Recent talk of a John McCain-Condoleezza Rice ticket has intensified, as some observers consider the Secretary of State a perfect asset: satisfying the uneasy conservative base and giving the GOP some badly-needed star power.

Bring that on.

George W. Bush’s job approval rating is in the toilet. It has been in the toilet for two years. Come Election Day, it will still be there, in the toilet.

This means that the 10-15-20 percent of Americans who find themselves smack in the middle and legitimately aren’t sure - and who will swing this thing one way or the other - do not like Bush. And John McCain must have their support to win.

And you can bank on the fact that a McCain-Rice ticket will hinder, not help in that respect. Any superficial boost to the GOP’s chances would fade fast.

In fact, the announcement of Condoleezza Rice as the nominee for Vice President on a John McCain-led ticket would be just what the Democrats need now.

Embroiled in their own tight race to determine who will challenge McCain, both Democrats, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are polling even with him.

Considering the state of affairs in this country right now, and the stiff running for the GOP, this close a race is inexcusable. We need the media to revisit each and every foreign policy disaster from the Bush administration, pronto.

Enter Condoleezza Rice.

Democrats would have a field day with this, especially during what should be McCain’s finest hour - taking the mantle at the Republican convention.

We therefore can’t think of anyone better to run with McCain than Condi Rice, although if his advisers do their jobs, they’ll probably pick somebody else.

After all, a Bush official on the ticket would go against McCain’s natural strengths as a general election candidate, seeing as he won the nomination in part because moderate Republicans who disapprove of George W. Bush backed him.

One of these V.P. choices would surely give him a better shot against Democrats. Here’s hoping Condi’s supposed lobbying for the job works, though.

If you thought George W. Bush’s embrace of Cindy McCain at the White House had this award wrapped up, we wouldn’t blame you… but think again!

Half a world away, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak went in for the kill as he greeted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Jerusalem Wednesday.

Politics sure is full of these moments, which certainly makes us laugh - and think that an international handshake-only policy would be passed pretty easily…

And we thought Condi was uncomfortable with foreign affairs already!

Sen. John McCain is headed for the nomination of his party, and there’s a lot talk as to who might join him on the Republican ticket.

Below are some of the potential Republican V.P. candidates bandied about so far and After W’s decidedly unscientific analysis of each.

At this early stage, we won’t try to handicap favorites, and it’s not a Vice Presidential short list but a rather a long list to spur debate.

If we left off any potential John McCain running mates, or you would like to voice your opinion on any, please leave a comment and share.

THE INSIDERS

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: Would bring gender and racial balance to the ticket, but also closely linked to George W. Bush.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: Ditto. Minus the gender part.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush: Likable, successful guy from a crucial state, but this is not the year to run on that surname.

Former Homeland Security Secretary and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge: A well-respected post-9/11 figure, and close to McCain, but a moderate.

How would a John McCain / Condoleeza Rice ticket fare in November?

THE CONQUERED

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: A catch-22 of sorts in that Mike Huckabee is popular with social conservatives, but also not popular with many in the GOP for firing up said conservatives against McCain.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: A lot going for him, but also a lot of baggage. Namely, the fact that John McCain is not a fan.

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson: Would have been a better selection if not for his own “candidacy” this winter. Not because conservatives dislike Fred, but because he didn’t really seem to give a $h!t about running.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: The anti-Barack Obama, he may actually be less appealing the more you get to know him.

THE GOVERNORS

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford: The young governor and Southerner draws support from both fiscal and social conservatives. Imagine that!

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: The 36-year-old Indian-American is a rising star in the GOP, but likely too new and inexperienced right now.

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