I realize that there was a big thread on this, what, a couple of days ago; however, I just needed more time for my half-baked but fully agonized election predictions.  If I'm spot-on, I get glory-- if the election tips the other way, I'll have this entry as a living, breathing reminder of why I should move to Spain.

On MSNBC's "Countdown," one of the top stories regarded speculation about the 2004 GOP ticket.

Evidently, there is talk that Dick Cheney will get the boot as Bush's running mate.  Supposedly, the reasoning is "health-related," but that rings false. In addition, "sources" indicate that Rudy Giuliani may be the replacement for the Duke of Halliburton.  Now, I went to the website for a link, but I couldn't find one-- so, either I'm not so observant, or the fine folks at MSNBC felt confident enough to pass such a story as rumor, but not as legitimate news.  Since rumormongering is my game, I'll happily engage in idle speculation.  A few possibilities:

1.  Trial balloon.  They're not serious, but if the public's receptive, then maybe....
2.  Plame Affair scapegoat?  If the Yellowcake Road ends at Dirty Dick's "undisclosed location," then dumping the old boy makes the administration look good and allows the Good Mr. Cheney to return to full-time war profiteering.
3.  Anything to get elected.  Bring Rudy on board, wave some flags, exploit 9/11 (remember: the convention's in NYC this year...), and ride the wave through to victory in November.
4.  Cheney really is experiencing health problems, and this is all above board.

There could be something else to this.  (Being a proper leftist, I'm supposed to see Karl Rove making behind the scenes machinations, right?)  Maybe I'm missing an angle.  If so, I'm sure it will be pointed out.

In humble service to the Kos populi...

JW