Dick Morris writes another book and, almost three years before the next presidential sweepstakes, we have Hillary Clinton facing off with Condoleeza Rice. And political pundits from coast to coast are quickly swathed in speculation. That neither of these ladies is likely to be our next president seems far less important than setting the game afoot. After all, given an otherwise lackluster political climate now, what could be more fun than positing the notion of an all girl's campaign three years hence?

It is not that either of these gals should be discounted as potential candidates for the country's most prestigious (and difficult) job. Indeed, such speculation is harmless and diverting. But, at this early stage of the game, neither has publicly announced any interest in the job. Ms. Rice, in fact, has said, categorically, that she is not interested. But to that simple statement of current fact Mr. Morris says, as though he has an insight no one else possesses, that Condi, if asked, will serve. As for Senator Clinton, Morris assumes her candidacy. She will run, he states emphatically. And he even concedes the likelihood that she will win. And he goes even further in admitting her qualifications.

As for Condi's alleged qualifications, Morris notes that she is a piano virtuouso, an accomplished ("world class") figure skater, and a most competent negotiator. He even goes so far as to observe (which is surely his opinion, not established fact), that she is the architect of the Bush administration's foreign policy. (That would not, in this writer's opinion, give her points for expertise in diplomacy, but that is a subject for another time.)

For those of us still smarting from the stunning debacles, in 2000 and 2004, that resulted in the Bush presidency, the notion of another campaign season is less than appealing. And, regardless the candidates, it seems somehow unfair for the process to begin this soon. For better or worse, Bush's second term remains less than one year old. And while it may be understandable to dream of better times ahead we remain, for now, mired in the muck of the present. That electing Bush, under any circumstances, was a mistake is clear. That we are stuck with him for three more years is also apparent. But, he was our choice, he has three more years to right the sinking ship of state, and confusing the already muddled issue with thoughts of who might succeed him is, in our opinion, wasteful and wistful. Brother Morris, give us a break. The mudslinging will commence soon enough. In the interim let's give it a rest.

Garrett500
10/11/2005