Issue Date: February 27-March 5, 2006, Posted On: 2/27/2006

Cheney seen retiring after midterm elections

Vice President Dick Cheney is expected to retire within a year.

Senior GOP sources envision the retirement of Mr. Cheney in 2007, months after the congressional elections. The sources said Mr. Cheney would be persuaded to step down as he becomes an increasing political liability to President Bush.

The sources reported a growing rift between the president and vice president as well as their staffs. They cited Mr. Cheney's failure to immediately tell the president of the accidental shooting of the vice president's hunting colleague earlier this month. The White House didn't learn of the incident until 18 hours later.

Mr. Cheney's next crisis could take place by the end of the year, the sources said. They said the White House was expecting Mr. Cheney to defend himself against charges from his former chief of staff, Lewis Libby, that the vice president ordered him to relay classified information. Such a charge could lead to a congressional investigation and even impeachment proceedings.

"Nothing will happen until after the congressional elections," a GOP source said. "After that, there will be significant changes in the administration and Cheney will probably be part of that."

Already, senators expect Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald to investigate whether Mr. Cheney authorized Mr. Libby to divulge classified material. Mr. Libby has told a grand jury that unnamed "superiors" directed him to relay the content of a National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq in July 2003.

"I don't think anybody should be releasing classified information, period, whether in the Congress, executive branch or some underling in some bureaucracy," said Sen. George Allen, Virginia Republican.

The sources said the accidental shooting highlighted the lack of communications between Bush and Cheney staffers. They said at one point, the president held what was termed a private conversation with Mr. Cheney regarding the Feb. 11 incident. Hours later, Mr. Cheney, who kept away from reporters, explained the incident in an interview with Fox News on Feb. 15.

"Nobody on the president's staff could get to Cheney, let alone tell him what to do," the source said. "At that point, the president picked up the phone and suggested that Cheney get his story out fast."

The sources said Mr. Cheney, 65, has been struggling with the departure of his closest aides. In addition to Mr. Libby, Mr. Cheney's media adviser, Steve Schmidt, has left to manage the re-election campaign of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Mr. Bush, the sources said, has rejected the advice from circles close to his father, the former president, to dismiss Mr. Cheney. They say Mr. Bush has long regarded Mr. Cheney as the experienced hand in national security, as well as being trusted by the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

"The Libby case is far more lethal than the hunting accident," another GOP source said. "If the heat gets too much, Cheney might say his health requires him to leave office. Whatever happens, the president will make sure it's handled delicately."

www.insightmag.com/Media/MediaManager/cheney3.htm

This isn't good news.

Quoted: This isn't good news.

I agree - in the very short term.  On the other hand, it could be a great opportunity to set up Bush's successor - perhaps Condi Rice or someone else.  That way whomever will have somewhat of a leg up in '08.


-K

I don't buy any of it for a second.

It might help the next VP if they decide to run for Prez in 2008.

Only liberals and RINO wimps think Cheney is a political liability. He may retire for health reasons or some such, but I highly highly doubt Bush would fire/persuade him to step down.

Not looking good for Cheney.
I still suspect there was alcohol involved.

But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems???



I just don't get it at all.

If he does, he does.  Who cares?

It can only be a plus.

Can anyone imagine Condi being the (R) Nominee?



I'd have to say I'd vote for her at this point
(Without a real delving in issue oriented stuff....)

That's a loyal chick that knows how the game is played.

She's dangerous, and, the libs know it.

Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all.

Ok.  So vote the Communist party.  

That'll help.

Damn dude.

You planning on voteing for the left next time?

Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all.

Who else would you propose who is as pro RKBA and has the name recognition to to compete nationally to compete with the likes of Hitlery and the rest of the mainstream media?  I would like Guliani, but hes not real friendly to gun owners, and kind of a RINO on a bunch of other issues.  McCain is a douche nozzle.  Frist is too weak to keep even his own senators in line, let alone get things done.

-K

Quoted: They cited Mr. Cheney's failure to immediately tell the president of the accidental shooting of the vice president's hunting colleague earlier this month. The White House didn't learn of the incident until 18 hours later.

I don't buy that it took him 18 hours. I think thats all of the shifting of blame, deniability, etc , going on.

Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Ok.  So vote the Communist party.   That'll help. Damn dude. You planning on voteing for the left next time?

For the first time in 26 years, I don't plan on voting at all. Certainly not for Condi, or Giuliani, or McCain. If that is the best the Socialist Lites can come up with they can kiss my fucking ass.

I wish Alan Simpson was younger. Or that Fred Thompson were interested. Just two off the top of my head.  Surely there are some true American Patriots out there not interested in selling out their country, or using my tax dollars to buy the votes of dirtbag losers, or run us all into a fiscal disaster.

In any event, your post insinuates that anything other than Condi Rice would hand this country over the communists.  Not much of an alternative to me.

Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Who else would you propose who is as pro RKBA and has the name recognition to to compete nationally to compete with the likes of Hitlery and the rest of the mainstream media?  I would like Guliani, but hes not real friendly to gun owners, and kind of a RINO on a bunch of other issues.  McCain is a douche nozzle.  Frist is too weak to keep even his own senators in line, let alone get things done. -K

I wouldn't even consider voting for ANYONE you have mentioned.

The only way I see that happening is to get someone in the VP slot to run for Pres in 2008.

