Dr. Rice

...will be calling LaShawn soon, begging her to change her mind. Asking for a chance: "Please, ma'am." Can you imagine?

If you're playing catch-up, it started with this statement from Ms. Barber:

One of my advertisers is a group called Americans For Rice, and I’ve been asked by several people where I stand on the Condi-for-president meme. I wouldn’t vote for Condoleezza Rice for president of the United States. First, I don’t think women generally have the sensibilities to run the country. Before you jump all over me, it’s important that you know I don’t care what you think. You’re reading this blog, so you obviously care what I think, so there it is.

The question is not whether we will have a female President. The question is, when. And who will it be?—some Reno-esque hack selected in a smoke-filled back room because we were overdue for a chick Chief Executive? Or a qualified woman of principle? Someone who can carry on the legacies of other successful female heads of state? (The examples usually cited are Maggie Thatcher and Elizabeth R. There are plenty of examples, however.)

I just finished Bush at War, and one of the things that jumps out of its pages is the role Rice has played in this White House, especially since 9/11. She was essentially an uber-Vice President, running meetings that even Cheney attended and far outranking the Chief of Staff.

Those who argue that one needs to have run for public office in order to take on the highest office in the land ignore the fact that there are exceptional individuals out there to whom the conventional rules simply do not apply. Dr. Rice is one of them.

Bush was drafted by the GOP. And if we're lucky, Rice will be drafted by Bush. She is his logical successor, especially in a time of war.

Furthermore, as Secretary of State she is making contacts now that will be invaluable when she transitions into the role of President herself.

The time has come. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.