The Death Of The Candidate!

October 17, 2007

Okay, for those who know the United States Constitution, who is it that replaces the President if he were to die in office? If you said Dick Cheney (Vice President), you were right. Now it gets harder. If both Bush and Cheney are taken out, who is the head man? If you said Robert Byrd you were right. Robert Byrd? Yep, the Senate pro tem gets the nod. And if he gets nailed, wse have a woman for president. Her name is Condi Rice, Secretary of State. So much who takes over if the president dies in office. But, here’s my serious question. If the party’s nominee for President dies (while not yet in office), what happens then (tongue in cheek).

Bottom line is that I think the selection of a presidential candidate has gotten way out of line. Here’s why!

Iowa Republicans have moved their caucus in order to maintain their status as the first-in-the-nation caucus state. State law requires that the caucuses be held at least a week before anyone elseâ€™s. Iowa was set for Jan. 14.. But then Michigan muscled its way to the front of the line to Jan. 15. That forced Iowa Republicans to move ahead; they have been debating between Jan. 3 and Jan. 5. The partyâ€™s central committee members held a conference call tonight and chose Jan. 3.

Think that’s crazy?

Notice to all national political reporters, campaign operatives and presidential candidates: You may not be home for the holidays. Until recently, I did not think that any state actually would hold its 2008 primary as early as this December. But after two days of talking to officials in the early primary states, especially to New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, I have been forced to change my mind.

â€œDecember is a possibility,â€ Gardner told me Tuesday. â€œIt is not my preference. But it could become my preference.â€

December! When everyone is taking a holiday, opening presents, and trying to relax we’re going to be trying to decide who the nominees of the two parties will be. That is nearly a year before the November 2008 election! So here’s the question. Choosing a candidate this far out, what happens if they die “out of office“- before they actaully are elected?

While this might not be good for America, I see it as good for Michael Bloomberg. It will give him more time to make a decision as to whether or not he wants to run on a third party ticket. America needs something other than hearing two parites scream and yell at each other for a year.

Who knows!

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Daily Commentary