[graf008]

18 USC 871 requires next in line. Rumsfeld is not "next" - so that doesn't apply. Arguably 18 USC 115 does. However, I still think it is a tough case and not at all clear cut.

[ex 98C MI Dude]

If memory serves, a convicted criminal in the New York prison system was recently sentenced to more time in prison for threatening to shoot the junior Senator from New York.

So your argument that Rummy is too far down the order of succession doesn't hold water. It is called communicating a terroristic threat. People are convicted of it all the time. Goes to conspiracy in a case like this where more than one person is involved.