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Dump Cheney for Condi, Bush urged
Times Online ^ | 04.23.06

Posted on 04/23/2006 9:18:06 AM PDT by Dr. Marten

REPUBLICANS are urging President George W Bush to dump Dick Cheney as vice-president and replace him with Condoleezza Rice if he is serious about presenting a new face to the jaded American public.

They believe that only the sacrifice of one or more of the big beasts of the jungle, such as Cheney or Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, will convince voters that Bush understands the need for a fresh start.

The jittery Republicans claim Bush’s mini-White House reshuffle last week will do nothing to forestall the threat of losing control of Congress in the November mid-term elections.

Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard magazine and author of Rebel in Chief, a sympathetic new biography of Bush, said: “There are going to have to be sweeping personnel changes if people are going to take a second look at the Bush presidency.”

Barnes, who is close to the White House, said he believed Cheney would be willing to stand down in order to help Bush. “It’s unlike Bush to dump somebody whom he likes and respects,” he cautioned. “But the president needs to do something shocking and dramatic such as putting in Condoleezza Rice.”

Cheney appeared to have beeen caught napping during a visit to the Oval Office by China’s president, Hu Jintao, on Friday, although he claimed he had been looking down at his notes. It has often been said that he would cite medical reasons should he ever resign.

The best scenario, Barnes added, would be for Bush to announce that “Dick Cheney will be around as an outside adviser and I can call him on the phone, but I’d like to anoint somebody who I think will be the next leader of the United States”.

Tom Edmonds, a leading Republican consultant, said the White House had failed to grasp that the party was in desperate straits. “I have never talked to so many disenchanted Republicans,” he said. “The president even stonewalled the minor changes he made by talking about how he was really perfectly happy with his team. He didn’t even give himself wiggle room.”

One Republican strategist, who did not want to be named, said: “If I were Bush I would think of changing Cheney. It is one of the few substantial things he can do to change the complexion of his administration. The rest is nibbling around the edges.”

Bush’s new chief of staff, Joshua Bolten, quickly put his stamp on the inner workings of the White House last week by stripping Karl Rove, Bush’s most powerful adviser, of his policy-making role and ordering him to concentrate on his forte: winning elections.

Bolten also obtained the resignation of the White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, who was nicknamed Piggy in a recent Vanity Fair article because of his resemblance to the hapless victim of the feral boys in Lord of the Flies.

Tony Snow, a Fox News broadcaster who is favoured to replace McClellan, has previously described the Bush administration as “listless” and in dire need of change.

But a new communicator cannot reinvent an old team. Edmonds believes Rumsfeld should go. “The president is loyal to a fault,” he said. “His loyalty shouldn’t be to Rumsfeld but to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. We need a new, strong face on the war, such as Senator John McCain or Joe Lieberman (the pro-war Democrat senator).”

Bob Schieffer, a CBS news television presenter, said Bush may yet drop Rumsfeld despite his strong declaration of support. “It was also this president who said, ‘Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job’ and that was just before Brownie got canned,” Schieffer said, referring to Michael Brown, who directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s much-criticised response to Hurricane Katrina.

John Snow, the Treasury secretary, has been left twisting in the wind while replacements for him are openly discussed, and Rob Portman has been brought in to replace Bolten as budget director. Suggestions that Harriet Miers, Bush’s White House counsel who was dropped as his supreme court nominee, would be next to go were denied last week.

Supporters say Bush should live up to his bold claim that he is “the decider” — made while rejecting recent calls for Rumsfeld’s resignation from half a dozen senior generals — and start firing senior people rather than backroom staff.

“If the Democrats win either the House of Representatives or the Senate it will be death and torment. It will be horrible for Bush,” said Barnes. A Democrat win could lead to moves to impeach Bush for leading the country to war on allegedly false pretences, or at the very least, to bog down the president’s legislative programme until he leaves office in 2008.

Rove has been privately warning party activists to expect some losses in the mid-term elections. One insider said: “I’ve heard him say at several party gatherings that the president wasn’t supposed to win in 2000, but he did. We’ve increased our margins of victory time and again. We can’t just keep winning on top of winning so we’re bound to slip back, but we’re still doing better than you would historically expect.”

Only one two-term victor has been more unpopular than Bush at a similar six-year stage in his presidency — Richard Nixon in the months before he was impeached.

 


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Editorial; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: bush; bushisanidiot; bushthemoron; cheney; condoleezza; gwbushisexcellent; mccarthyisbigbomb; morebarf; repubslovecheney
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To: Dr. Marten
[I'm a Republican and I voted for Bush, but thank goodness I'll never be in a position where I have to vote for him again. Bush is an idiot and it shows at all levels of his administration.]



What does it say about the judgment of someone who votes for such an obvious idiot?

