"As the reputed architect of the war in Iraq, Cheney is viewed as toxic and as the administrations leading proponent of an attack on Iran, he is seen as dangerous. As long as he remains, according to this thinking, he has the potential to drag down every member of the party in next year's elections."

Recalling the time senior Republicans went to the White House to tell Nixon he had to go, she says another group of party elders could do the same now that there is an acceptable replacement for Cheney. Are you ready? Fred Thompson or as she puts it: "everybody loves Fred" and he's a man who could beat the Democrats in 08.

Not only that, Thompson would give the Republicans a platform for running for the presidency - and the president a way out of Iraq withouth looking like he's backing down."

Bottom line: Cheney is scheduled for surgery this summer. Seems his pacemaker needs new batteries. "So if the president is willing and Republicans are able, Sally says "they have a convenient reason to replace him: Doctors orders".

Sounds like somebody other than husband, former Post Editor Ben Bradlee, has been whispering in Sally's ear.

We all want the evil Cheney gone but this sounds too neat, too easy. On the other hand, the GOP has proven over and over again they will do whatever it takes to win or steal an election. So what do you think, Kossacks. Will Cheney by taken out by his own? I can't imagine him releasing the reins of power. Can you?