Bush Needs a New Staff

Fred Barnes, writing in the Wall Street Journal, is encouraging the president to make a dramatic change-up in his staff to kick-start the rest of his term:

It's time for President Bush to think about a third term. No, he doesn't need to overturn the Constitution. He can start the equivalent of his third term now, by filling his presidential staff and cabinet with new faces--or old faces in new positions--and by concentrating on new or forgotten initiatives. The goal: rejuvenation of his presidency by shocking the media and political community with a sweeping overhaul of his administration. The impact would be enormous because it's exactly what his foes have been demanding and exactly what he is not expected to do. And it would give him a chance to escape the political doldrums that may otherwise doom his presidency through its final 34 months.

Barnes has some interesting ideas, including moving Cheney to replace Rumsfeld at Defense. Can you imagine the Senate confirmation hearings for that one? I could see moving Cheney out to make was for a potential presidential successor, but I don't think you could ever get him confirmed for another position.

I'm not sure I buy Barnes entire argument, but it makes for interesting reading. You can read the rest of it here.