I've stayed largely out of the Traitorgate discussion for a million reasons. The top two are a) I don't know enough to add anything to the conversation and 2) while I enjoy reading all the well-written and fascinating speculation, I can't shake the feeling that Fitzmas isn't going to live up to the expectations and, even worse, has the chance to turn into something we on the Left wish never happened. Like that birthday party when your drunken uncle made a pass at your mom leading to a series of events that ended with the police knocking at the door because the cranky couple next door called them about the noise. KathyF shows us exactly how that could happen. Guess who she's looking at to replace Dick:
But those medals on his chest act as Teflon, with Democrats unwilling to play swift boat politics. Despite his contemptible performance at the UN, Colin Powell is still America's favorite untested politician, and if he decides to stop tinkering on his Volvos and rejoin the administration, Democrats can start measuring themselves for subzero parkas. We'll be out in the cold a long, long time.
She makes a frighteningly good case througout the post. As I said in the comments to it, I've long believed that Dick was going to be phased out in time for the '08 campaign. I thought they'd use his health as an excuse but it looks like Team Bush may get their own gift on Fitzmas. As for his replacement, I'm still hanging with my longtime prediction that before the '08 campaigning starts, we're going to see Vice President Man-on-Dog. When we get down to base tactics, which is all that matters to the GOP now that unverifiable voting is the law of the land, you can't deny that he makes the baby Jesus smile. And if this latest SCOTUS fight doesn't break exactly their way and Griswold and Roe aren't overturned by election day, the American Taliban will need some major coddling on their way to the voting booths.
So who's on your VP shortlist?
I want my unverifiable vote to count. Two or three times.
Posted by: The Heretik | October 21, 2005 at 08:06 PM
Then vote Republican!
Posted by: eRobin | October 21, 2005 at 08:14 PM
Cheney's going nowhere. Geez, stop with the delusions. At WORST, they can say that Libby and/or Rove tried to "cover up" a non-criminal act (fear? confusion?) and one or both would resign. AT WORST, but it's *highly* unlikely. Furthermore, how does this in ANY way tie into Cheney? Cheney is a teddy bear and certainly not the type to get revenge. He'd be 10 times more likely to punch Joe Wilson than screw with his wife. Cheney is one of the good guys, regardless of how you want to demonize Rove.
Posted by: John Ashman | October 21, 2005 at 08:45 PM
I feel dizzy after reading that last comment, "Cheney is one of the good guys." a.) He is? and b.) there's more "good guys" just like him? Good Lord, no.
My guesses for post-Dick VP: Condi (you've got the Friend Of W. and the unassailable female pick action combined) or Jeb (because Barbara demands it, dammit!). I'm thinking Condi gets the edge for the big Bush screw you to those who have dared question his Miers pick.
Posted by: Mark | October 21, 2005 at 09:41 PM
If I had to move off Man-on-Dog, I'd pick Andrew Card over Condi. I can't see them blowing the whole Southern Strategy just to try to get their AfAm numbers into the double digits. The trade off isn't worth it for them. Now, if Condi were a latino minister maybe ...
Posted by: eRobin | October 21, 2005 at 11:44 PM
Now, if Condi were a latino minister maybe ...
Alberto? shudder
Posted by: Thomas Nephew | October 22, 2005 at 01:05 AM
I think Powell might make sense from the old Republican point of view -- he could be tough to beat in 08. But it's not the old Republican party any more. It's Dubya's and Rove's and Dobson's.
Dubya wouldn't do it on his own because Colin's a bigger star than he is, and would clearly be the man on the white horse, saving Bush's little ass.
And even if he wanted to, Dobson would scream bloody murder because Colin doesn't (seem to?) be a radical cleric hem-kisser.
The latter might be the problem with Condi, too, but I think Bush is more comfortable with her, she's nice and deferential to him.
However, we're counting our next vice presidential chickens before the current one kicks the bucket in one way or another. John Dean is saying he thinks Fitz will just close up the office next week, no indictments.
Posted by: Thomas Nephew | October 22, 2005 at 01:21 AM
Hey Thomas :)
Dubya wouldn't do it on his own because Colin's a bigger star than he is, and would clearly be the man on the white horse, saving Bush's little ass.
Absolutely. I hadn't thought of that. And you're right about the hem kissing. Powell is pro-choice. But that shouldn't worry anyone since he has no real principals.
I'm very nervous that Fitzmas will never come and so I haven't written about it. I think Cheney is out no matter what so they can run an incumbant in '08.
Posted by: eRobin | October 22, 2005 at 10:24 AM
As for Cheney's replacement, hasn't your queen mother still got some other brats to get crowned?
I note that John is throwing away all pretense of principle here. Outing a CIA agent isn't a crime he says? He makes a good point about going after someone's family members though: even the mob doesn't do that. These Republicans are just disgusting. Oh I'm sorry -- was I "demonizing" them?
Once again party loyalty means everything and principle means nothing eh John? You're a fool. At least when Robin chucks away principle to support the feminists she knows they aren't laughing at her. Hope you like that king sized deficit King George is giving you.
Posted by: DavidByron | October 22, 2005 at 10:47 AM