Rice won’t run… or co-run

One of the best Republicans in the country still steadfastly refuses to consider running for elected office, even as someone else’s running mate. Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice, whose foreign policy expertise and broad appeal could help John McCain win back conservative report while also blunting the effect of a Hillary or Barack-fronted Democratic ticket, confirmed again this weekend she has no plans or higher poltical aspirations than to serve out her term as Secretary of State for George W. Bush and then return to the private sector.

“I have always said that the one thing that I have not seen myself doing is running for elected office,” Rice said at a news conference. “I didn’t even run for high school president. It’s sort of not in my genes.”

McCain, who is so old he needs to wear a medical id bracelet just to cross the street, could have his candidacy significantly bouyed by Rice’s inclusion on the ticket, has not confirmed whether he’s asked Rice or not, but it appears pointless. Of course, it is the fact that better-qualified candidates has sat on the sidelines this presidential year that has led to a weak, liberal Republican like McCain becoming the GOP nominee.