Replacing Cheney

The Economist (pay-per-view) speculates about Cheney being asked to step aside in order to bring in a VP who might be more helpful to W's campaign.

The article suggests that Rudy Giuliani wouldn't "play second fiddle," although I think he might see it as the fastest way to becoming president. The article also pooh-poohs Condi, without giving a reason. It instead focuses on Bill Owens, Gov. of Colorado, since it would help derail Kerry's screw-the-South strategy that requires winning much of the southwest.

I found the final paragraph is amusing:

Mr Cheney would have to retire gracefully, blaming his dodgy heart (he has already had four heart attacks) and no doubt accepting a post as senior counsellor from a grief-stricken president. Persuading such a powerful vice-president to step aside will be no easy thing, of course. But the Bushes don't have a reputation as the Corleone family of the Republican Party for nothing. The next time Mr Cheney takes that jet to go duck-shooting, he may well find James Baker slipping into the seat behind him, with "a litl' proposal to discuss for the good of the party".

(Thanks to Dan Squires for the link.)