Here's a wildy speculative OP about Condi for VP...

I don't really see it that way . They mention the trophy aspect of it in the first sentence , after mentioning her name , as being the " obvious " , then go on to mention her pro's and con's , even mentioning her as being 4th
in line ....

I respectfully disagree, it's this text:

Her nomination to a constitutional executive office would cost McCain the votes of his party’s hardened racists and incorrigible misogynists. They are surely fewer in number, though, than the people who would like to participate in breaking the glass ceiling of race or gender but, given the choice, would rather do so in a more timid way, and/or without abandoning their party. And with Rice on the ticket the Republicans could attack Clinton or Obama with far less restraint.

It looks very race driven to me.