President Edwards? (Another Scenario to this Election!)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/29/opinion/29marmon.html?hp=&oref=login&pagewanted=print&position=

It's Jan. 20, 2005, and a stunned America watches as John Edwards is sworn in as both vice president and acting president of the United States. Impossible? No, nor is a Bush-Edwards administration.

There are just a few upsets needed in states where the presidential race is very close. Even if President Bush wins Wisconsin and Minnesota - two states he lost in 2000 - Senator John Kerry would force a 269-269 Electoral College tie if he carries Colorado, Missouri, Nevada and New Hampshire, and Al Gore's states.

<snip>

The Constitution provides that the vice president becomes president if the president dies, resigns or is removed from office. But the 20th Amendment states that: "If a president shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the president-elect shall have failed to qualify, then the vice president-elect shall act as president until a president shall have qualified."

The House could remain deadlocked for two years, and perhaps even four, depending on the results of the 2006 Congressional elections. And until the House reaches a decision, Acting President John Edwards would occupy the Oval Office.

[MissB]

1. I have never heard of this scenario

And I sit here stunned. Is this possible, really?

[RamboLiberal]

5. I would think the writer would know what he is talking about

In this crazy year I think anything is possible - I'd take that scenario if it was impossible for Kerry to be President - anything to deny * another 4 years. The Repugs and Freepers would be shitting themselves! Maybe they'd finally get rid of that damn electoral college!

[DieboldMustDie]

2. Nevermind

;)

[StupidFOX]

3. Oh, I heard of that!

The secret service would have to pry them off each other daily! :evilgrin:

[InvisibleTouch]

4. I think President Edwards...

...will have to wait until 2012. ;)

[billyoc]

6. Unfortunately the Senate chooses the VP

in the case of an electoral college tie. So it would be President He-Who-Must-Not-Be-President.

But it's a good, spooky Halloween story, though. :)

[Technowitch]

7. Won't happen.

There are all kinds of weird 'possible' outcomes, but not a one of them is the least bit likely.

Especially not given our idiot SCOTUS. Given half a chance, they'd put Shrub back in the WH again in a heartbeat.