[snugs]

I do not think so for one thing IMHO Condi Rice would not see this as a promotion. Historically VPs are not that powerful they are just there in case the President cannot fulfill their term more of a ceremonial role most of the time.

Dick Cheney is a true deputy President (he only took the VP role providing he was a true member of the administration not just a representative at funerals).

He often meets heads of State either before or instead of the President; sits on all top administration committees and welds considerable power on the hill. He is still too useful to the President to dispense with.

IMHO he would not have taken the VP role in the second administration if he had thought he would be replaced before the end of the term. How many times has he emphasized that the reason it is so successful a team is because he has no Presidential or further political aspirations and therefore no agenda in his advice to the President. I feel this would not be true of Condi Rice.

She is more useful and will gain more experience at the State Department then being sidelined into the traditional VP role.

[ASA Vet]

Dick Cheney is a true deputy President (he only took the VP role providing he was a true member of the administration

And Condi isn't smart or strong enough to require the same role?