Senator Barbara Boxer Clashes with Condoleezza Rice Over War and Truth

Senator Barbara Boxer of California accused Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice of misleading the nation before the Iraq war and then attacked her for questioning her honesty. The confrontation took place during a heated exchange between the two women during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing last week.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Barbara Boxer accused Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice of overwhelming her respect for the truth in her mission to sell the Iraq war.
• Condoleezza Rice responded by stating that she never lost respect for the truth and that it is not her nature or character to do so.
• Senator Boxer described Rice's response as a "good debating technique" aimed at attacking her rather than addressing her questions.
• Senator Boxer accused Rice of intentionally frightening Americans and saying things that were not true to sell the war.
• Senator Boxer and Senator John Kerry voted against Rice's confirmation in committee.
• Senator Dianne Feinstein stated that Boxer was within her rights to question Rice, but did not agree with her approach.
• Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. supported Rice but is leaning towards voting against Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales.

Statistics:

• No numerical statistics are mentioned in the article.
• The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a two-day hearing, with the confrontation between Boxer and Rice occurring on the first day.
• The final Senate vote on Miss Rice's confirmation to head the State Department was delayed due to objections by Senator Robert C. Byrd.
• The Senate begins nine hours of debate tomorrow on Miss Rice's confirmation, with a vote expected Wednesday.

Sources:

• THE WASHINGTON TIMES
• CNN's "Late Edition"
• Fox News Sunday
• AP