Kathryn — You write: “Cheney? Come on. He’s already had his unexpected political comeback.”
Maybe we’ve only seen the begining of his comeback. Halliburton was his Elba. Bush called him back from it. Perhaps historians will note that he served admirably for 8 years under George W. Bush and then four in his own right — when he launched a slash-and-burn program against the size and scope of the federal government and terrorist bastions around the globe. A few bumps in the road notwithstanding, Cheney represents most of what I like best about this administration. I’m still a supporter of Bush, but many of the things which define him the most are not the things I like best about the administration.
Yes, yes, yes there is the pesky issue of Cheney’s four — or is it five? — heart attacks. That’s why you need a really strong VP pick. Also, fear of the grim reaper’s political timetable might give my boy the added encouragement to get good stuff done early.
Please note, I don’t actually believe Cheney will run. But I am just so underwhelmed by the field right now. I listened to a speech by Gingrich the other day and, for the life of me, I couldn’t remember why I don’t want him to be president. It all came back to me in time. But he was very good. I should say that I was impressed with George Allen when he spoke to NR, but I don’t have a great feel for him yet. So, until a necromancer can bring us Reagan-Goldwater, I’m lining behind the man from Wyoming.