I know there have been occasionally strained relations between House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and progressive activists, but I think he’s on firm ground this week, urging the caucus to show some resolve in the political fight against the White House over war funding. This is the right message at the right time.

A memo from a top House Democrat says party leaders must not yield to White House pressure on Iraq and should cast President Bush as increasingly detached from public opinion. […]

In a memo to party leaders, Rep. Rahm Emanuel says that so long as Democrats continue to ratchet up the pressure on Bush, the president loses ground.

If Bush continues to refuse to negotiate, his “continued insistence on a blank check for the war will only further damage his standing with the American people,” wrote Emanuel, D-Ill., a member of the House Democratic leadership.

Emanuel said he believes Democrats should continue to push to negotiate with the president. Despite differences, “there are areas of agreement that should offer fertile ground for negotiation and compromise,” he wrote.

That’s good advice, and an encouraging message. There are probably some Dems on the Hill who are wavering, worried that they’ll lose a showdown over war funding with Bush. Emanuel is reminding them that this is no time for backing down — Dems are pushing the right policy and have the country behind them.