Colin Powell has made it clear that he’s going to retire sometime around January 2005.
Any predictions as to who will replace him?
I’ve heard Condi Rice’s name batted around. Paul Wolfowitz wants the job, but I don’t think he’d survive a confirmation hearing.
John Bolton, the current Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security would be an excellent choice.
:eek: The same John Bolton who said something to the effect of, we could remove ten floors from the UN building and nobody would know the difference? If Bush intends to withdraw from the UN, then Bolton would make an excellent choice.
If Bush wants to rebuild some bridges, John Danforth wouldn’t be the worst. Hell, John Negroponte would be an even better choice, except he’s kind of busy in Baghdad at the moment. But Rice would be a serious, serious mistake. She should either stay in the White House or leave Washington altogether.
The sole qualification: Must Toe Line.
This piece in the Jerusalem Post:
‘Neocons’ empowered by Bush win
claims Condi is up for the job, with Wolfowitz replacing her as national security advisor.
I’m a little troubled by that, as Condi’s several public mis-steps make it look as if Dr. Rice has already hit her Peter Principle limit. Maybe Bush doesn’t see it that way, but he’ll have to convince congress of her.
While Bolton’s said some pretty wild stuff, he’s less well known by the public, and has been in the thick of things with regard to N. Korea, Iran and Syria.
The linked article does say Bolton is up for a promotion.
Is Kissinger still available? 
I wouldn’t mind McCain.
But then I wouldn’t want to see him humbling himself for another four years.