I think the AP is showing its racism and sexism. They think that "red state" voters are ignorant, sexist, racist nitwits that would never vote for a woman who happens to be of African ancestry. Like McCain they are pushing her because the 'rats think she would be easy to beat.
I'm not prepared to endorse Condi for '08 quite yet but she is obviously a smart, honest, and classy lady who this resident of "Jesusland" wouldn't be upset to see in the Oval Office.