Cheney hurts President's chances for re-election

[Barrett808]

GUEST COMMENTARY: Cheney hurts President's chances for re-election
By Mary Lynn F. Jones and Thomas F. Schaller -- Special to the Los Angeles Times

Is Vice President Dick Cheney an electoral liability for President Bush? Some Republicans are worried that Cheney's actions might threaten Bush's bid for re-election in 2004.

The dump-Cheney talk probably originated with disgruntled State Department folks, who would like nothing better than to undermine the neoconservative foreign-policy cabal headed by Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The movement's underlying premise is that the vice president's hawkish positions and statements related to terrorism, Iraq and foreign policy have put Bush at risk.

But even as more Republicans criticize the handling of postwar Iraq, international issues are only half the story. Another problem is Cheney's failed stewardship of the administration's domestic agenda in Congress, which also leaves the president vulnerable next year.

Cheney is the administration's chief legislative officer, responsible for shepherding its priorities through Congress. He's a regular presence at the weekly Senate Republican policy lunches. He also is the first vice president to maintain offices in both chambers. As a former House minority whip, Cheney is surpassed by few in knowing what makes the institution run.

Despite Cheney's unprecedented ties to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, Congress has publicly rebuffed the administration on a series of legislative matters. Barring late reversals, the White House defeats will include changes in overtime regulations, the Federal Communications Commission's ruling on media consolidation and the end of the ban on travel to Cuba, despite veto threats from the president.

(more)

http://www.lenconnect.com/articles/2003/11/09/news/news06.txt

[Betty]

1. If he dumps cheney

it would be publicly admitting that something is wrong, which I doubt any of these arrogant assholes would ever do.

[mikehiggins]

2. Not at all

Cheney has a built in "out" with his bad heart.

No, not THAT bad heart. I'm talking about the physical one.

All it would take is a sorrowful speech from Cheney that his health and family concerns make it impossible to continue and he would be applauded for putting America's needs ahead of his personal ambition.

The Dubya would be free to appoint Jeb as his co-conspirator and an adoring GOP would wet themselves trying to get to be first in line to kiss the ring.

You may think that's impossible, but just look at what Dubya has gotten away with already.

[Scott Lee]

3. Not necessarily

In true Soviet style (which upon examination, this administration has much in common with), they could use Unka Dick's poor health as an explanation for "excusing" him from his office.

[DBoon]

4. I'm sorry but

if Dan Quayle couldn't keep W Senior from being elected, I don't think Cheney will hurt W junior.

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. Damn. They're catching on too early.

In time to do something about it. drat.

[dd123]

6. Dumping Cheney is dumping this whole administration

Then Bush would be an empty vessel again.