US News and World Reports is taken to topic the buzzing rumors of the net as
they apply to the future of Dick Cheney.

White House Watch: Cheney resignation
rumors fly

Charlie Archambault for USN&WR

Posted 10/18/05 By Paul Bedard

Sparked by today’s Washington Post story that suggests Vice President
Cheney’s office is involved in the Plame-CIA spy link investigation,
government officials and advisers passed around rumors that the vice
president might step aside and that President Bush would elevate Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice.

“It’s certainly an interesting but I still think highly doubtful
scenario,” said a Bush insider. “And if that should happen,” added the
official, “there will undoubtedly be those who believe the whole thing was
orchestrated – another brilliant Machiavellian move by the VP.”

Said another Bush associate of the rumor, “Yes. This is not good.” The
rumor spread so fast that some Republicans by late morning were already
drawing up reasons why Rice couldn’t get the job or run for president in
2008.

“Isn’t she pro-choice?” asked a key Senate Republican aide. Many White
House insiders, however, said the Post story and reports that the
investigation was coming to a close had officials instead more focused on
who would be dragged into the affair and if top aides would be indicted and
forced to resign.

“Folks on the inside and near inside are holding their breath and
wondering what’s next,” said a Bush adviser. But, he added, they aren’t
focused on the future of the vice president. “Not that, at least not
seriously,” he said.

The fact that these rumors are now being reported by the main stream media
makes them more credible. I am sure the White House will do whatever they can to
blow them off until the hammer of Fitzgerald drops.