Depth of Republican Enthusiasm for Condi Rice Matched by Lack Thereof for Romney

Clearly Condoleezza Rice doesn't waste time. When she appeared at a special behind-closed-doors luncheon at a Park City, Utah retreat for big money Republican Party donors it was for only 15 minutes. But apparently that was enough to bring down the house. One attendee later told the Washington Post she was the "the star of the show," and another said that, if it was a vice presidential tryout, "she hit it out of the park." An international banker from Boston was quoted as saying, "she rocked it." Former ambassador to Iceland Charles Cobb said Rice was "spectacular" and described her as a "very bright, sophisticated, articulate lady." According to CBS, "her remarks were widely praised by attendees. One called her brief address "electrifying," That might be considered an understatement. A couple from Los Angeles, attending the three-day gathering and "who did not want to be identified' told the New York Times Rice's message was one of "America needing to take charge." "We can't stand by and let things happen," the wife said. "If we do, someone else will take that leadership role." Rice has had fulsome praise for candidate [Mitt Romney] whom she says will bring "first and foremost an understanding" of "the role the U.S. in the world," that he understands the "essence" of America, which she called "free markets and free people," and would be a solid leader on the international stage.