From Dead Quail to Lame Duck

[katty]

cont'd:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ari-melber/cheney-from-dead-quail-t_b_16067.html

The Dick Cheney resignation rumors continue to simmer. Last week there was speculation on the Right, and today Nicholas Kristof writes that Cheney should resign "because of poor health."

It's hard to imagine Cheney leaving the White House - unless there are more indictments or surprises - but the speculation is not mere media fantasy. Some of the Republican chatter may be designed to weaken Cheney and cast him as a decreasingly relevant figure.

For example, a "Republican official" told Time that White House staffers are worried the accident will "hasten the start of the formal lame-duck period." Why tell a reporter about that fear, unless the goal is to promote it?

Some Republicans who have clashed with Cheney could benefit from a reduction in his stature. And the party's presidential aspirants are dedicated to eclipsing the Vice President. Senators McCain and Hagel have already shown that they like to buck Cheney, at least rhetorically. Hagel recently observed that if Cheney had served in the military "he would have learned gun safety."

[Demeter]

1. Hasten The Start of the Lame-Duck Period?

That period started before the Inauguration, and it's been downhill ever since. Talk about Magical, Wishful Thinking!

Cheney's too stupid to resign. If he can force Whittington to apologize for getting shot by him, he can force everyone else to quit first.

It might come down to that...mass resignations (or convictions!)

[katty]

6. prefer resignations AND convictions

[MADem]

2. The guy has CLEARLY prepared for the possibility

He went on a whirlwind real estate hunt, and swiftly bought a house (a mansion) in ST MICHAELS, MD. Long way from either TX or WY, eh??? But right down the road from Donald the Rummy's joint!

Lynne furnished the place, chop-chop, with a couple of fast runs to friken POTTERY BARN.

If the Plame thing gets totally ugly, he could be the designated fall guy, who will pull a Cap Weinberger and threaten to sing like a canary if he doesn't get a pardon BEFORE any trial. They've got to keep him quiet, so they'll give him whatever he wants. But if he takes the hit for the team, he'll HAVE to go.

Question is, who replaces him? Do they go with loyalty, say, Condi? Or do they look to the future (since Condi asserts she is uninterested in running), and pick someone like Putzball George Allen, or (Fundies, freak out) Rudi(!!!); someone who has a shot at the nomination on the next go-round?

[VaYallaDawg]

3. This might be the WH "parachute" strategy ....

If things get too nasty, just flush Darth, and then they all have a chance to get the image of the GOP nice and spic and span before Nov.

On the other hand, if it doesn't get too stinky, stick with Dick - that way they can keep their nutjob/fringe/"Christian" base happy.

Just a thought.

[katty]

7. darth hasta go before '06 midterms, GOP already howling

[katty]

5. CON-di, when they say"not interested"-They are-psych 101

it's so easy, + bush would appear (no substance, of course-as usual)like a progressive, replacing old cheney with an African-American woman.

[rodeodance]

4. my guess is he will reture after the midterm election.

[Demeter]

8. And He'll Be Replaced By Whichever Hack Didn't Get RE-Elected

Can you say Ashcroft, children (the guy defeated by a deadman). Or Spencer Abraham? Or any other of the Undeserving Cronies foisted off on the public service sector?