Maybe so. I like her lots. Though, a VP slot would probably be some other rising star. I've been getting a feeling (utterly unsubstantiated) that Condi is headed for something like Sec State in a future republican admin. Or maybe even a second Bush term if Powell steps aside which is possible or likely. Turnover in the cabinet is to be expected between terms.
There are people that are natural staff positions, and people that are natural line positions. Powell, for example, has almost always been a staff officer and not a line officer. He is at his best when he is in an advisory position rather than a decision-making position. Both personality types are needed but they are not interchangeable.
I hear Rudy/Jeb is being bantered about.