It's a gentleman's perogative to change his change.
Personally, I think he would make a fabulous president. But I think the perception that he is a walking heart attack waiting to happen, and that he has little of no chance of surviving in functional health for eight years, will be too big a negative to overcome.
I'm not sure he could overcome worries about his heart condition.
Cheney is the only 'name' Pubbie I'd like to see in the race. Maybe Tancredo a second. None of the others seem more than professional politicians.
Two other possibilities, as I doubt that the VP is going to change his mind...
a.) Senator John Cornyn of Texas
b.) General Tommy Franks (retired)
I think a ticket of Cornyn for President and former Virginia Governor (and Senator) George Allen would be dynamite.
Unfortunately, I don't think SecDef Rumsfeld could be convinced to run for President, although he would be AWESOME.
To my understanding, he has made a Shermanesque statement regarding any plans for 08...I take him at his word. McCain will be the nominee; better get used to it!
Hillary *is* going to run. Rice is the only viable alternative. Rice is a woman, black, really smart, acomplished, looks great and would whip Hillary like a yella yard dog. Any guy that runs against Hill is going to be eaten alive by the press. Rice is untouchable. No matter how the press tries to attack her, they come away looking like bullies.
Now a real chess move would be Cheney-Rice 2008. Let the Dems carp over the health issue...yes indeedy, what a disaster....
He would win by landslide ! Than he can step down for medical reasons and the VP steps in.
UH, I dont need President Bush to engineer this idea ... after the discussion about the alternatives (Guliani, Rice, Bill Owens, Newt Gingrich, Tom Tancredo, George Allen, Santorum, Brownback, Jeb Bush, Bill Frist) ... the one thing that leaps out is that we dont have a top notch conservative candidate...
Then there is Cheney.
CHENEY SOUNDS LIKE THE MAN TO BE PRESIDENT!