Video: Rice says her “time is up”
posted at 9:50 am on June 19, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Those who clamor for Condi will find disappointment below. Condoleezza Rice unequivocally says she will not run as John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 election, saying that her “time is up” and that she looks forward to her return to Stanford as an academic. When Steve Doocy presses her by insisting she’d want the job, she laughs:
Will this really disappoint many — and will it discourage speculation anyway? Since 2003, Republicans have speculated that George Bush would dump Dick Cheney in favor of Rice. We heard it at the last Republican convention, and I’d almost guess that we’ll hear it at this convention unless McCain makes his selection of running mate public before the September 1 start. Even that might not discourage the rumors.
The Cult of Condi seems to have dissipated over the last couple of years, though. Some Republicans expected Rice to clean out State after her appointment as Secretary of State in the second Bush term, or to toughen Bush’s foreign policy, seeing her as a cross between John Bolton and a supermodel. Neither happened, and as Condi carried out Bush’s foreign policy, the luster dimmed from her reputation among conservatives. She has been seen as closer to Colin Powell than John Bolton in direction, which has not pleased the conservative base that McCain arguably needs to address with his pick for VP.
Rice probably has the best measure of the situation in noting that her time has expired, both personally and politically, at the national level. If she wants to enter electoral politics, Republicans as well as Rice would be better off having her start in California, perhaps as a gubernatorial or Senatorial candidate in a state that could use a change in either position. Rice doesn’t appear too inclined to become a politician in that sense, but maybe the state GOP can convince her to take another mission in helping to keep America secure by sending Barbara Boxer to Stanford in her place in 2010.
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Good.
WisCon on June 19, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Is that a racist remark?
In all seriousness, the point is absolutely correct: he needs a Bolton.
Just not Michael. Plus the Dems already were stuck with the “two johns” jokes, so we’re in the clear now!
emailnuevo on June 19, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Condi is a fine lady. Just not the right lady.
Limerick on June 19, 2008 at 9:55 AM
http://www.dickmorris.com
Connie on June 19, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Wonderful woman – wonderful public servant – NO STONES..
jake-the-goose on June 19, 2008 at 9:57 AM
“California, here I come. Right back where I started from…”
My collie says:
CyberCipher on June 19, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Condi Rice is a true Patriot and she deserve Peace & Happiness in her life, which her opponents would never give if she runs for office.
Loyalty & Rice are inseparable, unlike Powell.
Anita on June 19, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Good riddance to her
Snooper on June 19, 2008 at 10:01 AM
The worst SoS since Albright. Good riddance!
Aristotle on June 19, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Problem is state is the “Good Cop” while NSC is the “bad Cop” in US foreign Policy. You want your doves in State and your hawks in the NSC.
State was a poor fit for Condi.
William Amos on June 19, 2008 at 10:02 AM
The NSA Condi for VP, YES!
The SoS Condi for VP, no thanks.
Tony737 on June 19, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Photoshop, anyone?
mikeyboss on June 19, 2008 at 10:06 AM
She’s too low key to be a political candidate in her own light.
Seixon on June 19, 2008 at 10:06 AM
When were the Communists purged from the State Dept? Never. When did they stop hiring and promoting their own? Never. Therefore, how much in charge of the State Dept is the SOS? Perhaps not quite as much as most people think.
Akzed on June 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM
IMO, the problem with Rice was personal. Unlike Rumsfeld and Kirkpatrick and Bolton, Rice cared how she was perceived/judged personally, and worried about appearing competent and professional. There was a “do no harm” aspect to her leadership.
Frankly, she wasn’t prepared for the challenge. Neither is she prepared for VP.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
“She has been seen as closer to Colin Powell than John Bolton in direction”
I think your remark is racist because you thought of that connection.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I agree. Another poor choice by Bush.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I think you nailed it. Too many civil servants in too many executive branch departments has made it damn near impossible for any CINC to change Washington. Expecting Condi Rice to “clean up” the State department was about as delusional as “Yes We Can”.
rhombus on June 19, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Yeah, I’ve kind of had the impression for the past couple years that Dick Morris was the high priest of the so-called Cult of Condi.
