TPP - Condi - yes, she was there the whole time (administration). First as just a policy adviser, then as SOS. And yes, she is tenacious! She can do anything she sets her mind to, and has proven it. I just do not think she has a mind to run for president. She took all the bigots had to dish out with grace and dignity. But I think she is satisfied with her previous role and does not want to go through it again. Just because you can do something does not mean you want to do it.
Thompson - Yes, he made an excuse and I do not fault him (other than he was my horse in the race). But he has shown he is a great leader of the party, just not a great campaigner. But I think perhaps it goes a step further as well. He knows that running on a platform is not the same as governing from that platform. And compromises must be made. And he just does not care to make them
As for Palin, yes, she is a creature (not creation) of the media. They have done a good job demonizing her (just check out what Leauki says about her). But Obama is bad enough that I think Palin could win, although it would be a lot closer than it should be. Still, you are correct - she can do more good working from the sidelines than she can running in the front.
And Bill Clinton? I guess he was a very influential man after all. Just look what he did for Gore! 