Patriot of 76 Prediction

The much embattled and controversial Dick Cheney has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his left leg. The 66-year-old has a history of health problems, including four heart attacks and a quadruple bypass surgery.

Cheney, perhaps the most powerful Vice President in US history, is also one of the most divisive. He is strongly linked to the war in Iraq as strategies keep failing and causalities continue to mount. Most Americans are opposed to the war, and pundits believe that the issue single-handedly cost Republicans the midterms in 2006.

Twenty months before the election of 2008, Republicans are a minority in Congress, and face a dogfight with two of the brightest stars in Washington.

Can the Republicans use Cheney’s health to their advantage?

Certainly. Here’s how:

If Cheney were to step down as VP (citing health reasons, of course), President Bush could nominate Joe Lieberman. Lieberman is a Democrat from Connecticut. However, Lieberman is a firm supporter of the President’s foreign policies. He supported and continues to support the war, which cost him the primary election in the Connecticut senatorial race (he eventually ran as an independent, and won).

Being a Senator, Lieberman would most likely be confirmed. This move would show the President’s ability to bridge the gap between political parties. It may win a Republican some moderate votes in 2008.

As you know, the Democrats control the Senate by only one vote (51-49, Cheney casts the tie breaking vote). If Lieberman moved down Pennsylvania Ave. to the White House, it would leave a vacant seat. The Governor of Connecticut, M. Jodi Rell, would be responsible for nominating his replacement. Rell is, obviously, a Republican. This would give Republicans control of the Senate. Most importantly, it would give them confirmation power over any potential Supreme Court nominee (two justices are well into their eighties). Another pro lifer could mobilize the base, just in time for 2008.

The Democrats are making headlines for having a female, African American, and Hispanic presidential contenders.. Republicans can beat them to the punch, and retake the Senate, by putting the first Jewish person in the White House.

This could mean "shalom" to the Democratic control of the legislative branch.