Today, Wednesday, January 26th 2005, Dr. Condoleezza Rice was confirmed as President George W. Bush's new secretary of state in a U.S. Senate vote.

It took the Senate 10 hours of debate over two days to finally come to a vote. Eighty-five senators backed her accession while 13 opposed it.

Last week, Rice was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The fifty year-old, Dr. Rice is a close confidante to President Bush. Four the past four years, she has been closely involved in his Iraq policy.

During Mr. Bush's first term, she held the position of national security adviser.

Rice once again earns a place in the history books; this time as the first black female secretary of state.

Madeleine Albright, who served before U.S. General Colin Powell was the first woman. She served under Democratic President Bill Clinton.

Rice replaces former U.S. general Colin Powell.

Former Secretary of State Powell made history as the highest-ranking African American in any U.S. administration when he was hired as the country's top diplomat in 2000.

Mr. Powell announced his resignation as secretary of state soon after President Bush's re-election in November.

Dr. Rice, known as "Condi" to her friends, is expected to be sworn in at the White House later on Wednesday night.

She plans to move into her new office on Thursday morning.

When she arrives tomorrow at the State Department for her first full day on the job, one of her first priorities will be to finishing hiring top department official positions left vacant after Powell's departure.

A more elaborate swearing-in ceremony is planned for her on Friday.

Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, a Democrat, admitted Ms. Rice had "impressive credentials". He said:

Her life story is very moving and she has extensive experience in foreign policy.

But this nomination is different because of the war in Iraq.

Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, voted in favor of Dr. Rice. The Democrat said:

It is more a product of a belief than a cold analysis of her record.

I believe that Dr. Rice is capable of learning from her mistakes and changing her ways. That she will rise to this new challenge. That she can be a good secretary of state.

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee's foreign-affairs subcommittee added, "I want to get this important working relationship started on the right track." Given his role, Senator Leahy will work nearly every day with the secretary of state.

Senator John McCain of Arizona, who challenged Bush for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000, said yesterday's criticisms of Rice represented "lingering bitterness at the outcome of the elections."

"I wonder why we're starting this new Congress with a protracted debate about a foregone conclusion," McCain said as the Senate began meeting today.

Moments after the Senate 85-13 roll-call vote, Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee, the Republican majority leader, celebrated "a proud moment for the Senate and the American people."

In a press conference held this morning, President Bush was asked about Dr. Rice's confirmation. President Bush said:

Dr. Rice is an honorable, fine public servant who needs to be confirmed.

She will be a great Secretary of State.

And Dr. Rice and I look forward to moving forward.

We look forward to working to make sure the Iraqis have got a democracy.

We look forward to continuing to make sure Afghanistan is as secure as possible from potential Taliban resurgence.

We look forward to spreading freedom around the world.

She is going to make a wonderful Secretary of State.

Condi, on behalf of your fans at MPPC, Stanford, an old friend of Jerry Lambert's, Bob & Dottie's daughter and all of us at Rugged Elegance, congratulations!

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful living with "respect for the efforts of our country's leaders ... black, white, brown, male and female"!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King

President Bush Selects Condoleezza Rice To Replace Colin Powell as U.S. Secretary of State, 11/15/04