Viera: 'Beginning of the End' for VP Cheney?

NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Meredith Vieira [file photo] was in a light-hearted mood at the top of this morning's "Today," joshing with substitute co-host Ann Curry about the estrogen on the set, even offering to leave her husband for the winner of the Powerball lottery. But we shouldn't have let the idle chatter fool us. When it came to discussing the repercussions of the Libby conviction, Meredith's leopard-skinned blouse should have been a clue -- because she pounced.

Discussing the trial with NBC host turned star prosecution witness Tim Russert [file photo], Meredith displayed on screen and read this quotation from Republican strategist [and former Dole campaign manager] Scott Reed that appeared in a New York Times article this morning:

“The trial has been death by 1,000 cuts for Cheney. It’s hurt him inside the administration. It’s hurt him with the Congress, and it’s hurt his stature around the world because it has shown a lot of the inner workings of the White House. It peeled the bark right off the way they operate.”

Vieira then asked Russert: "Is this the beginning of the end, do you believe, for the Vice President?"

Russert did nothing to deflect the notion: "The president is on record saying that if anyone leaked information like this, they would be dealt with. It appears that Mr. Cheney gave Mr. Libby the information. As Kelly [O'Donnell] reported, Mr. Armitage and Mr. Rove shared information with reporters. And so the president now has to come to grips with that, and recognize that having made a committment to deal with that, how will he do that?

Sounds like Russert calling for the head of the Vice-President. Of course the Mr. Cheney is a separately-elected constitutional officer. He does not serve at the pleasure of the president. But leaving that asisde, and even by Tim's terms, neither Cheney nor Libby could have "leaked" Plame's identity since it was, thanks to Richard Armitage, already out there. But that didn't stop Russert, with a little helpful prodding from Vieira, from none-too-subtly suggesting that Cheney should go.

Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net

[RexBeach]

Did not Mr Russert work for Mario Cuomo? I think he did.

Gee. I'll bet Mr. Russert isn't too biased, is he?

[Mr. K]

Cheney has served long and well. I love the man, but I think it would be a great strategic move to retire and appoint Condi VP. She would be a shoe-in for president and could KICK Hilliary's rather large a$$ in presidential debates. (I would pay to see that)

[Mr. K]

No, the word is whore- she has just named her price.

[Fawn]

He's a bloated chipmunk.

[Fawn]

So who becomes VP is Cheney has to resign, or something....?

I believe Bush can appoint anyone....like maybe.... Rudy.

[kabar]

The president is on record saying that if anyone leaked information like this, they would be dealt with. It appears that Mr. Cheney gave Mr. Libby the information.

It is not a crime for the VP to discuss classified matters with his Chief-of-staff. Moreover, no one has asserted that leaking Plame's name was a crime. She was not a covert agent.

[Enduring Freedom]

bush says...

(sound of crickets chirping, paper shuffling, coughs, distant motor vehicles)

[Abathar]

The timing would be horrible now with the Libby fiasco still in the headlines. The MSM would have a field day with his leaving now for any reason less than being taken out of his office feet first.

I agree moving someone viable into the slot now would have been a smart political move had Libby walked, but perception is everything, and it would be twisted so bad that the stink would cover anyone taking over.

The biggest problem is that there are so many stupid people out there that believe what the big three say every night, the best we could hope for if that happens would be a wash from good to bad and the candidate remains in the middle.

[DCPatriot]

Thanks. Good one.

[bray]

Shouldn't Russert be tried for perjury??

Pray for W and Our Troops

[kabar]

He is deeply saddened.

[ShandaLear]

Nancy Pelosi /S

[goldstategop]

The Drive Bys/MSM want to see a repeat of Watergate. Those were their glory days.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[kabar]

Cheney has served long and well. I love the man, but I think it would be a great strategic move to retire and appoint Condi VP. She would be a shoe-in for president and could KICK Hilliary's rather large a$$ in presidential debates. (I would pay to see that)

Yeah, right. Get rid of the VP and replace him with Condi, our version of Obama. What qualifications and experience does Condi have to be President of the US, which would be her first attempt at elective office. She is having a hard time managing the State Department.

[ClaireSolt]

How do people think that someone can just move someone else in as veep. I believe the next in line is Nancy Pelosi. Just try doing something different!

[Polonius]

Exactly how do these pundits suppose Bush could "deal" with Cheney, supposing he wanted to? The most the president could do is politely ask Cheney to resign, as the VP is an elected official and does not serve at the president's pleasure. Cheney could simply refuse to play fall guy and sit in his office, arms folded, for the next two years, and there wouldn't be a thing the president could do about it.

This seems like media commentators hoping for a political crackup in the adminstration. Somehow I doubt they'll follow such hairbrained counsel.

[dforest]

She is having a hard time managing the State Department.

Boy do I agree with you. What is with this? Dump Cheney and we can get a step up on 2008. Just nuts. The result would be terrible for the party, not a help.

[Txsleuth]

Actually, the real headline should be that the supposed case against the White House NEVER WAS....therefore, the White House is officially cleared.

[freeperfromnj]

but I think it would be a great strategic move to retire and appoint Condi VP

Is she pro-choice or pro-life? Given all the in-fighting about Rudy, I imagine that will be a big issue.

[ASA Vet]

The plan is for Condi to get the VP slot in preparation for the Presidential run.
VP Cheney will give medical reasons for his retirement soon. The blood clot story is the precursor.