I've held the opinion for a while that if Bush got re-elected (and i hope not) Cheney would be gone within a year. You see, the Republicans have a problem: no clear successor to Bush. They have become too good at strategic planning (read: scheming) to throw away an advantage like a sitting vice-president to try to keep hold of the White House. And there is no way that Cheney could run for President, given his health. The Republicans will want a very electable vice-president as they head into 2008 as presumed heir to the throne.
But now given Cheney's tendency to lurk in the shadows, his general unpopularity, and the Halliburton scandals, he's a clear liability for the present as well as the future. There is, in fact, media speculation that Cheney will gracefully bow out of the campaign this year, for health reasons.
Now, suppose the Bush administration decided to do one better, and turn this to their advantage. Bush's credibility and ratings are dropping, and they need some new life and vigor in the ticket. Who could they pick to replace Cheney on the 2004 ticket that would bring back the swing voters?
Well, they certainly blew it on Obvious Choice #1: Colin Powell. After 3 years as Rumsfeld's whipping boy and the sacrificial lamb forced to lie to the UN to justify the occupation of Iraq, I can't imagine that Powell would trust Bush.
How about Bob Frist? I admit, I don't know much about him. What I have heard isn't good. My guess is that they would prefer he stay where he is. Likewise for Dennis Hastert.
They need a candidate who will appeal to women. Perhaps Christine Whitman? I wonder if she got burned too badly as head of the EPA.
Jennifer Dunn? She's retiring from the House after this year. One problem, though: she's pro-choice.
Steve Largent?
What would Rove do? (what will Rove do?)
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