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Although traditions are going out the window, the tradition has been that the Sec of State maintains a non-political stance in return for bi-partisan support of foreign policy. For Dr. Rice to become political at this point would make her vulnerable to criticism about the way she does her job as SOS. Ultimately, how Rice (and Dubya) do on the international front determines her future.

If democratic elections and expansion of personal freedom continue in the third world; and

if the UN and old Europe continue to embarass themselves and not present a viable alternative to the Bush doctrine;

Then Rice has a future beyond returning to the academic world and expert guest in the media.

If Dubya gets Janice Rogers Brown types on the Supreme Court then abortion will be much more of a judicial issue than presidential issue in 2008. But if those on the court end up being like GOP appointed Brennan and Kennedy then the pro-life movement will probably be so dejected they either dropout of politics or support the Constitution Party, which is the same thing.

So in either the case of abortion not being a presidential issue anymore, or of the pro-life forces dropping out of the GOP, Dr Rice won't be blocked from a presidential run on that issue

BTW I am a pro-life multi-issue person. The political stupidity and counter-productive 2-year-old tantrums of pro-lifers is one of the most frustrating factors in politics.