[geek_penguin]

What if this is designed to get Rice....

Entirely possible, taking into consideration that it was the Bush administration that demoted Clarke and Condi Rice who led the "ceremony" announcing the "new" position.

[rintense]

Think broader here... they are after Rice because she is the biggest threat to Hillary. Condi in 08 would mop the floor with Hillary. The Dems know it, and want her gone ASAP.