Cylor on June 19, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Back to academia, where she truly belongs.
redrock on June 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I think that is right. She also has plenty of interests outside of politics and power — like shopping, football, music and her work at Stanford. You can’t say she’s not a smart, talented and well-rounded individual.
I don’t think she was dramatically better or worse than anybody other recent Secretary of State has been.
BigD on June 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I wish her all the happiness in the world, regardless of what path she takes. And thank her for her years in public service.
RushBaby on June 19, 2008 at 10:21 AM
A classy lady. I’ll never forget the way she was treated at the 9/11 commission hearings. She never once lost her poise. I’ll miss her.
infidel65 on June 19, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I always thought the clean-up bit was a ruse. The purpose of the Secretary of State and other Executive dep’t heads in a Republican administration is to marginalize the dep’t. so that it causes the least amount of mischief.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Yes. That rat’s nest needs a thorough cleaning.
Peter Principle
davidk on June 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM
She is a pathetic imbecile. Thank God she’s going away.
Lehuster on June 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Historically, Sec. of the Interior would explain your premise.
maverick muse on June 19, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Condi’s been a great disappointment as Secretary of State, but I’d vote for her in a heartbeat over Barbara Boxer (D-Moron). But that would require the California Republican party to show some intelligence, something that we’ve had trouble doing for a long time, now.
irishspy on June 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
CiberCypher, following yours,
“I left my heart in San Francisco”
maverick muse on June 19, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Limerick & RushBaby
+1
ps *sigh of relief
maverick muse on June 19, 2008 at 10:50 AM
…to the moon.
whitetop on June 19, 2008 at 11:03 AM
She’s too smart to be in politics, but not politically smart enough.
It takes a special kind of person to be successful in Washington D.C. these days, I think that’s why Republicans are such an overall minority in the capitol. People on the right are too busy being successful in the real world, actually making the country great. People on the left feel successful if they can burrow their way into some federal bureaucracy and live out their days like bloated, corrupt ticks.
Dont’ worry, maybe someday – if you apply yourself, you can move up to the ranks of pathetic imbecile.
reaganaut on June 19, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Return to Stanford? I figured she’d move to Russia, teach Russian history, and play piano for Putin on the side.
MrC_5150 on June 19, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I have a hard time seeing Rice elected in CA, given the sheer irrational hatred the left has for anyone associated with Bush – surely we all recall the horrible racist crap that has been hurled at her by the left, largely without significant opposition (the phrase “routine denunciation” comes to mind)?
She might make it to the House, if she’s in the right district. Schwarzenegger made Governor as kind of a fluke, combined with good campaigning.
Dr. Rice would pretty much have to “talk Democrat” to make Senator or Governor in CA, I think.
Merovign on June 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Thank you Lord!
SaintOlaf on June 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I think Rice is a formidable intellectual. A powerful woman indeed.
I also think she has far too much dignity to allow herself to be paraded as a “twofer” – black & female.
If she runs for higher offices (which I doubt), she’ll wait a good few years. Personally, I reckon she’ll be happier in an ivory tower.
LimeyGeek on June 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Condi Clueless Rice was the worst Bush appointment (and that is saying a lot). She became an Arab appeaser and instead of cleaning out State, went native. She would bring nothing to the ticket. She jsut went to Lebanon and in effect, endorsed Hezbollah. Go away Rice!!!
Hilts on June 19, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Condi disappointed me very, very much. I had expected her to make great strides in changing the anti-Americanism of Foggy Bottom, but she ended up deepening it.
She was not what I thought she might be, so I support her decision to just fade away!
I will not support her for further office at all.