Or was Bush intelligent until 2000 but became stupid later?

Another possibility exists: President Bush's opponents continue to call him dumb until gullible people believe it.
41 posted on 04/23/2006 11:14:07 AM PDT by spinestein (The mainstream news media are to journalism what fast food chains are to fine dining.)
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To: spinestein; Dr. Marten; Soul Seeker
Dr. Marten: "I'm a Republican and I voted for Bush, but thank goodness I'll never be in a position where I have to vote for him again. Bush is an idiot and it shows at all levels of his administration."


===

This reminds me in an eerie way of the people described in THIS excellent article:


Latest Dem Tactics: The new 'Republicans vote on Wednesday' game (FR mentioned)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1613957/posts
42 posted on 04/23/2006 11:32:36 AM PDT by FairOpinion (Dem Foreign Policy: SURRENDER to our enemies. Real conservatives don't help Dems get elected.)
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To: Uncle Hal

"The vice president is an elected official of the USA. It is not like firing a cabinet member."

So if Cheney did go, who would move in succession..Hastert?


43 posted on 04/23/2006 11:37:10 AM PDT by toddlintown (Lennon takes six bullets to the chest, Yoko is standing right next to him and not one f'ing bullet?)
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To: spinestein

"What does it say about the judgment of someone who votes for such an obvious idiot?"

let's see, I could have either voted for John Kerry or Bush..hmm..

I don't have to say or believe anything I hear about Bush from others, he makes the case himself every time he opens his mouth or entertains a foreign dignitary.

http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20060422_2.htm


44 posted on 04/23/2006 11:43:39 AM PDT by Dr. Marten ((http://thehorsesmouth.blog-city.com))
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To: FairOpinion

Yeah, you go with that.

I see that rather than refute my previous statements about Bush, you choose to engage in ad hominem attacks.


45 posted on 04/23/2006 11:47:46 AM PDT by Dr. Marten ((http://thehorsesmouth.blog-city.com))
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To: Dr. Marten

YOU said: "Bush is an idiot and it shows at all levels of his administration"


===

Do you consider THIS "rational, logical" discussion of the issues?

You sound exactly like the people in the article I mentioned in my earlier post.

"The premise follows a scheme previously found most often on talk radio programs: a liberal activist calls a conservative radio host, such as Rush Limbaugh or Laura Ingraham, and delivers the line: “I’ve been voting Republican for 30 years, but I’ve finally had it and I’m not voting this year.” Or my favorite: “I’m a Reagan Republican, but I’m fed up and voting for John Kerry.” (Because that is what Reagan Republicans would do, vote for John Kerry.) At this point, the host usually asks a couple of questions and it becomes painfully obvious that the supposed Reagan Republican has probably never voted for anyone left of Michael Dukakis. "

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1613957/posts?page=87#87


46 posted on 04/23/2006 11:58:09 AM PDT by FairOpinion (Dem Foreign Policy: SURRENDER to our enemies. Real conservatives don't help Dems get elected.)
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To: FairOpinion

Well, I stated a fact. Bush is an idiot.

Since you like to follow links:

http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20060422_2.htm


47 posted on 04/23/2006 12:04:11 PM PDT by Dr. Marten ((http://thehorsesmouth.blog-city.com))
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To: Dr. Marten

"Well, I stated a fact. Bush is an idiot. "

===

It is most certainly NOT a fact. It is YOUR OPINION.

Repeating that "Bush is an idiot" only makes it clearer and clearer that perhaps you don't belong in this forum.


48 posted on 04/23/2006 12:06:49 PM PDT by FairOpinion (Dem Foreign Policy: SURRENDER to our enemies. Real conservatives don't help Dems get elected.)
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To: Dr. Marten

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1619750/posts


49 posted on 04/23/2006 12:07:08 PM PDT by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)
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To: Dr. Marten
"I don't have to say or believe anything I hear about Bush from others, he makes the case himself every time he opens his mouth or entertains a foreign dignitary."

Then you give a link to what others say about him!

Go to WhiteHouse.Gov and you can find unedited video and transcripts. I think he does an excellent job. Sometimes I wish he would respond to stupid or disrespectful questions by saying "that is stupid," or "It's not your place to talk the President in that manner." In his shoes, I might do that - and regret it later.
50 posted on 04/23/2006 12:07:32 PM PDT by ChessExpert (The Democratic Party - a Marxist front organization)
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To: Dr. Marten

The Times Online piece is at
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2148000,00.html

It's a British news outlet! ...wishful thinking in Britain.


51 posted on 04/23/2006 12:08:01 PM PDT by familyop ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." --President Bush)
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To: bray
"This is a PravdABDNC hoax."

It's piece in a British newspaper. Have a look at the link.

