Although Rice's nomination was never in doubt, Democrats mounted a lengthy and biting protest that showed she will not immediately match Powell's collegial relationship with Capitol Hill.
Democratic senators denounced Rice's job performance and truthfulness. Most criticism focused on Rice's role planning for war and explaining the threat posed by Saddam Hussein. Some accused her of avoiding accountability for the absence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Others said she seemed unwilling to acknowledge errors in planning or judgment.
"In the end, I could not excuse Dr. Rice's repeated misstatements," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said of his vote against Rice.
Sen. Durbin had a good, strong Democrat day, also giving
torture apologist Alberto Gonzales the thumbs-down in committee. Kudos, Senator.
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