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And so forth. Putting McCain on the ticket would immediately neuter Edwards' impact for the rest of the campaign. Edwards is going to jab-jab-jab at Cheney in the debate while the Vice President responds with sarcastic smiles that mean absolutely nothing to anyone. Against McCain, Edwards voice will sound about three octaves higher. He will be revealed for exactly what he is -- an incredibly lucky bozo who happened to come along just when trial lawyers were becoming billionaires.

Also, John Kerry's four months on a riverboat and couple of medals won't look very impressive next to McCain's Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and six years as a POW.

So what are we waiting for? The Democratic faithful virtually forced Edwards on Kerry through their grassroots enthusiasm. Why can't Republicans do the same? Does Cheney have a constituency? Is Wyoming that important? Are we afraid social conservatives will bolt the party and vote Democratic? (Cheney's use of the F-word has hardly burnished his image there, either.)

The biggest mistake is to think of the two terms as one continuous administration. Nobody wants "Four More Years" when -- despite all we've done to prevent it -- the past four years are perceived as horrible. Cheney added gravitas to the ticket the first time around, but this is an entirely different election. The GOP needs a fresh start. People are ready for something new. So let's give it to them.

Besides, there's nothing wrong with changing vice presidents. FDR did it three times and won every election.

topics:
John McCain, Law, Military, Iraq, NATO, Africa, Oil