The real trick

If Bush and Cheney were really clever, they'd make a joint apology for the war in Iraq, order an immediate and complete troop withdrawal, and then both resign.

This would leave the presidency to the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Whatever happens in the Middle East in the next two years could be blamed on her. Then she'd either run for re-election herself (she's not considered a strong candidate for the office) or there would a bruising primary battle. In any case, the Republicans would have much better chances in 2008 than they look to have now.