(Update: Added '?' to title.)
I'm posting this now because I haven't really seen anyone else write about it, and I'd like to be able to point back to this when I'm proven right.
You know how McCain has recently started cozying up to Falwell and his flock of ignorant, hate-filled sheep? The first thing I thought was -- Bush is going to nominate him to replace Cheney. He's trying to get in good with the fundies to avoid another Harriet Miers when it comes time to confirm him.
It makes complete sense -- McCain's desperation for the Republican nomination in 2008 is palpable. ("Pardon me, Senator? You've got a big smudge of desperation right there on your lapel. I just thought you should know.") He's been defending Bush to an unnerving degree lately, too. Remember the Southern Republican Leadership Conference where he called on his fellow delegates to "write-in" the ineligible Bush? ::::There's More::::
"We should all just keep our ambitions a distant second to standing with the president of the United States, our commander in chief," McCain said Friday night in his speech.
He doesn't need a strong showing in the Straw Poll because he knows he's got this inside track locked up, so he grandstands this "support the Dear Leader" stunt to show what a team player he can be. I think it all adds up to Cheney resigning "for health reasons," and McCain getting an early lock on the '08 Presidential nomination by being appointed (well, nominated and overwhelmingly approved) as V.P. -- possibly before the November mid-terms. Can you say "Midterm October Surprise?"
I know Bush (Cheney? Rove?) would be wary of bringing an "outsider" into the White House, and there's his famous (or infamous) "loyalty" to Herr Cheney -- but really, this just seems like a no-brainer to me, which is why I'm surprised I haven't seen it discussed more.
So, be it resolved: McCain to replace Cheney as V.P., either shortly before or shortly after the Midterm elections in November. What am I missing?