Bush May See Cabinet Exodus if Re-Elected

[RedEarth]

WASHINGTON -- Nearly all the senior officials who came to office with President Bush still are on the job. But a big exodus and a Cabinet reshuffling seem likely if he wins a second term.

Secretary of State Colin Powell has been widely expected to be first out the door after four years of internal clashes, though he recently left open the possibility that he might stay on.

National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge have told associates they don't plan to stick around, though Bush may try to persuade them. Rice could probably have her pick of jobs, and Bush may appeal to her to take Powell's place, or even head the Pentagon if there's a vacancy.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld hasn't said what his plans are, but many expect him to leave -- if not at the beginning of a second Bush term, then after a year or so. There's a growing list of possible successors.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has said he won't serve in a second Bush administration. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and Education Secretary Rod Paige also may be on their way out.

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-bush-cabinet,0,5541236,print.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[BlueEyedSon]

1. "Donald H. Rumsfeld hasn't said what his plans are"

Based on his recent statemens, I think he will personally hunt down that rascal Saddam Hussein!

[clydefrand]

5. I heard that Rummy and Dan Rather own a farm together

somewhere in the west; not sure if it is in Texas or not. I heard this on C-Span this morning. Brian Lamb was the one who made this comment and the retired jounalists were all surprised at this statement. Makes me think that maybe Rather is not as liberal as all the bushies are saying he is as well as other media outlets.

[Leilani]

8. In New Mexico, I believe.

[leesa]

11. He is not liberal. He is very likely being used to make this non-issue

a major distraction from the true issues of the Bush mis-administration. I think the whole thing was a set-up mainly because the GOP talking points were out practically before the report was out. Let's face it, the fools at Free Republic are simply not smart enough to pick up on the issues (typewriter font and spacing, etc). They were prompted and I presume it was a Rove set-up and Rather played along.

Why Dems always fall for this nonsense is beyond me.

[gatlingforme]

14. LOL, I hope he finds him, from what he said, he could be anywhere.

[qb]

2. It seems no one wants to be associated with whatever atrocities

* has planned for his 2nd term.

[Occulus]

3. I don't like this.

One bit.

Call me paranoid, but what will this new cabinet stand for? Is he going to tell us who they will be in advance, or will he wait until after the election? If he waits, well, how can there possibly be any kind of informed decision for voters?

Is he really going to leave who will be surrounding him a huge question mark like this?

[Catfight]

4. Bush, re-elected? UM....he was never elected, he was appointed.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. How 'bout this: Cheney resigns after election. * appoints Guiliani or

Pataki. Bait-and-switch.

[hatrack]

7. "Bush May See Citizen Exodus If 'Re-Elected'" nt

.

[BeyondGeography]

9. As in, "Where do they go from here?"

There's two forms of meaningful political capital: Money and military might. Bush has shot his wad on both fronts. If this were a corporation, term #2 would be spent working under the terms of a Chapter 11 reorganization.

There's nothing left for this gang, and they know it.

[mazzarro]

10. What the heck are you guys talking about?

The country will see an exodus of the Bushitas and that is that! They will be aiming for the farthest reach in the land - far removed from civilization and the retributions that will be awaiting their lying asses. No question about it.

[shockingelk]

12. LORD!

Rice as Sec of Defense or Sec of State?

She wouldn't qualify for secretary of dental appointments ... "If I'd have known the patient's middle initial and maiden name, I'd have moved heaven and earth to make sure she knew her appointment was cancelled ..."

[DS1]

13. I gotta get into the 'running stuff into the ground' business

1. Turn something to complete shit
2. ?
3. Profit!

[smirkymonkey]

15. What if their replacements are even worse?

:scared:

[Dem2theMax]

16. Dear God in Heaven. Rice heading the Pentagon?

I can see it now.


:nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke:


Has anyone found the 'exit' door to this country yet? :crazy:

[democracy eh]

17. Bush WILL see cabinet exodus

the question will be how many will be in Jail!!!

[democracy eh]

18. Bush WILL see cabinet exodus (IF REELECTED, HIGHLY UNLIKELY)

the question is HOW many will be in jail!!