"You could get a cheer by saying: 'Let's withdraw from Afghanistan', but I don't think that's where the public's at. It wouldn't be responsible"

This quote by Ed Balls recommends that withdrawing from Afghanistan is not a popular viewpoint amongst the public. He implies that if somebody were to suggest withdrawing from Afghanistan, they would receive a cheer, however that it would not be an accountable choice. This implies that the general public is not in favor of withdrawing from Afghanistan, and that it would be careless to do so. This might be due to the fact that the public understands the potential consequences of withdrawing from Afghanistan, such as the potential for increased violence and instability in the region. It could likewise be since the general public is aware of the importance of keeping a presence in Afghanistan in order to ensure the security of individuals living there. Whatever the factor, Ed Balls is suggesting that withdrawing from Afghanistan is not a popular viewpoint among the public, and that it would not be a responsible choice.