The Democrats' Answer

I have the answer for Democrats (and anyone else) when asking how they can win the presidency. Are you ready, because this is a clincher, no doubt about it, ballgame over, send the children off to bed and turn off the lights kind of idea. Also, the President will benefit by potentially reclaiming his 'uniter not a divider' mantra. It may involve the 'Gang of 14' and a compromise within a sect of that group or a handshake with a maverick. Enough teasing. Ready?

Mr. Secretary.
No doubt about it.

The 'Gang of 14' is composed of seven Democrat senators and seven Republicans. They would all be considered moderates, institutional-ists, senior politicos, and some fine patriotic Americans. This group exerts an enormous amount of senate influence, maybe as much as party leadership. But senators don't win presidential elections, right? Right.

So here's the game plan:
The seven Democrats previously mentioned can decide among themselves (in any fashion) who will win in 08' if they concede the legislative agenda to the President for the next three years. Only by supporting the President's major objectives will he agree to make a Democrat the new Secretary of Defense. Consider this: while campaigning, every introduction either in person or print will begin
"The Democratic nominee, former Secretary of Defense ..........."

Sound unreasonable? Depends on your intentions. For the President, if he appointed Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) he would virtually assure the successful conclusion of the Iraq war, a major part of his legacy. Further, by removing Sec. Rumsfeld the President is not only sacking a controversial figure, he is encouraging responsibility to country over party regarding the war. If the Democrats were to cut such a deal, they would have two major advantages in 08'; first, they would have the best possible display of bipartisanship. Second, they have the GOP's best issue in their hip pocket. There would not be a national security debate. The Secretary of Defense has an inherent advantage and would be the perceived authority concerning defense. This is basically the same strategy Sen. Frist (R-TN) is employing, but without compromising with Democrats. If he wins the GOP nomination, healthcare will be a Republican issue because every time Sen. Frist speaks on it, he will remind us all he is a doctor. It's stealing your opponents' bread and butter issue and making it work to your advantage.

A Democrat with serious national security credentials, now that's a GOP nightmare.