In 2008, the Democrats will run either Hillary Clinton, who is trying to appear centrist, or a non-Northeastern white male, such as Evan Bayh, with the aura of centrism. Condoleeza Rice has never been elected to any public office and has no political base to speak of. Her pro-abortion views will put off evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics. Being a black woman will turn off at least some of the non-religious white male voters, especially in the lower and middle classes. White racism is a hidden vice in our time and its acknowledgment, other than in ritual denunciation of its evil, is rare, much as adultery and homosexuality were 75 years ago. However, it is foolish for political observers to think it would not have an impact on an election.
Condoleeza Rice as a Presidential candidate is not realistic. It would alienate a large portion of the GOP's base and not attract enough replacement voters to offset the losses.