[QUOTE=OhioRacer,Nov 15 2004, 09:43 PM] Rob,

John McCain makes too much sense and is to direct to be elected.

 

With the Hawks taking over in the cabinet, I am very, very scared of the next four years...

Personally, I don't think Rice would be qualified to take his place. As a Russia expert, she was instrumental when The Wall came down, but given her recent track record and constant spin of the situation in Iraq, I don't think she'd be up to the job.

 

There have been rumors that World Bank could be on his list of next stops after this job. As for speaking, he pulls in a wee bit more than that per night. I believe the going rate was $70-100k or so prior to being Secretary of State, so his rate might have gone up now.

I would be rather surprised if he ventured back into Government. If I recall correctly from when he retired from the military, his wife, Alma, was not eager to get back into the public eye again.

I also think that Colin Powell, after nearly 40 years of service to this nation, deserves to live as quiet or as busy a life as he wants. He doesn't owe this nation any more than he's given and I wish him the best.

As for Conti Rice, I think she's an extremely intelligent person that has been wholely out of her element as National Security Advisor. While I don't think she's the worst person they could find to fill the State position, I think there are far better options out there...though it looks like her nomination is a foregone conclusion at this time.

 

From the Christian Science Monitor.

 

I think there is some disappointment that Bush is just rearranging the chairs. But he is the type of person (as many politicians are) who rewards loyalty instead of making the best decision.

 

Funny timing how?

Cabinet changes between terms are hardly unusual. Anyone recall all the cabinet changes in late 1996 and early 1997 before Slick's second term?

 

Perhaps I should've said "bad" timing. Just my opinion, Julie.

 

Well, despite the fact that cabinet upheavals are fairly normal, I would have to admit that Powell leaving right now isn't the best timing in the world. What it shows me is that Bush is looking to capitalize on his mandate by bringing the administration under tighter focus. Not necessarily looking for "yes people" (I still strongly believe Rumsfeld and Rice will speak their minds), but surrounding himself with like-minded people to better manage the message and eliminate the impressions of dissidence from within the administration.

 

Whew! I thought I had missed something in the news. I haven't been paying decent attention lately...burnout, I suppose.

I agree with you (and Brant! eek! ) on the bad timing. I imagine the parties involved would rather keep someone they know and who they know is somewhat moderate.

 

Brant

I fail to see the difference between having "yes" people in your cabinet, and having like minded people to eliminate the impressions of dissidence. If there is a difference it is a small difference. I think that Bush/Cheney simply wants to surround himself with people who see things as he does. There is no room in their administration for questions or disagreement.

I do understand what Chaz means and his point. If Bush wanted to participate in the peace process in the Middle East, Powell would be the perfect person. I don't think Bush is especially interested in participating.