American Caesar

I have said it before, more than once: there is a non-zero chance that Bush (well, actually, Cheney) will not voluntarily cede the presidency in an orderly fashion on January 20, 2009.

Check out the President's press conference this week:

Q Mr. President, following up on Vladimir Putin for a moment. He said recently that next year when he has to step down, according to the constitution, as President, he may become Prime Minister, in effect keeping power and dashing any hopes for a genuine democratic transition there. Senator McCain --

THE PRESIDENT: I've been planning that myself. (Laughter.)

...

Q ...And what would it mean for Russian democracy if, when you leave power, assuming you do, in January 2009 -- (laughter) -- if Vladimir Putin is still in power?

...

Q Will you be disappointed if he stays in power after you're gone?

THE PRESIDENT: I have no idea what he's going to do. He -- I asked him when I saw him in Australia, I tried to get it out of him, who's going to be his successor, what he intends to do, and he was wily. He wouldn't tip his hand. I'll tip mine: I'm going to finish -- I'm going to work hard to the finish. I'm going to sprint to the finish line, and then you'll find me in Crawford.

OK, it's mostly snarky frat boy "humor." Gotta love that White House press corps(e), dutifully yukking it up with him. He's gonna declare himself emperor! Ha ha ha! Stop, you're killin' me! What a kidder!

I'm just collecting data here. Mark your own calendars accordingly.