I'm thinking the LIbby verdict might be the first step to...

[TreasonousBastard]

impeachment. Remember that Nixon couldn't be impeached until Agnew was out.

I don't think the verdict means much by itself, since there's no hard link to Cheney or Shrub and the charge was spurious at best, but it's so close to Cheney that it just might be a good time for him to resign for "health reasons." Then, depending on who replaces him, we've got a clear shot at finding some little dingus to pin on Shrub and nail him. Won't be easy, since they've learned well about how Reagan kept himself away from Iran-Contra and avoided any personal damage.

But... everyone's running for President now, so who could replace Cheney? Whoever it is has a really good shot in '08, just like Ford did. I mean, who the hell would have voted for Ford if he wasn't already there?

Imagine the horrorshow if Cheney resigns and Giuliani is the new Veep. If he ends up as President and manages to keep quiet for a year or so, admittedly almost impossible for him, he's almost guaranteed to win in '08. If the new broom comes up with a plausible Iraq scheme, neither Hillary's waffles or Barack the Rock Star will have a chance.

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it. The Law of Unintended Consequences is still in effect and the real players, 435 conmgresscritters and another thousand or so hacks and hangers-on, are all working the angles here.

[GreenZoneLT]

1. Hey, never hurts to be an optimist

I don't think Cheney would resign if he were dead. In fact, I'm not convinced he ISN'T dead, and that's just an audioanimatronic Cheneybot roaming around. I mean, you never heard of Cheney shooting anyone EVER before last year, did you? Blood clot, my eye; he burnt out an actuator and they're waiting for the part.

Bush wouldn't pick Giuliani, either; Rove would see Giuliani as a threat because he's as smart as Rove and just as vindictive and power hungry. If the Cheneybot fries its motherboard, expect another Old Family Retainer who's closer to 43 than 41 to step in. Or else a photogenic nonentity like Romney (who, btw, is going to be the GOP nominee and may win in 2008 -- he's got the Harding effect going for him that he LOOKS presidential).

[TreasonousBastard]

10. Actually, I can't see Rudy as...

the replacement. Since the job automatically has whoever takes over running in '08 with a huge advantage, the House wouldn't let it happen.

Somebody relatively unknown and innocuous, like, well, Ford, would be likely. Someone who would pose as little a threat as possible in '08.

Truth is, Condi might be perfect. She's out of her league at State already, and would most likely be a miserable President, but not cause too much damage.

And, she would be the first female President, psving the way for a fun race sgainst Hillary.

Or, think about Powell vs. Obama.

McCain vs. anyone.

The possibilities are endless and the players in this game are working their little asses off as we speak.

[PhilipShore]

2. If Gore jumps in now-- and the Repukes see...

But... everyone's running for President now, so who could replace Cheney? Whoever it is has a really good shot in '08, just like Ford did. I mean, who the hell would have voted for Ford if he wasn't already there?

________________________________

the poll numbers -- with Gore with a 20% lead -- they (the Republicans) just may impeach Bush/Cheney -- because that may be their only chance for a 2008 win.

[Bolo Boffin]

3. If Cheney resigns, Condi is Veep.

Negroponte in as SECSTATE.

Then if Bush has to go, Condi is President, with the advantage of incumbency over Hillary.

[pnorman]

4. Here's from the XXV Amendment:

Section 1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Section 3. Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-fifth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution


Section 2 would apply here.

pnorman

[ClintonTyree]

8. Those are just guidelines...

as far as the Bushistas are concerned. Since when have they considered the Constitution anything more than, "a piece of paper"? The Imperial Presidency of George Bush does what it wants, when it wants. Laws are for suckers.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Not true. Check the 25th Amendment and...

the various succession acts.

As with Agnew/Ford, when the VP office is vacant, the President appoints a successor who must be approved by a majority of both houses. Dunno if he HAS to appoint a successor, though, which means things could get real dicey.

The Secretary of State is after the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate, which means if Shrub doesn't get a Veep before he gets booted out, Pelosi is President.

Fun, eh?

[NewJeffCT]

6. I don't see that happening

If Cheney resigns for "health reasons" they probably will have taken time to come up with his replacement and immediately put forth their name, be it Condi or somebody else. I can see the announcement now, "it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that I have accepted the resignation of Dick Cheney as Vice President of the United States, effective upon confirmation of his replacement. He is resigning so he can fully turn his attention to recovering from his current medical problems. In his long and distinguished career, Dick Cheney has (insert lie-filled platitudes). As his successor, I nominate Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and I call upon Congress to move immediately to confirm her historic appointment...."

[PhilipShore]

9. Interesting

Pelosi is a liberal Democrat, I would much prefer over Hillary. I would vote for Pelosi in 2008 for president in a New York minute.

President Pelosi

[fasttense]

7. I see W nominating his brother Jeb as VEEP.

If Cheney is gone, Jeb can get in there and help cover up everything. Jeb was always the smart one right? Jeb wants back into politics and the being the vice president will give him the chance. Hell, he stole the election twice for his brother. What are brothers for anyway?

[TreasonousBastard]

11. He might try, but...

I don't see the house letting any strong '08 contender into that job.

If Cheney does quit, it will be a lot of fun to watch, though.

[fasttense]

12. I hope you are right. n/t