Elephant Ears

This blog is dedicated to the political happenings in the Valley and Southwest Virginia. As the the name implies, this blog will have posts based on what is heard by this elephant's (GOPer's) ears. It is also a great treat to get while at the county fair or a carnival.

Monday, February 13, 2006

The High Stakes VP Game

Much has been circulated about the possibility of VP Dick Cheney having to resign his position. In light of his health, the Scooter Libby scandal, and now shooting his friend while hunting; Cheney has more than enough reasons to resign. Our friend Old Zach is calling for him to do just that.
Here is the big question: If Cheney resigns, who replaces him? I personally think this is the ideal move for George W. Bush to select his successor for the GOP nomination in 2008. Certainly any and all probable '08 candidates will be angling for the VP nod if one occurs. Some have said Bush isn't worried about his legacy from that prespective, but I tend to disagree. Bush would want another GOP to follow him. If the next in line fails, its their fault. If they succeed, Bush can claim partial responsibility. If a dem follows him, Bush will get blamed if things go bad and will get no credit if things are good.
At any rate, who would George W. Bush pick as VP is Cheney resigns? My guess: John McCain. This would do 2 things: Eliminate the gang of 14 ringleader and therefore make getting his agenda passed and also set him up as being moderate and nice to the guy he beat. Also it would boost his standing on the war by having a POW being his right-hand man.

Of course, Cheney could stay and none of this could happen at all.

posted by GOPHokie @ 9:39 PM  

9 Comments:

  • At 2/13/2006 10:01 PM, Blogger .... said…

    John McCain wouldnt accept. Same reason he rejected the offer when John Kerry offered it.

     

  • At 2/14/2006 9:29 AM, Blogger GOPHokie said…

    Thats a very good point.
    I only question if McCain wants to be president why he wouldnt do things to position himself better.

     

  • At 2/14/2006 10:24 PM, Blogger Scott said…

    There's no way Bush would bring McCain in, and I agree with ND - there's no way McCain would accept.

    If VP does have to be replaced Bush will either ask Condi to serve or pick some Texan few have every heard of. Perhaps Gov. Perry to get him out of the mess of the re-election he's got going on. Of course I'm not sure if the law applies that Pres. and VP can't be from the same state in a replacement scenario or not.

     

  • At 2/14/2006 10:47 PM, Blogger GOPHokie said…

    I imagine it doesn't matter. The VP and President probably can never be from the same state, regardless of circumstances.
    Kinda like how the VP cannot be someone like Arnold who is ineligible to be President.

     

  • At 2/15/2006 4:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I dunno...I think Bush would have a hard time finding someone to take the job, espically if he/she had any hopes of being the next President. I mean, even if Chaney were going to run do you think he would stand a chance of winning?

    What does Bush have like a 40% approval rating or something? I bet Cheney's is even lower than that.

    The next Republican candidate will do everything they can do be as non-Bush like as possible.

     

  • At 2/15/2006 4:59 PM, Blogger GOPHokie said…

    That is good possibility as well.

     

  • At 2/20/2006 10:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    In my feeling, the only reason the media gave so much attention to the shooting incident is because it's interesting. The guy who was shot is still alive and is still friends with Cheney - there are problems 1000X worse in this world. While I didn't think less of Cheney because of the shooting, I will admit, I read a lot of newspaper articles and watched a lot of TV coverage on it just because of the interest value.

    Also, the Libby scandal isn't the only thing Dick Cheney should be remembered by. His office isn't perfect, but I think its no reason to resign considering the great job Dick Cheney does (that goes unnoticed).

    Anyone see Cheney at the VP presidential debate with Edwards in 2004? That is one of the only chances he's had to shine. I think he's doing a great job despite the media's tendency to overdramatize mistakes, while ignoring accomplishments and hard work. He is a man who truly defends conservaative principles (usually more strongly than Bush), especially the conservative principle of working hard on own's own to make a living without the help of the government.

    Despite the negative image he receives from the media and the general public, I have a lot of respect for him and wouldn't want to see him go. While I'm disheartened by the Libby scandal, I'm not convinced there are enough reasons for him to resign - yet.

     

  • At 2/21/2006 12:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    how about Mac Brown?

     

  • At 2/21/2006 10:42 PM, Blogger Spank That Donkey said…

    The only way McCain gets the nod from "W" is if that was part of the deal for not running a third candidacy in 04' if McCain ever threatened to do just that. (Cheney resign later & McCain gets the nod).

    I do not agree that he would not accept. It would be his only leg up in the GOP run for the White House (except the MSM cheerleaders). I think every Pro Gunnner & his brother, including me would take the opportunity come out and oppose him.

    The real story in "Cheney's Gotta Gun", would have been if Cheney would have been the one shot... The "conspiracy theories" would be going on for weeks...

     

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