adminLibya.
Rice, currently US envoy to the United Nations, is a longtime member of Obama’s inner circle and had been a favourite to succeed Hillary Clinton as the top US diplomat.
But her role as a top administration defender over the attack, which killed the US ambassador to Libya on September 11 drew her into a furious row with Republicans keen to dent Obama after his re-election victory.
“If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly, to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities,” Rice said in a letter to Obama on Thursday.
Rice told NBC, which first reported her decision that she was determined not to detract from the crucial first months of Obama’s second term — even though she had not even been nominated as secretary of state.
“We’re talking about comprehensive immigration reform, balanced deficit reduction, job creation — that’s what matters,” Rice said.
“To the extent that my nomination could have delayed or distracted or deflected, or maybe even (made) some of these priorities impossible to achieve, I didn’t want that.”
Rice’s move came amid strengthening indications that Obama is making progress in naming his new national security team. Sources said Republican former senator Chuck Hagel could become secretary of defense. The White House, rowing over taxes and spending with Republicans, had pragmatically concluded the political capital needed to confirm Rice in the Senate could be better spent elsewhere.
But some observers may sense weakness in Obama’s decision not to fight for Rice against opposition from Republicans — including the man he defeated for the White House in 2008, Senator John McCain. — AFP.
Online Reporter