In the speculative discussion of who Mitt Romney's running mate will be, the name Condoleezza Rice seems suddenly to have sprung from left field.

The reason why she is considered a possible Republican vice-presidential nominee is unclear. The Drudge Report attributes it in part to her speech at a Utah Romney fundraiser in June. There, she reportedly whipped a crowd of deep-pocketed donors into a frenzy with a speech on the world's need for American leadership.

A Reuters story on Tuesday mentioned Rice's name in connection with the ticket - but only to say she that she had made it clear she had no interest in running.

Ann Romney stated on CBS last week that she would "love that option as well" if her husband chose a female running mate; and some media have highlighted this as a hint that Rice is in the running.

Sarah Palin said last night that Rice would make a "wonderful" vice-president - but only because Greta Van Susteren asked her about the possibility of Rice joining Romney's "Comeback Team".

If Rice has any interest in running, she is being extremely cagey about it. She told CBS's Charlie Rose last week, "I'm saying there is no way that I will do this, because it's really not me. I know my strengths, and Governor Romney needs to find someone who wants to run with him."

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