The nightmare scenario

An article in Insight on the News today suggested that plans may already be in motion to push for the "retirement" of Vice President Dick Cheney in early 2007.

My reaction to this is twofold: On one hand, I'm sure I'll personally give a toast of thankfulness that Cheney is removed from a position of power within this extremely frightening administration. But on the other hand... I'll weep for the United States.

What a ________ [fill in blank] strategy.

You've heard it before: The 2008 presidential election represents the first time since 1952 that a presidential race would not include an incumbent - President or Vice President. And the race will most likely be a true dogfight in the gritty sense of the word.

But now this...

With Cheney stepping down (potentially for "health" reasons), Bush could invoke the 25th Amendment (Under the 25th amendment, whenever there is a vacancy in the office of Vice President, the President nominates a successor who is confirmed by a majority vote of both houses of Congress).

What evil genius...

The Republican party could put a strong 2008 candidate in place of Cheney and get a free ticket to the incumbency advantage without fear of baggage and negative ties to the current administration - after all, this new vice-president wasn't a part of the administration for the first six years. Can you just picture the implications of John McCain or Rudy Giuliani being appointed Vice President for two years?

The simplicity, brilliance and frightening reality of this scenario should make everyone (Democrats and Republicans alike) tremble.

But do we truly believe anyone would manipulate the laws of the nation and the trust of the people to perform such a dubious and self serving political act.

Unfortunately... yes

Be afraid. When this happens, it will be a sign of the end of democracy as we once knew it.