Karl's Prediction - Rice to VP

I predict Friday's re-shuffle of Bush's Iraq team is a predecessor to another re-shuffle.

Shuffle #1: Negroponte moves to #2 at State.

Shuffle #2: Cheney resigns. Rice to VP.

Rationale:

• Regretfully, Cheney won't run in '08.
• Conventional wisdom has been that if he were to resign, it would be after the mid-term elections.
• Negroponte is better than #2 material.
• The current field of likely Republican candidates is, shall we say, lacking.
• The Bush Doctrine must continue.
• Rice is loyal to Bush and his strategy.
• Bush is loyal to Rice.
• Rice is qualified and capable, and would DESTROY any candidate the other side can offer.
• And last, Bush has a habit of making lemonade out of lemons, and there are a lot of new lemons on capitol hill.

Wishful thinking from a guy in pajamas and a ushanka? Or brilliant, insightful and objective analysis?

Suggested MSM Headlines in the event Shuffle #2 occurs:

• Democrats Outraged at Sneaky VP Shuffle
• Experts: Rice Not Tested at VP-Level Responsibilities
• Hillary Welcomes Rice to the 2008 Campaign
• Obama's Prior Drug Use Not An Issue Against Rice in '08 - Analysts
• W. VA Senator Offers Rice 1/5 of His Confirmation Vote
• Poll: Rice Reputation Associated with Failures in Iraq
• Reid: "No Free Pass in the Senate Confirmation Hearings"
• Americans Divided with Prospect of a Black President
• Dean Questions the 'Rush' to Confirm Rice
• San Francisco Speaker Says Rice "Too Extreme"