreement or some sort of negotiated settlement with Iran.

And we can get into more of what that looks like.

But I think that's the big picture, is that if escalation could lead in all these horrifying directions, then I think that's not the right approach.

You have to look at de-escalation.

Jake, where are you on this?

Well, look, that was a bit of a broadside, J. Cal, where you kind of did kitchen sink it.

But look, here's the part I'll agree with you about, which is it doesn't take a political genius to understand that long wars are unpopular.

It will hurt the Republicans in the midterms or 28 if this does turn into a long war.

Fortunately, I think the president understands that.

His political instincts are impeccable.

And he's always favored short, decisive, swift actions, military actions, whether it was Midnight Hammer, whether it was the Maduro raid.

I think that is his inclination and preference.

And I think we are pretty much at or close to a point where the president's going to have to decide on next steps.

I think he's indicated...