Rudy is much more liberal than I am, but I would enthusiastically support him. He is a leader and, as you write, he "gets it" on the War on Terror.
Dr Rice has never stood for office. Starting with the Presidency is rather a tall order. Yeah, Ike (my cousin) pulled it off rather well, but he did have rather impressive credentials and a more homgeneous country to lead.
McCain? He's too crazy.
Rudy's campaign slogan in the primaries would be:
"I'LL BEAT HILLARY!"