I agree with the rest of what you wrote.
52 posted on 04/23/2006 12:10:38 PM PDT by familyop ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." --President Bush)
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To: Dr. Marten
"They believe that only the sacrifice of one or more of the big beasts of the jungle, such as Cheney or Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, will convince voters that Bush understands the need for a fresh start."

That no surprise, coming from a pro-terrorist British opinion rag like the Times Online.

ICM (Poll of British people)
"ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+ by telephone on 20-21st April, 2002. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.
. . .

"Q3. In the dispute in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians, from what you have seen and heard about the conflict which of the two do you sympathise with more, Israel or the Palestinians?"

Israel           14%
Palestine      28%
Both            14%
Neither         23%
Don't know   20%
"
53 posted on 04/23/2006 12:14:55 PM PDT by familyop ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." --President Bush)
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To: clintonh8r
So the candy-ass GOPers in the House and Senate want the president to dump his key players because they can't get re-elected on their own merits, and they think dumping Rummy or Big Dick will mean more votes for them? Yeah...that's a strategy to go with.

Exactly right - These weak-kneed GOPers simply need to stand up and fight back on the DEM's / MSM - They need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our CIC / SecDef on the WOT / Iraq, they need to tout our robust economic success....they need to take the issue of high gas prices to the DEMs pointing out the facts that 30 years of wrong-headed environmental policies have costs!..we are bearing those costs at the pump today.

54 posted on 04/23/2006 12:15:12 PM PDT by SevenMinusOne
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To: Dr. Marten
"Well, I stated a fact. Bush is an idiot."

"There were 16 errors in the simultaneous interpretation of Bush's speech, including a missing section that was filled in later. "

The interpreter made mistakes. Simultaneous interpreting is not easy. But why call Bush an idiot? The mistakes were not his.

Can you find an American source for your opinions?
55 posted on 04/23/2006 12:21:50 PM PDT by ChessExpert (The Democratic Party - a Marxist front organization)
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To: ChessExpert

"Then you give a link to what others say about him!"

I've already stated my thoughts about the man. As for the link I provided, Roland does not offer his own thoughts on the matter. He did however translate several articles from other sources relating to how the meeting was perceived in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Of course, the protest that was allowed by an ET reporter was not broadcasted in China. If there were any competence among those handling this visit by Hu Jintao, none of these mistakes would have even taken place.


56 posted on 04/23/2006 12:33:16 PM PDT by Dr. Marten ((http://thehorsesmouth.blog-city.com))
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To: bray

I agree. Name these GOPers who want Chaney to go. Too bad about them. They have done nothing to inspire the confidence of the public. Chaney is the best VP we ever had and Condi has pro-abortion baggage that cannot be disregarded. Let's show the integrity and support our President and VP.


57 posted on 04/23/2006 12:41:14 PM PDT by conservative blonde (Conservative Blonde)
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To: ChessExpert
"The interpreter made mistakes. Simultaneous interpreting is not easy. But why call Bush an idiot? The mistakes were not his."
The interpreter made mistakes. The officials doing background checks on attending journalists made mistakes. The official announcing the name of the Chinese National Anthem made mistakes. Bush himself made a huge mistake by grabbing the Chinese President in the manner he did.
 
The entire visit was completely fumbled.
 
Can you find an American source for your opinions?"
 
My opinions are not dictated by others. As for citing the mistakes this administration made while hosting the Chinese President, what makes the difference where they come from? If the US administration didn't recognize the mistakes they were making, what makes you think other AMericans would pick up on it either?

58 posted on 04/23/2006 12:43:50 PM PDT by Dr. Marten
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To: ChessExpert
Good point. The only idiots i know of are those like me who continue to send money and support those who do not represent me. I have to admit , the argument that , ya we are bad but the dems are worse is wearing thin. Bush is inarticulate and he has a pitiful media response team . I steam when he refuses to crush these dwarfs that attack him. He is no idiot . He and his team have done a remarkable job . It is easy to forget what kind of shape we were in after 911 . I think he is dead wrong on his immigration position , mainly because he has no idea how it impacts city and state services , not to mention the emerging middle class. However i am glad he is where he is.
59 posted on 04/23/2006 12:45:36 PM PDT by fantom
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To: Rhetorical pi2; libstripper; ChessExpert
Yes, yes and yes...........

What makes this "theory", ha, ha, so plausible is the fact, that when Vice-President Agnew was found to have taken payoffs (while a governor, I believe).........full bore, to the hilt, ______to the wall attack by the big liberal media, but, when President Clinton was found to have taken payoffs (also, while a governor, I believe) the sounds of silence, and, of............crickets.

Yet another perfect example of the double standard, hypocritical, biased, lefist, lying socialist MSM.

60 posted on 04/23/2006 1:14:59 PM PDT by AwesomePossum
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