Warner Todd Huston on June 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Foggy Bottom
tee hee
We are the greatest
LimeyGeek on June 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Go away.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on June 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
She’s a policy wonk, not a public figure to lead the nation.
Love her, but not thanks.
mylegsareswollen on June 19, 2008 at 12:31 PM
If McCain selected Condi she would be perceived by the left, and many minorities as the ultimate “token” choice. She’s nice, but there are better choices. I’d like to see Laurah Ingraham or Michelle Malkin on the ticket. :-)
cannonball on June 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM
ought to get their heads examined.
james23 on June 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I don’t think Peter Principle applies here. National Security Advisor and Sec. of State require different skills. If she was promoted up through the State Dept them Peter Principle would more likely apply. Bush erred on the skill set when he appointed Condi to Sec. of State. He ended her career and she contributed by sticking to him when he decided to stop leading. Now Peter Principle applies to Bush, OK as Governor, not a good President.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Rather than post flames, could you post something that might add to this thread. Like facts.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Good riddance. Can’t stand her Palestinian loving butt.
Tim Burton on June 19, 2008 at 1:24 PM
I like her and think she is wicked smart but she has been a failure as SOS.
We need a Fred Thompson type in that position.
EJDolbow on June 19, 2008 at 1:24 PM
You are right, I would have to apply myself. She, on the other hand, is a pathetic imbecile who moved up without having to exert herself at all!
Lehuster on June 19, 2008 at 1:26 PM
She’s not even a good policy wonk! She’s just an embarrassment who has been promoted far beyond her innate competence.
Lehuster on June 19, 2008 at 1:28 PM
I respect her immensely, I even think she is a hottie, but please get her the hell out of the middle east.
Wade, from my balcony on a clear day I can see Condi’s smoking wreckage of a foreign policy in every direction. Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Rafah, Gaza, Annapolis, Lebanon, sheesh even in Syria faling to support hitting the Nuclear Reactor and suggesting we instead ‘confront’ Assad!!
Israel’s failed leaders are just as much to blame for following along with the appeasement strategy.. but wow has Condi left a royal mess around here, we are looking at bitter missile wars on every front & every border in the next few years :(
saus on June 19, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Excellent reort!
Condi Clueless was the very definition of a mediocrity and Bush’s personnel judgment was pathetic – essentially Powell and Rice were affirmative action appointments (who did not even add a single Black vote to the GOP column).
Hilts on June 19, 2008 at 1:45 PM
I’ll bet you that in a year when she is thankfully out of government (ensconced in her ivory tower at Stanford) she will do a Scott McClellan and turn on her benefactors Bush and the G.O.P.) Loyalty towards incompetents is not a virtue.
Hilts on June 19, 2008 at 1:49 PM
Babs shouldn’t be sent anywhere she might have any influence on anybody at all.
I’d say send her to the JPL. They’ve got a great record of failing to find intelligent life anywhere. They could continue it for decades just with her.
trigon on June 19, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Condi Rice wasn’t all that bad as Secretary of State, and a huge improvement over Madeleine Albright.
But the problem with the Department of State is that it’s overrurn with Clinton bureaucrats who sabotage everything the Administration tries to do. President Bush missed an opportunity to do a thorough house-cleaning early in his first term (he was probably unaware of the problem), then was too preoccupied with the consequences of 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to do it later.
He was totally snakebit when Undersecretary Richard Armitage leaked Valerie Plame’s name to the press (and Robert Novak, a self-proclaimed “conservative”, didn’t help by identifying him as an unnamed “White House official”), and instead of canning Armitage, Bush and Ashcroft agreed to the Fitzpatrick fishing expedition that snared Scooter Libby in a White-House-vs.-the-Press legal tangle that the Press always wins because the MSM can lie at will and spin the public to their side. After the Wilson/Plame/Libby fiasco, the Clintonites at State knew they could get away with anything their treasonous hearts desired. Condi did what she could, but she was hamstrung by the bureaucrats.
