The Wall Street Journal’s James Taranto argues that the former Vice-President may be just what the GOP needs in 2012:
If the Bush administration’s policies really did keep us safe for 7½ years, then it stands to reason that the Obama administrations’ policies may be endangering us now. Certainly that is how the public would see it in the event of another terrorist attack.
If that happens, heaven forbid, Obama will be seen to have failed in the most basic presidential duty, and the Bush administration will be vindicated. As inconceivable as it may seem today, the 2012 election may end up turning on national security. Republicans would be wise to nominate someone with both toughness and experience. Under such circumstances, it’s hard to think of a better candidate–assuming, of course, that he could be persuaded to run–than Richard B. Cheney.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
While Cheney’s approval numbers have risen since he left office, a feat that isn’t too hard for a politician who no longer has any responsibilities to accomplish, he still remains highly unpopular among the American public and incredibly divisive. Not to mention the fact that he’s an old guy who’s had four heart attacks during his lifetime, along with several heart-related incidents while he was Vice-President.
Stranger things have happened for sure, but don’t count on this one.
While I tend to agree, I won’t be quick to state that we won’t have Tricky Dick (part deux) to kick around any more.
I’m sure that the brilliant strategists that gave us McCain will give the choice the consideration it deserves.