It's an hour before the polls are to open in Iraq. Let's take a look at whether the mainstream media feels happy or not on this historic occasion as a major goal of our Iraqi strategy is reached.

The New York Times

Insurgents Vow to Sabotage Balloting
U.S. Forces Brace for Their 'Day of Reckoning'
In Iraq, Questions About Women's Vote
The Vote, and Democracy Itself, Leave Anxious Iraqis Divided
Bush Promotes a Positive View of Iraq's Vote (Because he must be the only person that has one!)

Washington Post

City Awaits Vote With Hope and Fear - OK at least this is mixed
No Timetable for Withdrawal

CNN

Violence rages ahead of poll

- A rocket hits the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, while 8 Iraqis are killed near the Iranian border.
- Strict curfews, travel restrictions and a weapons ban are in place ahead of voting.
- Intelligence sources: Insurgents have 150 car bombs and 250 suicide bombs prepared (At least that's better than the "thousands" the the NY Times predicted. See below.)