"Jebbie" hasn't got a prayer against Dr. Rice.
Au contraire. Jeb's presence is the only thing that would effectively block Rice from gaining the nomination. Out of loyalty to the Bush family, she would step aside and become Jeb's vp, in return for a shot at the top slot in 2012 or 2016. Rice is an extremely loyal individual.
Only I believe that some of the Washington K-Street Lounge Lizards have it exactly backwards. I don't believe that Jeb wants to be President right now. I really believe that he wants Bob Graham's senate seat, or, barring that, Bill Nelson's seat in 2006. Normally, this is where Giuliani would come in as a possible successor, but I don't think Bush entirely trusts Giuliani (Rudy supported McCain in the bitter New York primary contest). Rice, on the other hand, has shown blood and honor loyalty to George W. and the Bush family.
She relentlessly promotes the "President's" policy.
She keeps her counsel to Bush between the two of them.
She does not leak.
She is enormously popular.
And I think that she will be the one promoted. My reasoning? Jeb, as well as GW, understands that by 2008, the American people will want something fresh in the White House besides "a Bush". 2008 would be all wrong for Jeb, as too many idiot females would vote for Hillary (sorry to insult any FR ladies, but the fact is, there are far too many women who would pull the lever for "a woman" who only wants to "help the children"). Rice, otoh, attacks Hillary at her base vote: black voters and white females. Rice is the Hillary-killer, period. She could do things to Hillary that Jeb simply could not do. Rice is a stud on national security, foreign and defense policy, so she's got white men locked up.
Rice is also rather easy on the eyes, at least when compared to "Brand X"....
I mean, come on people. Do the freaking math!
All because Jeb reminds too many females of the husband who likes to check the wife's totals in the checkbook.
The next couple of years will be decisive regarding 2008.
Be Seeing You,
Chris