So I had a day of optimism, now my pessimism sets back in...

[vi5]

I was happy as could be when Kerry picked Edwards. I thought it was a great move. The positivity coming from the campaign and even the inability of critics to spin its negatives well made me very happy, and hearing all the positive reactions did as well. I felt better and more optimistic than I had in ages.

But today I become more convinced that either Bush will drop Cheney and replace him with Gulliani or McCain, or that there will be an orchestrated attack of some sort a few weeks prior to the election.

In both instances and with such a close race as it is, these will be all that buscho needs to give them the edge or at least the perception of the edge.

*sigh*

It's tough being a negative cynic. I'll do everything I can to try and counter this but both instances just seem futile to me in the event that they do happen.

Anyone feel like consoling me and telling me I"m wrong?

[jjmalonejr]

1. There, there

You're wrong

[vi5]

2. Thanks....

I wish I could say that made me feel better.

But thanks for the A+ effort.

[bigwillq]

3. I never thought about Gulliani

But now that you said it....

Ok,bigwillq, think positively..


You're wrong vi5. Feel better.

[vi5]

7. It would piss off their base but not as much as...

..the prospect of losing. I think bush could convince them that gulliani or mccain would be effectively neutered on social issues.

[quaoar]

4. Guiliani would be a great selection for Bush

Just think about it for a moment:

1. He had an ugly affair and divorce. All that would be dredged up again.

2. He is pro-choice, which would set off a conflagration in the GOP.

[childslibrarian]

5. Cheney runs the show

He'd never allow it.

[Ruffhowse]

6. Just keep saying to yourself...

...Kerry-Edwards LANDSLIDE.......Kerry-Edwards LANDSLIDE....Kerry-Edwards LANDSLIDE......whenever you feel doubt creeping in.

[fearnobush]

8. Not so fast... McCain is closet Bush hater and Guilliani, cheated on

his wife, dumped her, then married the cheatee. Thta does not go well with the integrity thing amoung the Christian right.

[vi5]

9. It would be a hail mary pass in either case...

but I think what they would lose in their base they would pick up in swing voters. If they poll it and it seems like they could do it, mark my word that they will.

[quaoar]

10. I would be more worried...

...if Bush picked Powell or Tom Ridge.

But he won't dump Cheney -- no matter how many F-bombs he drops -- because it is not in his nature and because it will be seen as the desperation move that it is.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. Dropping Cheney would be the flip

and McCain would be the flop. He'd be toast.
McCain would make Bush look like a weenie.
He is a weenie, but McCain would seal the deal.
Don't worry. The Dream Ticket is the real deal.

[calico1]

12. Don't think Cheney will be dropped

It would be a sign of weakness and desperation on their part. Also, McCain and Giuliani are not without their negatives. McCain is strongly disliked by the neocons because he has criticized Bush often. Not exactly a love fest between them. I also think a lot of swing voters would be turned off by him swearing he would not be a VP candidate and then decide to join Bush's ticket. And few people have forgotten how he was demonized by Bush's campaign in 2000. I don't think that would help his credibility to now be seen as kissing up to someone who tried to destroy his character. As for Giuliani, people outside the New York area only know him as the strong leader of NYC after 9/11. But the fact is that prior to that many New Yorkers had no use for him. A lot of his policies were far from compassionate. For example, his policies towards dealing with the homeless were very vicious and coldhearted. Also, he had his mistress live with him in Gracy Mansion (offical Mayor's residence) while he was still married. He's got a lot of dirty laundry that can be aired. But, like I said I don't think Cheney will be dropped. I think they are arrogant enough to believe that they are totally unbeatable and that most Americans absolutely adore them. And I hope they keep thinking that--until its too late.

[BeatleBoot]

13. Why would you let these weirdos

get you down?

These cowards are going to break your spirit?

They aren't worth a pimple on my ass.

You, my friend, are fighting the good fight.

They are fighting the <REALLY> bad fight.

Buckle up and put your hat on, kiddo.

We are about to take our country back!

[LittleApple81]

14. CHENEY IS THE REAL POWER AND BRAINS. Giulliani does

not have the power.... Cheney is the puppeteer...

[DrFunkenstein]

15. Bush Is Running On Stability And Dependability, Not Big Changes

Even a "medical" excuse would be viewed cynically by the media at this point, and tons of speculation would rise up as to whether or not Bush dumped Dick.

Then a review of Cheney's time at the White House and up the CIA's ass would ensue, once he was out of the bubble - which would be a review of Bush's record. That's not something they really want.

Then there's the very-well-known secret of McCain's disgust with Bush. The only reason he did campaigning was after his party gave him hell for NOT IMMEDIATELY SQUASHING KERRY-VP SPECULATION.

Guiliani wants to be remembered as the saint of 9/11. If he ran, his whole - you know - record and all would come up. Not to mention his, er, indiscretions.



Dick Cheney - regular guy.

[BeatleBoot]

22. He throws like a chick

(not that there's anything wrong with that)

[quaoar]

16. I've always liked McCain

I've always thought he had a great deal of integrity.

That's why I cannot see him ever agreeing to join Bush as his running mate, unless it was his devious way of torturing Dubya.

After what Bush's people did to McCain in South Carolina -- saying he had a black love child and pandering to the Bob Jones crowd -- I cannot fathom how McCain could stomach being in the same room as Bush.

[Hoping4Change]

17. Someone posted the other day an observation that will put

your mind at rest. I will try my best to restate it. The DUer observed that if Cheney dropped out now Bush's campaign funds would be in jeopardy. The Duer said that the person who replaced Wellstone could not access money Wellstone raised.

[Beetwasher]

18. Cheney Is NOT LEAVING UNLESS HE'S STONE COLD DEAD!

And even then they might pull a "weekend at Bernies". Think about it rationally.

1. If he leaves he loses the protection of "executive privelege"
2. Bush will be the ULTIMATE flip-flopper who is NOT loyal
3. He's a cantankerous, stubborn, douchebag who would rather slit his children's throats than admit he's fallible or before he'd give in on ANYTHING, and the only one who could make him leave is HIMSELF! Nobody tells him what to do. He picked himself for cryin' out loud!

[quaoar]

19. Another reason Cheney won't leave

He would probably be indicted immediately in France in the Nigerian bribery scandal.

[incapsulated]

20. Well, I've had those thoughts..

I'm more afraid of a October "Osama perp walk" than Cheney getting sacked. I think Cheney might have Bush wacked before he let go of power.

[PurityOfEssence]

21. Strutting creeps with masculinity problems are incapable of doing that

It also wouldn't be a good idea: it'd be admitting fear, guilt and vulnerability. I seriously can't see why anyone would think he'll do that, even if he actually does much of anything, which is enough of a stretch.

Even a major health issue would be hushed up; they can't tolerate any wisp of a rumor of not being confident.