I think you recall correctly. But he's also stated he won't run for the presidency. So that would leave the Republican party high and dry in 08. He can always claim after the statement that his doctors have insisted he step down.
If Hillary runs in 08, which she probably will, the Republicans have to run Rice or someone with similar demographic appeal. I don't think that's the way to get the most qualified person into the highest office on earth, but it would keep Hillary from that office.
"If Hillary runs in 08, which she probably will, the Republicans have to run Rice or someone with similar demographic appeal. I don't think that's the way to get the most qualified person into the highest office on earth, but it would keep Hillary from that office."
No, they don't. Why are Freepers of all people, who should know much better, so full of trepidation about Hillary? She's wildly unpopular within her own party (look at the Dem blogs among other places), she'd fill the campaign coffers for our candidates within a month of announcing her candidancy, swing voters mistrust her-- all she has now is name recognition, and that wears off fast. The Dems absolutely do not want her to be the nominee in '08.
And this "similar demographic appeal" thing is a myth-- in a national election people really don't care all that much about the demographic status of a candidate, ultimately they vote for those who most agree with their values, most put together a good platform, and most demonstrate that they have enough experience. Race and gender may start out as factors but they dissolve soon after that and become secondary. (Most women really don't care as much about the candidate's gender as some people seem to think-- we care most about people who address issues important to us like education and the security of our children in this great nation. You're falling for classic Democratic tricks.)
As I said in my other post, Rice is a terrific Secretary of State and has a bright future in public service ahead of her, but she'd be terrible as a nominee for the GOP. The lack of elected experience is a big problem-- only Eisenhower in recent years overcame that, and he was the leader of multiple armies in the most massive war of the 20th century. But Rice is also pro-choice and pro-affirmative action. I don't want my kids to grow up in an America where abortion is still as easy as getting drive-thru fast food, or where they'll be discriminated against for "not being an underrepresented minority" or somesuch. The GOP heartland would just stay home in droves if Rice were nominated. Don't pay attention to all the hype and hoopla-- that's just a formula for electoral disaster.