Mara Liasson

So maybe having either no objectives or confusing objectives is smart politics.

No matter what happens, you can't be accused of failing to meet your objectives if you say that it's up to the Iranian people to change the regime.

What surprised me was a big mystery of the communication strategy.

Donald Trump moves very fast to control the narrative on almost anything that happens.

And his vast empire of media affiliations...

And supporters also moves fast.

So I was very surprised that the White House had nothing to say at all until today.

They didn't try to control the narrative, which I don't have an answer for.

I just think it's a big mystery.

And it was a risk because in the vacuum came other voices about why are we doing this.

There will be more.

You know, I think in the end, politically, all that matters to U.S.

voters is what happens to oil prices and are more Americans dying overseas.

Those are the things that will actually affect the midterms.

In terms of public opinion right now...

One thing that's been interesting and missing is the rally around the flag effect, which usually happens.

Presidents usually get a big burst of support right after a military effort like this one.

That's really not happening.

The public is pretty much split.

But I do think it depends on how long it goes.