Reid's Gambit: Miers' Timing Suggests Impeachment

As we all know, Harry Reid suggested to Bush that he nominate Miers. He said, with the ambiguity of an oracle, that Democrats would not block her. As it turns out, the Republicans are doing it instead. We suspect Reid knew this, and credit him for expertly manipulating Bush.

However, Bush is not a forgiving man. He is sulky and petulant. After this, he may never talk to Reid again, much less trust him. Reid could have slyly manipulated Bush for the next 3 years. But no. He spent every ounce of trust he had to get Bush to nominate Meirs.

Why? For what ultimate purpose? The 2006 elections? Getting the media to cover his cronyism? Heap one more scandal on the Republicans?

No. I suspect that Reid's machinations are truely Machiavellian. I believe Reid is manuvering towards impeachment.

As mentioned in an earlier article:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/10/5/14232/1600

Reid's timing could not have been better. It keeps Bush in the hot seat until the Fitzgerald probe is complete. This will keep Americans glued to the news about how terrible his presidency has been.

But for what ultimate purpose?

Regaining Congress in 2006: Perhaps, but that's far from a sure thing. The Republicans are certainly having a hard time getting qualified candidates. But that never stopped them in the past. A good swift boat campaign here or there could tip the scales, and yet another unqualified Republican is in congress.

No, that's too much of a gamble to waste every ounce of his credibility.

Turn the media against him: Somewhat... but as we noticed the quality of mainstream reporting has dropped a great deal since Katrina. When you have solid proof of incompetence right in front of your face, it impossible to avoid covering it. But it hasn't changed the coverage of Iraq much, has it?

Again, too much of a long shot.

Alienate his base: Somewhat... but the hard core conservatives will always vote Republican. They might hold their noses while voting, or not go to the mid term elections, but they will remain Red. Plus the attention span of voters is short. One good get-out-the-vote campaign, and they could be drawn to the polls.

Again, this isn't a solid reward for his risk.

Now, its possible that Reid is only slightly clever, and got really lucky. But if he is as smart as we like to believe, then he would not waste all his 'trust capital' to create yet another scandal. The timing is too perfect.

Recall that Nixon could not have been impeached if the Republicans remained unified. It was the civil war in their party that created sufficient support.

This nomination makes it abundantly clear to everybody that Bush is not a leader. It makes them start questioning his abilities and his decisions. By themselves, this questioning is useless. Unless it can be used to cause a rift in the Republican party. That rift also is useless, because it will eventually heal. Its only useful if impeachment proceeding occur quickly. This is far from a sure thing, but its looking more likely every day.

Reid had trust capital with Bush, and he spent it all at once. That is very risky. It only makes sense to spend it if you no longer need it.

This means Reid believes he no longer needs Bush's trust. That can mean many things, but I believe he's got a second part of this plan. And it involves ridding our fair country of the Worst President Ever.

I sure hope Im right... because Reid is exactly the kind of sly dog needed to pull this off.