Why It's Rice In '08

CollegeConservative.com ^ | Nov 18, 2004 | Dustin Hawkins

[CollegeConservative.com]

Before you ask, I will answer: No, it is not too early to talk about 2008, even though President Bush has yet to be sworn into office for a second term and even though the person who will be our next President has not even been confirmed for her Secretary of State post yet. Besides, I want to be on record early so if I am wrong, no one will have remembered my prediction by 2008, and if I am right, it will prove how wise I am.

But before I get to Dr. Rice, I’ll have to say why the Mainstream Media's Republican darlings will not come out on top. First, the party faithful will not rally around a pro-choice candidate, end of story. Sorry Rudy. Second, John McCain’s popularity relies on moderate Republicans, moderate Democrats, and the liberal press. As a general rule, never trust a Republican who is “respected” and is niftily nicknamed and admired (Oh, it’s Maverick!) by the New York Times.

It is not so much that these candidates would necessarily be bad choices, and in fact both would probably have a good shot at winning the Presidency if given the chance. But Republicans like their Presidential nominees to share their values, be passionate about their issues, and to play hardball when necessary. Rudy G. is a tempting candidate but perhaps too flawed, and McCain refuses to launch off some spitballs when needed and licks the boots of Democrats far too often (that and he sticks us with really bad legislation like Campaign Finance Deform.)

On to Dr. Rice. Historically speaking, after a President is twice elected the next candidate from the incumbent party is generally a major figure from that administration. Most often, the Vice-President is a shoe-in for the nomination. Gore followed Clinton, Bush Sr. followed Reagan, Nixon followed Eisenhower, and so on. Had Kerry been twice elected John Edwards would have been the probable candidate in 2012.

However, it is highly unlikely that VP Cheney will seek the nomination, allowing for somewhat of a break in tradition, and begging the question: now who? Which brings us to the soon-to-be third most influential person in the Bush Administration and, possibly, the United States: Condoleezza Rice. Among members of the administration, Rice has the most face and name recognition, something that will only grow given the stature of the Secretary of State post. Her approval ratings have been among the highest in the Bush administration (59% favorable, 24% unfavorable – CNN/Gallup), generally trailing only outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell.

In 2008, the focus of the election will likely be foreign policy issues and the battle against global terror. If there is significant progress in the War on Terror and in the Palestine-Israeli conflict, then a strong case will be made for the continuation of Bush’s policy, of which Dr. Rice has been instrumental in shaping and supporting. Given Rice’s expertise and experience in international relations, and given the relationships she will have time to strengthen over the next four years, she will be well prepared for the challenges ahead, and more so than any other Presidential wannabe could be.

If Rice decides to go for the nomination, President Bush will likely support his close friend and adviser. Dr. Rice, a concert pianist and a former Stanford University Provost who earned a Bachelors at 19, a Masters a year later, and then a Doctorate all before turning 30 may even become the first Republican candidate to successfully avoid being called an “idiot” by liberals. Though, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

I remember a couple years back when Dr. Rice was a guest on Oprah. Her passion was unbelievable, her sincerity unquestionable, and her presence overwhelming. It was that day that I knew that what her parents told her growing up could possibly one day come true: that she too could be President of these United States. I for one, think they were on to something.

[section9]

Uh, I'm as big a supporter of Condi Rice as there is on this board, but there's a fly in your ointment: last time anyone checked, Condi Rice was pro-choice as well. Now the good thing is that she's barely pro-choice, and is probably open to well argued pro-life positions. I don't think she could sit through one reading of Roe v. Wade; the structural illogic of that decision would be enough to drive her to distraction.

It's not abortion that kills Rudi, btw. It's guns. He's a gun grabber.

Condi needs to work on her abortion position. Indeed, she needs some reflection and prayer.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Enterprise]

"Before you ask, I will answer: No, it is not too early to talk about 2008"

No worries mate. The Democrats started talking about it already. And their allies the Old Media Whores will help by shoving it in our face for four years. And if in 2008, a Republican wins again, the Democrats and their pungently stinking Old Media Whores will immediately start shoving the 2012 race in our faces.

[konaice]

Yup. I concure.

All she need do is not F***UP real bad in the next 4 years.
If the Dems want to run a Women, we can run a better one.

[Se7eN]

She seems so private and unspoken. If it is her, she'll need to press flesh a little more.

[bigbob]

I hope you are right. The historical significance of the first black female candidate being a conservative Republican would be fantastic. And DUmmy heads would simply explode. Not to mention Jesse Jackass and Rev. Al who would be in the position of telling their followers to vote against her...

[Ksnavely]

I am down for Dr. Rice in 08, I think she would make a fine candidate, it also would throw a monkey wrench into Hillaries quest to be the first female President, hehe can you imagine that Race, Hillary/Obama and Rice/?? in 08. Maybe Rice can run with a women or a Black/hispanic so we could completely get rid of the evil white man being in the executive branchn in 08.

[Joe Hadenuf]

So this is who the RNC is running in 08.

[An American!]

If Hillary runs I would like to see Laura Bush casually mention that she might run too. That would certainily cause a stir :)

[quantim]

If Rice decides to go for the nomination, President Bush will likely support his close friend and adviser.

Not.  The President will support the republican nominee after the primaries.

[ladyinred]

Condi '08!

[CWOJackson]

From the looks of things I think it's pretty clear that Kyoto McCain is going to challenge Hillary...for the DNC nomination.

[An American!]

On a more serious note, though I think a combo ticket of Guiliani/Rice would be good

[factmart]

NO ONE would have a better chance to beat Hillary than Condi Rice For President. And she will take away women votes and black votes from the demorats FOREVER!

[Ksnavely]

That whole pro life thing though is still a big factor, Dr. Rice would have to run with a candidate who is a well known social conservative to balance out that, and we all know Guliani is no social conservative.

[sinkspur]

Condoleeza Rice has no executive experience, and has never endured a campaign.

She will not be the nominee in 2008!

American voters won't elect Senators. They certainly won't elect a cabinet member who has never run for anything.

I like Condoleeza Rice, but she does not have the "fire in the belly" for elective office.

She's a support person, not a leader.

[BunnySlippers]

Rices doesn't have a chance, Hillary doesn't have a chance, Arnold doesn't have a chance, Giuliani doesn't have a chance ... things don't change a lot.

[latina4dubya]

And she will take away women votes and black votes from the demorats FOREVER!

why do you think this? i don't see African Americans voting for her... and i hardly see women voting for her... especially if Hitlery runs--although i do think Condi can take the woman vote because she has a lot to offer--but it has to be more than that she's a black woman...

[eagle11]

"In 1999, after stepping down as provost at Stanford to work for Bush's campaign, she told the San Francisco Chronicle that despite her devout Presbyterian background, she is a "pro-choice evangelical," and that "there's a lot of room in the middle [on abortion]. . . . I don't think Americans think abortion is something you do lightly." Later that year, she told National Review's Jay Nordlinger that she is "mildly pro-choice," and more generally, an "all-over-the-map Republican" whose views are "hard to typecast." Quote from Lee Bockhorn, March 28, 2002, DAILY STANDARD here's the link. http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/001/059budmh.asp?pg=2

[latina4dubya]

Rices doesn't have a chance, Hillary doesn't have a chance, Arnold doesn't have a chance, Giuliani doesn't have a chance ... things don't change a lot.

i pretty much agree with you... i remember when Mondale chose Ferarro as his running mate, and i thought, "What a sure way to lose."