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Hey all

Does anyone have any thoughts about what would have happened in terms of the middle east and the financial crisis if Cheney would have become president following his term as vice president?

Obviously he was massively unpopular, probably more so than Bush himself, but if he hadn't had the heart problems and decided to seek nomination and won the election (bear with me here) would anyone like to speculate on how things would have been done?

Basically the only way I see it happening is the following:

1) GOP primaries -

Cheney is already unpopular, but respected, which puts him in a good position to be aggressive in the debates. He also goes into it with the advantage of experience that only McCain can rival, but McCain is too soft spoken and Cheney old enough to call him out on things without looking disrespectful. The end result is that you have a miserable primary resulting in low approval ratings for all involved and Cheney basically wins by default. The GOP goes into the presidential debates fearing the worst.....however....

2) Dem primary

John Edwards :)

3) Presidential debates

Edwards, nervous due to the memory of his weak performance in 2004 against Cheney fluffs the debates badly, but is still considered the most likely to win the election.

4) Scandal

The scandals involving Edwards break early. Poll ratings now show Edwards down with the lowest approvals in history for both candidates. Perhaps there is open rebellion saying the ticket should be changed at the 11th hour (whether this is possible or not doesn't matter, it just makes things worse). Election goes ahead pending possible criminal investigation.

5) Election

Lowest percent voter turnout ever. Cheney narrowly wins (say with Romney as his running mate).

So..... what next? The financial crisis has just hit, how does he respond. What happens in the middle east? How does he deal with the Arab spring?

Anyone any thoughts?
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