Reply #8: Resolve [View All]

[hileeopnyn8d]

is to reach a decision. To come to a successful conclusion, to find a solution, or a firmness of purpose.

In this context - you have a General and a portion of the country that believes the only solution is to drastically increase troops. Despite the fact that this general also thinks we could be there for a very, very long time using that strategy. His proposal does not include an exit strategy. The right-wingers and pundits are criticizing the President for lacking "resolve" - (the ability to reach a decision)

He is turning it around on them and telling THEM that their "resolve" isn't an acceptable conclusion.

In other words - Gibbs is saying that while it is important to a portion of the American people that the President is seen as "not dithering" THEIR solution is not a solution. Their conclusion is not a conclusion if it doesn't actually conclude - meaning end/exit.