This is fun. John Boehner's office has hatched a new explanation for why Dems and others are criticizing his "small price" remark: Because they want American troops to get defeated in Iraq.

The Cleveland Plain-Dealer asked Boehner's office about his comment, in which he said that the loss of American lives was a "small price" to pay for defeating Al Qaeda, and here's what the paper got from Boehner spokesperson Jessica Towhey:

A Boehner spokeswoman said his remarks referred to the monetary investment the United States has made to win the global war on terror and ensure U.S. security. She observed that Boehner visited Iraq this week to thank U.S. troops for their service and assess the "progress on the ground that some Democrats are so desperate to ignore."

"It's apparent that some Democrats and the far-left wing of their party are deeply afraid we are winning in Iraq now, and it's clear they will do anything they can -- including making false representations -- to ensure our troops come home after defeat, not victory," said Boehner spokeswoman Jessica Towhey.

It's worth noting, of course, that Ms. Towhey is, well, not telling the truth. In fact, Boehner was answering a question that very clearly was about the loss of American lives, not just money.

It's also worth noting that Navy veteran and Republican John McCain agrees with the Dems who allegedly are only criticizing Boehner because they want our troops to lose. Just yesterday, McCain said that Boehner should "retract" is remark.