Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, discusses the transition of her job to a presently unnamed counterpart in President-Elect Obama’s administration and details the challenges awaiting her successor.

Discussion Questions

1. How long has Ms. Rice served as Secretary of State? What differences does she cite between the administration transition of 2000-2001 and the current transition? Why do you think she says there will be a “more structured transition now”?
2. What are the “mechanics” of the transition for Secretary Rice and the State department? Who are the people involved in the transition, and what are their roles?
3. What qualities does Secretary Rice suggest the new Secretary of State should have? What does Secretary Rice suggest as the “core value of our foreign policy”? Why does she emphasize that this value should be sustained in the new administration?
4. According to Secretary Rice, what are some of the challenges awaiting the new Secretary of State? Who do you think President-Elect Obama should select as the new Secretary of State? List their qualifications.