McCain has frequently railed against corruption in Congress. If he is elected Chief Executive, can he clean out the State Department? No doubt, the MSM will label this as a “witch hunt”, but the State Department is the Hogwarts School of political subversion. If McCain is elected, Happy Hunting!
Steve Z on June 19, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Yes, he called the New Tone.
Can’t argue with that.
For Condi: Goodbye, good-riddance, and when you go away, please stay gone. Go back to Stanford, get back on a PBS board, and win a prize for shafting Israel.
Feedie on June 19, 2008 at 2:29 PM
He called it the New Tone. Doh!
Feedie on June 19, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Besides the State Departement, the Bush administration needed desperately to clean out the C.I.A.
Hilts on June 19, 2008 at 3:01 PM
I’ve heard her say several times that she would like to be NFL Commissioner.
Er…I hope not.
Brat on June 19, 2008 at 3:17 PM
The last thing you want is a one-sided truce between football teams.
Feedie on June 19, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Writes Ed,
I am increasing concerned that Sen. McCain has no interest whatsoever in pleasing the conservative base. He is seemingly obsessed with pandering to the ‘independents’ and ‘Reagan Democrats’, to the exclusion of any other considerations. My guess is that he assumes everyone on the right will vote for him over Obambi (and in my case, he’s correct).
That probably means another Democrat-lite for his VP running mate. Bloomberg (would help with the Jewish vote in Florida and maybe even NYC)?
MrLynn on June 19, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Thanks to
for putting Lehuster and his ‘pathetic imbecile’ comment in his place.
Condi Rice is perhaps the most talented and impressive person I have ever seen in public life. That she did not ‘clean house’ at State is undoubtedly because she was not told by her boss to do so. Contrary to the image the left has of him, W does not pick fights where he doesn’t need to.
MrLynn on June 19, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Condi has been a disaster at State! We needed somone to go in a clean up this viper’s nest…she went in and became acclimated and part of the problem. Splitting up Israel to make the Arabs happy is just plain a BAD idea! It isn’t their land, never has been and never will be and she and President Bush should know better!
sabbott on June 19, 2008 at 5:28 PM
She needs to go be the governor of california and get the wishy washyness beaten out of her. Then she’ll be ready.
peacenprosperity on June 19, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Au contraire. All she would have to do is “come out” and she’d landslide. FTR, I don’t think or care if she is or is not.
platypus on June 19, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Well, she has accomplished nothing. By Democratic standards she’s certainly qulified to be President.
freevillage on June 19, 2008 at 7:47 PM
SecDef would have suited her better than SoS.
she is brilliant and i think the world of her, but i do now realize that she’s not a politician and therefore not a good VP choice.
i wish her well!
homesickamerican on June 19, 2008 at 11:34 PM
COndi is really not what a lot of thought she might be… she’s certainly malleable on principles and has been rolled by the Arabist @ State and actually did not do such a great job as NSC. I donot want her to just fade away, I think she needs to be held accountable for a slew of mistakes; Hezbo in Lebanon, Hamas & Hezbo in Gaza, leaving Syria/Iran untouched, failure of State Dept in Russia, Iraq, failure of Latin American policies….but she has excelled in arming the enemy. I have no doubt that she will go postal on GWB/Reps and Conservatives once she is enscounced back in the fold at Stanford.
I did have great hopes for her at one time but it faded quickly…someone needs to reinvestigate this so-called Russian expert…
el Vaquero on June 20, 2008 at 9:46 AM
What happened to the “CONDI” I grew to love. She was sent to STATE and they brainwashed her there. As usual STATE has won again. She has become as inept and meaningless as GWB. In 2000 I would have voted for her for POTUS. Now, not even “DOG CATCHER”. Good luck at STANFORD PROFF…
pueblo1032 on June 20, 2008 at 11:19 AM
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