I believe they are prepping the way for Condi to replace Cheney as VP

[benburch]

This "Cardiac" story was invented to give a plausible reason for Cheney to step down, IMO.

Why got to Vail for that sort of surgery? Aren't there better places? Can't Cheney get treated privately at whatever hospital he chooses?

This is a set up, Rove-style. Thin cover story. Huffington salted with a "leak". "Cover" blown, they announce it. Liberal Media made to look like privacy invaders. Cheney resigns. They use the outrage over outing Cheney's medical records to somehow create sympathy for Condi.

And the next "President" of the USA is safely in the VP post.

[still_one]

1. Cheney won't step down

[MaineDem]

2. You may be on to something

I firmly believe the BFEE won't leave office without an heir (or an heiress) apparent. I have always said that Cheney won't serve out this entire term. The administration will put someone in line to succeed the Chimp. I'm not sure the Republican Party is ready for a woman to be that successor but the different ramifications of a black woman in that position are very interesting to consider, though.

[jobycom]

3. That doesn't feel right

It's plausible. And you're right, it does feel like a leak, though maybe not.

It could be a sympathy ploy to divert attention from the DSM (something they've done very well over the last week). But I can't imagine Cheney stepping down unless he's genuinely unable to continue. And I doubt Condi would be the next VP. They want someone charasmatic and stupid to take Bush's place. Condi fits only one of those. Then again, they have no one to run, really, so who knows what they're thinking.

The DSM is dying. We need to find ways to prop it up.

[mike_c]

4. that certainly is a perfect Rovian scenario....

The only thing I'd add is that Cheney will stay on as an advisor to the President or some such nonesense, but will step down from the office of VP for "health reasons"-- thus staying within the web of power while paving the way for another neocon puppet in the Oval Office. Condi is the perfect candidate-- current Sec State, insider from day one of the Bush administration, and a black woman. It just doesn't get much better than that.

I think you're likely correct, benburch-- this has Rove's cloven hoof prints all over it.

[diddlysquat]

5. This is really scarey.

[Patty Diana]

7. Yea Kinda like having Bolton for Vice pResident

[mpanno]

6. I'm gonna get flamed for this but here goes

would the southern states and confederate flag flying rednecks vote for a BLACK WOMAN??

I mean no disrespect to black people or women, I'm just wondering if the red state sheep would vote for her.

[Olney Blue]

8. Yes, they will vote for her.

ABD= anybody but a democrat!

[MaineDem]

10. I question that, too

But would they like the opportunity to say they are the first major party that gave a black woman the chance to run for President?

Kinda puts them in a "big tent" position. Of course we know it's all for show.

[undeterred]

9. I think of Condi as an uptight white male

accidentally trapped in a black womans body. The Reps would vote for her in a heartbeat and congratulate themselves for beating the Dems to electing a black and a woman as President.

[AnnInLa]

11. I agree, except for the Condi part

Immediately after the last pres election, Brian Williams went on Imus and said that the rumor around Washington was that Cheney would resign for "health reasons," and bush would appoint whichever person to be VP who would carry on the rove/neo-con work. This would give the new person 2-3 years on the national state, making him/her ripe for the repuke nomination and win in 2008.

I agree that this scenario will be carried out, so expect more trips to the hospital for dick. Another reason to believe in the scenario is that Karl does not want McCain or Rudy to be pres...they are too moderate domestically. So, what do you do to make sure McCain doesn't get the nomination? Put Frist/Santorum/other in for 2-3 years as VP and prime contender for 2008 nomination.

But, having lived in the South all of my life, I know that even the most loyal repuke-bubba down here will not vote for a Black Woman. Don't forget that evangelical extremists still believe (but don't say publicly) that the Black race is inferior. I'm serious. Karl will go with Frist, Santorum, or someone of that ilk.

[MiniMe]

12. I think Frist is damaged good right now. Between the Senate....

I think Frist is damaged good right now. Between the Senate compromise on the Judges and the Bolton vote flip/flop I really don't think they would pick him. The repukes are mad at him, think he doesn't have a spine.

[DeepModem Mom]

13. Condi would be hard to oppose, and is malleable: IMO, they'll run her...

in 2008. I think Bush's Texas honchos love her. It would be perfect Rove. The Repubs would have provided the U.S. not only its first woman President, but its first minority President. Karl would sport a big fat perpetual smile, the country would continue on the disastrous road it's on, and the press would go into a rapture, gushing, with 24/7 stories about Condi's life.

The possibility of this scenario is truly frightening.

[Totally Committed]

14. You don't think it'll be McCain?

I always thought that Cheney would step aside about this time, and it would be McCain who would step in as the new VP. It was the only thing I could think of that would have made him back Bush they way he has, after the way Bush treated him during the first campaign. You know, a deal had been struck...

I think Bush needs Condi right where she is, pushing his policy of world domination for him.

Anyone else agree?

TC

[ray of light]

15. Look if CONDI runs for President and they try to use her as a "incumbant"

We should make commercials of every LIE on the record. SHE will spend all her days answering for the deaths of close to 1800 soldiers and we will hold her accountable.

[geckosfeet]

16. Running Rice would lose a lot of southern votes. Maybe a state

or two. I can't see some sections of the south going for it.

Besides that,, she is a lying, hawkish snake in the grass. The mushroom clouds comment should be played loudly and often.