http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101041129-785386,00.html
There is an unusual feature to the second Bush Administration that is extraordinarily important but has been almost entirely overlooked. For the first time in a half-century, a two-term presidency will end without sending out its Vice President to seek a mandate for succession at the next election. Vice President Cheney will not run for the presidency, and everyone knows it. When these eight years are over, the Bush-Cheney Administration will simply close up shop.With this in mind, Bill Scheider was talking on CNN this weekend about the possibility that Cheney may resign before the end of his term so that Bush can install a potential successor. It's an interesting thought given that this is the first time since the 50's that there is no clear candidate to succeed an incumbent.
Cheney could easily cite health concerns to this end. My thought is that it would have to be early enough to give the successor enough time to become established. What do you think?