Quoted: The only way I see that happening is to get someone in the VP slot to run for Pres in 2008.

+1, I don't think it will be Condi though, she'll be the VP in 2008.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Who else would you propose who is as pro RKBA and has the name recognition to to compete nationally to compete with the likes of Hitlery and the rest of the mainstream media?  I would like Guliani, but hes not real friendly to gun owners, and kind of a RINO on a bunch of other issues.  McCain is a douche nozzle.  Frist is too weak to keep even his own senators in line, let alone get things done. -K I wouldn't even consider voting for ANYONE you have mentioned.

Condi is very conservative, much more so than Bush, especially on gun rights.  I dont understand what your problem with her is.

So then Denny Hastert would be VP?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Ok.  So vote the Communist party.   That'll help. Damn dude. You planning on voteing for the left next time? For the first time in 26 years, I don't plan on voting at all. Certainly not for Condi, or Giuliani, or McCain. If that is the best the Socialist Lites can come up with they can kiss my fucking ass. I wish Alan Simpson was younger. Or that Fred Thompson were interested. Just two off the top of my head.  Surely there are some true American Patriots out there not interested in selling out their country, or using my tax dollars to buy the votes of dirtbag losers, or run us all into a fiscal disaster. In any event, your post insinuates that anything other than Condi Rice would hand this country over the communists.  Not much of an alternative to me.

So let your voice go unspoken.  Cease your fight.  It's best just to not vote.  It's best just to not participate in your freedom.  It's best to not participate in your rights.

As far as that stupid-ass stuff you spewed about communists and voteing, that's just silly.

You just seem like you're mad at politicians to be politicians.

Would Kerry have been better than Bush?  Gore?  

If you answer "Yes", then, go with your god.

Quoted: I don't buy any of it for a second.

Me neither.  Heard the same BS before the 2004 elections.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Who else would you propose who is as pro RKBA and has the name recognition to to compete nationally to compete with the likes of Hitlery and the rest of the mainstream media?  I would like Guliani, but hes not real friendly to gun owners, and kind of a RINO on a bunch of other issues.  McCain is a douche nozzle.  Frist is too weak to keep even his own senators in line, let alone get things done. -K I wouldn't even consider voting for ANYONE you have mentioned. Condi is very conservative, much more so than Bush, especially on gun rights.  I dont understand what your problem with her is.

Besides the fact she says she's NOT interested?

I don't see how some new blood serving the last 2 years of a lame-duck presidency will help the GOP at all.

Quoted: I don't buy any of it for a second.

Ditto. I'll believe it when I see it.

That said, and echoing above, it's a great opportunity to put in W's successor. GO CONDI!

Can you imagine the FITS the left would go into having to trash a SINGLE BLACK WOMAN?


Crying shame, though. I always dreamed of Cheney as President, all the way back to GW I.

The media has been spouting this crud since 2003… I kinda think that there will be a Cheney/Rice ticket in the next presidential elections.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Who else would you propose who is as pro RKBA and has the name recognition to to compete nationally to compete with the likes of Hitlery and the rest of the mainstream media?  I would like Guliani, but hes not real friendly to gun owners, and kind of a RINO on a bunch of other issues.  McCain is a douche nozzle.  Frist is too weak to keep even his own senators in line, let alone get things done. -K I wouldn't even consider voting for ANYONE you have mentioned. Condi is very conservative, much more so than Bush, especially on gun rights.  I dont understand what your problem with her is.

I don't understand why so many of you think she is the answer. You have no idea what she will do in office as she hasn't held political office. She is an appointee.

Quoted: The media has been spouting this crud since 2003… I kinda think that there will be a Cheney/Rice ticket in the next presidential elections.

Cheneys health is too much of an issue for him to ever win election.

Quoted: Look to the governers.

Former VA Govorner Allen would be a good start....

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Not looking good for Cheney. I still suspect there was alcohol involved. But WTF makes any of you think Condi Rice is the answer to the downfalls of the Republican Party or the solution to this country's problems??? I just don't get it at all. Who else would you propose who is as pro RKBA and has the name recognition to to compete nationally to compete with the likes of Hitlery and the rest of the mainstream media?  I would like Guliani, but hes not real friendly to gun owners, and kind of a RINO on a bunch of other issues.  McCain is a douche nozzle.  Frist is too weak to keep even his own senators in line, let alone get things done. -K I wouldn't even consider voting for ANYONE you have mentioned. Condi is very conservative, much more so than Bush, especially on gun rights.  I dont understand what your problem with her is.

How many times do you have to hear her say she will never run for an elected office before you give up on this fantasy?

CO

I'll bet anything the article is BS. Cheney is a "political liability"? Give me a f'in break. More Left-wing garbage.

I could see having him step down for "health reasons" and putting someone in his place to give him a leg up in the '08 elections, but that's about it.

Condi? Yeah, the thought of the Left trying to demonize a single black woman is nice, but she's never held any elected office in her life, and we know very little about her politics. Given that, I don't think it would be such a good idea for her to run.

Quoted: Quoted: I don't buy any of it for a second. Me neither.  Heard the same BS before the 2004 elections.

Yes we did… strikes me as wishful thinking.

You heard it from me first.  The title of my Feb. 15 thread was Prediction: Cheney will resign this summer due to health reasons.