Yeah, well, God love him, but why did Dick Cheney not select someone for VP other than himself back in 2000? I mean someone who would have been able to run for the presidency when Bush’s term was up? And why the hell didn’t he step aside in 2004 or during Bush’s second term so someone else would have a shot at the presidency from the VP catbird seat? We could have avoided this Obama disaster all together.
In the meantime, damn the torpedoes, Go, Sarah, GO!!
“And why the hell didn’t he step aside in 2004 or during Bush’s second term so someone else would have a shot at the presidency from the VP catbird seat?”
I wonder about that too, now that you mention it. It sure could have made a difference.
If he had given any endorsement now it would be used against him later. Plus, if he steps aside who is to say that Bush would have selected anyone worth considering in 2008? His record on appointments was mixed to say the least.
And, we were not going to avoid this disaster no matter who was running on the R side. The financial issues and Iraq had pretty much made a Dem election a fait accompli. Yes, Iraq was going in the right direction but the public was rather tired of it and the financial damage from housing and financial corruption was going to be blamed on whomever was in office.
Puhleeze...if you believe that GWB's VP could have won the 2008 election, I've got this bridge in Brooklyn...
” but why did Dick Cheney not select someone for VP other than himself back in 2000?”
As I recall, Cheney was hired to find a VP, but nobody was satisfied with the names introduced.
Hence, he was asked if he wanted the job. The rest is history.
Many folks voted for Bush because of Cheney. Many of us realized from the beginning Bush was a socialist and an idiot.
Just speaking historically, how many VPs have succeeded a two term president of any party? Other than Bush 41 and Van Buren (both one-termers) I can’t think of any. This was bound to be a Dem year, almost regardless of who the GOP ran or who might have served as W’s VP.
In the meantime, damn the torpedoes, Go, Sarah, GO!!
I believe Bush asked him to put his name on the list too. Having said that I do agree he could have stepped down in 2004 due to his heart condition and let someone else in who whould run after Bush. There is also an other angle and that I think promises were probably made to Mccain to back off in 2004 in exchange for the GOP's full support in 2008. In hindsight, obviously a mistake if that' what really happened
As for Gov. Palin, I think he answerd the question just right, it is too early. In the meantime Sarah is doing just fine and should continue the course.
Jim, I think Cheney was the glue that held the last administration together through thick and thin. I don’t say that to diminish Bush, but to acknowledge Cheney’s contributions.
I think he made the ticket more palatable. I think his sound judgment was needed at times. I think he and Bush made a good team considering their views, and I didn’t always agree with the direction that administration took. It would have been a complete disaster if it had been Bush/McCain for instance.
As for Cheney’s comments concerning the Palin question, I think they hit the right tone. He doesn’t rule her in or out. He doesn’t praise or criticize her. He defers to the election cycle, when his endorsement will matter. Now it would be premature and could cause him to have to backtrack if someone more sound came along.
For that reason I say, full speed ahead for good judgment. And if Sarah turns out to be the most sound and reasoned person in early 2012, good. I’m not convinced she will be. I’m not convinced she won’t be either.
Right now I think she has the inside track, but I do have concerns about her readiness.
IMO she needs to bump up her international credentials. You know I’m not much of an internationalist, but I do think you need to be able to exhibit a grasp of international affairs.
I also see some weakness in some areas of domestic affairs, financial markets and the like. I don’t see these as fatal, but I do want her to round out her pluses with additional understanding.
If we sign on to her too quickly, what need is there for her to grow. I want more growth.
As for Sarah’s general outlook and instincts, I like them very much. It does trouble me greatly that she would support a man for re-election that would more than likely be a thorn in her side, possibly working to defeat her more sound instincts.