How much would it boost Bush if he dumped Cheney really?

[coloradodem2005]

who would be the feasable replacements? McCain, doubtful. Powell, no. Gulianni, maybe. Could Bush carry New York with him?

[anelson]

1. Dumping cheney is not an option

that would admit an element of "less than perfection" into the Bush lexicon. Bush couldn't admit any mistakes in April, he sure can't acknowledge it now in his VP.

[jeff30997]

2. The Chimp can't drop Cheney.

Dickhead is the real president.

[vi5]

3. Any one of those guys would pick up votes for him...

I know a ton of people who only voted for Bush because of Cheney. Now they are soured on Cheney but McCain would allow them to save face by voting for Bush again even though they grew to not like his VP.

It would be stupid to deny that Powell would pick him up a few african american votes. Maybe not a ton at all, but in this climate every vote counts.

Gullianni would easily give him NY.

It's not like either candidate needs a huge tidal wave of sentiment change to tip the election. All it will take is a few things here and there.

[agates]

4. Interesting question

My first guess on a replacement would be Powell. Still fairly well respected in the party and perceived as moderate.

However, I wonder if it isn't "too late." Unless of course there is an indictment waiting with GoFYourself's name on it. Bush has so consistently said he'll stick with GFY that changing now could actually hurt Bush by making him look like he caved in. Just my thought, perhaps wishfully so.

[TomNickell]

5. Too late.

-Now- without preparation, it would look desperate and would confuse the organization.

Not that Bush has the independence to do that, anyway.

[KharmaTrain]

6. I Have A Bet With A Friend...

I don't think there's must budge or bounce left for the Bunnypants regime. Note how little a bump he gets with each "victory" and the steady decline in his approval ratings.

Many pundits...and for once I almost agree...feel the middle 20% (assuming 40% are for Kerry 40% are for Bunnypants) are starting to break away from Bushyboy and now is giving Kerry a good look. This is right on cue.

Until Kerry announced Edwards, the focus has been on Bunnypants and the question of his worthiness of a second selection. Now the focus shifts to what Kerry & Edwards can offer that's different and if they're worthy. With the way things are in this country, the undecideds have grown...and with that, those who are willing are moving from Bunnypants to Kerry. This will be a done deal before the GOOP convention...and reflective in the Kerry bounce (which I predict will be about 12 points...put him around the 52 or 53% area...not far enough ahead for the media to get bored with (remember this is also bloodsport and ratings), but one that asks for the media to try to destroy Kerry in order to create that dream replay of Election Night (and these news execs want another 3am deadheat...no question)...the dream photo-finish with one of the media titans coronating the winner.

I bet my friend that the bounce for Bunnypants, post NYC will not be anywhere near what Kerry gets out of Boston. But I do expect on Nov. 1 to see the pundits ready to say how long a night it's gonna be. If we hear that, the bad news is the fix is in and we're screwed. Here's hoping there's so strong a Kerry "bounce" that falls outside the MOE on election day which should force the media to be an honest broker for once.

[PsN2Wind]

7. Our team

should be out there hammering on people with the idea, "if something were to happen to Dick Cheney, is George Bush qualified to be the president of the United States?"

[Cat Atomic]

8. Would Kermit have made more money without Henson?

Know what I mean?

[w13rd0]

9. Here...

...let me frighten you.

In late October, Cheney is making a campaign stop in Topeka, Kansas (supposedly, in reality, he died of a heart attack 2 days prior). The site of the campaign stop is struck by a 'massive terrorist attack', a high-yield core explosive wrapped in radiological waste, Ashcroft's "dirty bomb". Appealing to our sense of outrage and our deep interest in preserving democracy, Bush ordains that the elections should be postponed, both to give him an opportunity to choose a new running mate, and allow time for homeland security to address the "continuing threat".

Martial law is declared, and Donald Rumsfeld is promoted to the position of VP, circumventing the normal procedure for Senate confirmation by emergency provisions that such "battlefield promotions" require only the approval of some senate subcommittee comprised primarily of Bush GOP, Zell Miller and Joe Lieberman.

If it looks like their defeat is inevitable, it WILL happen. The PNAC corpowhores have way too much riding on their continued grasp of power. Cheney doesn't even have to "really" go if they can hide him away in a bunker somewhere. Heck, once they've got the excuse, they can go hog wild. Just imagine the last three years, compounded tenfold... And even that is likely understating it.

[cliss]

10. I believe Bush would improve his chances by dumping F-U.

The old coot is radioactive. France is getting ready to sue him, and I understand England has some pending litigation against him. He's just a tornado of trouble.

But the question is, can he do it? Let's all dispense with the foolish idea that Bush actually makes decisions. Who would make this decision? Cheney (heh he). The Repubican National Party?