[JohnGalt]

It has been widely reported that the Jim Baker Realist faction of the party wants Cheney gone and possibly a Powell put in his place at VP. That is why Baker was brought into the Administration, to sweep out the Iraq War architects and counteract the Cheney factions.

[Coop]

It has been widely reported that the Jim Baker Realist faction of the party wants Cheney gone and possibly a Powell put in his place at VP. That is why Baker was brought into the Administration, to sweep out the Iraq War architects and counteract the Cheney factions.

Yeah, I'm sure it's been widely reported in your circles. LOL. I do give you credit, though. This may be the first post of yours I've seen without the word "neocons." Give it up for your New Year's resolution?

[justshutupandtakeit]

A "Realist" faction? Where did that brainfart come from LaRouche? Is that the faction that opposes the "Fantasist" faction or the "Dreamer" faction? Or the "Jerkoff" faction?
Or the "Yada Yada" faction?

Anyone who has ever looked at Cheney's health history has major concerns about him. Doesn't mean there is any less love or regard for him. But an actual Realist as opposed to any fantasized "Realists" understands well that the probability of an unwanted health event is far too high for comfront.

Precautions are wise under the circumstances. Rat awareness of this does not mean they sense an opening but more likely another huge problem for them.

[jpl]

It has been widely reported that the Jim Baker Realist faction of the party wants Cheney gone and possibly a Powell put in his place at VP. That is why Baker was brought into the Administration, to sweep out the Iraq War architects and counteract the Cheney factions.

Widely reported by your usual far-left sources? My advice to you is to not engage in too much wishful thinking, because you're only going to end up really disappointed.

[hershey]

Baker and his ilk don't want the hardliners running things. Well, too bad. Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, and Cheney are behind the wheel, thank God. And all this talk about 'Cheney's liabilities' is nothing but 'misinformation' and propaganda. If the dems are putting it out there, it's because they're terrified of a Bush/Cheney ticket. They'll do and say anything to rock the boat.

[Burkeman1]

I think these rumors are over blown. I just don't see Bush jettisoning Cheney. The bump from the capture of Sadaam won't last much longer. Getting rid of your VP is a sign of weakness and would be interpreted as such by the Dems and their media allies.

But If Dean does get the nomination or if it is all but certain that he will win it- Bush might take such a chance as he sure to crush such a reactionary die hard leftist in a general election. There are ways of political marginalizing people within the Bush administration short of getting rid of them. Baker might end up the de facto VP- but I doubt highly Bush would remove Cheney officially.