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Rice, Condoleezza

Senate Confirms Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State Amidst Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the United States Senate voted to confirm Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State, the nomination received overwhelming support, yet drew significant opposition from Democrats. The controversy surrounding Rice's role in the Iraq war planning dominated the debates, with some Democrats slamming her for her involvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Condoleezza Rice's nomination as Secretary of State received 85 votes in support and 13 against, the most nay votes for a secretary of state since World War II.
  • Democratic Strategist Bob Beckel defended Rice, stating that her nomination would not be harmed by the controversy surrounding her role in the Iraq war planning.
  • Genevieve Wood, former Spokesperson for the RNC, criticized Barbara Boxer and John Kerry for their opposition to Rice, stating that they were on the far left of the Democratic Party and that their views did not reflect the views of the majority of Americans.
  • Beckel argued that Rice's nomination would not be affected by the controversy, citing the administration's handling of similar issues in the past.
  • Wood claimed that the opposition to Rice's nomination was driven by partisan politics and was a fundraising tool for far-left Democrats.
  • Beckel controversially stated that Saddam Hussein was a "good guy" and that the invasion of Iraq was unnecessary, sparking a heated debate with Gibson.
  • Gibson questioned Beckel's assertion, asking if he thought Saddam Hussein should still be in charge in Iraq, leading to a tense exchange between the two.

Statistics:

  • 85 votes in support of Condoleezza Rice's nomination as Secretary of State
  • 13 votes against Condoleezza Rice's nomination as Secretary of State
  • 1500 American lives lost in the Iraq war according to Bob Beckel

Sources:

  • THE BIG STORY WITH JOHN GIBSON (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
  • Unidentified Senate Clerk
  • BECKEL, B. (Democratic Strategist)
  • WOOD, G. (Former Spokesperson, Republican National Congress)
  • GIBSON, J. (Host, The Big Story)
  • FOX News Network, LLC
  • Voxant, Inc. (Transcription Copyright 2005)

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