November 17, 2008
Posted: November 17th, 2008 06:20 PM ET

From
Condoleezza Rice met with members of President-elect Barack Obama's transition team Monday.
Condoleezza Rice met with members of President-elect Barack Obama's transition team Monday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Members of President-elect Barack Obama's transition team met with key officials in the Defense and State Departments Monday, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Rice met with Tom Donilon and Wendy Sherman, Obama's State Department transition team leaders, and promised a smooth hand-over, according to State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood.

In the half hour meeting, held at Rice's request, Rice "expressed her desire to work closely with the team on a smooth and professional transition," Wood said.

Across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Obama's Defense Department transition team leaders, John White and Michele Flournoy, made office calls to four senior officials and requested more meetings for later this week, senior Pentagon officials said.

White and Flournoy met with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel David Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition John Young and Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence James Clapper, according to senior Pentagon officials.

Flournoy also met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff's transition head, Kenneth F. McKenzie, while 17 members of the Obama transition staff came into the Pentagon Monday to fill out paperwork and get access badges, according to Pentagon officials.

On Friday, White and Flournoy met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates' transition head, Robert Rangel. The meeting lasted about 90 minutes, according to Pentagon officials.

Both Friday and Monday's meetings have been described by Pentagon officials as courtesy calls prior to the coming work between the offices.

Sherman and Donilon also first arrived at the State Department transition offices on Friday and met with the three top State Department officials working on the transition.

State Department officials said that two other transition team members also arrived Monday. Gayle Smith, a former Clinton official on Africa and Aaron Williams, a former U.S. Agency for International Development official who is currently a development executive, will be handling the transition for USAID.

More than a dozen more Obama transition officials are expected to arrive at the State Department in the coming days, the officials said.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Transition 2008


DOCS 3   November 17th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

THESE MEETING CAN ONLY BE EQUATED TO THE "HOPE MENTALITY MEETING WITH THE "GUN POWDER" MENTALITY. LET US PRAY THAT THEIR POWDER GET WET. "BRAINS VS. MUSCLES".
OH! HOW SWEET IT IS THAT BRAINS HAVE ALREADY WON. WE WONDER IF LAURA GOT RICE'S ROOM READY YET AT THE C.RANCH.

meme   November 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

I'm surprised Condi doesn't have as much grey hair as Obama. If anyone knows the dirt in the White House today, she does. Poor thing, how does she sleep at night. She's a tough girl, go Condi, we know you voted for BO... he thanks you.. we thank you.. Now pack you things, sorry new administration coming in... Smooches...

Independent voter   November 17th, 2008 11:08 pm ET

I wish Rice didn't have such a connection to Bush, she'd be a good cabinet member under Obama. She is a strong, intelligent and very driven individual, too bad she is a Bushie.

Anna, ATL   November 17th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

'get over yourselves?':
what are you trying to prove?

Condi will be happier back at STANFORD U.

Bob   November 17th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Hey "Get Over Yourself"...how about you heed your own moniker and do just that.

So you voted for Obama and you're white. Congratulations. So did lots of other white people. And lots of white people voted for McCain NOT because he was white but because they thought him the better candidate. News flash...almost half the people that voted did NOT vote for Obama, and since then (if you've been objectively watching the news) it appears that a good percentage of Republicans didn't bother even voting. That suggests that the country is about 50/50 on their feelings for Obama. This is NOT a mandate.

That said, THIS white university professor who voted for McCain is going to give his support to Obama and hope he does well, since it is WAY past time for us to work together.

Oh, and if Colin Powell had been running, I would have voted for him in a heartbeat. It ain't about color of skin, "Get", it's about perceived capability and freedom of choice.

larry det, mi   November 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

it's not her fault her boss is a dumb azz

Independent in WI   November 17th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

So much hate. The left is so sure they are correct and so arrogant to not believe anything but themselves. Must be so sad to be so full of yourself an yet to think the other side are the ones that are despicable. Ironic and sad at the same time.

I guess in the 21st century you can't trust anyone UNDER 30.

Reality   November 17th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Dumb it down for them C Rice

Tom   November 17th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Condi Rice is a great american . Erika in KS. is clueless

Gaylon Barrow   November 17th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Don't be surprised that Rice is asked to stay on as Sectretary of State. She has the right posture for it.

Gaylon Barrow   November 17th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Obama's team seems to be worried about Bill Clinton's dealings. AFTER all the corruption Obama himself went through. Gimme a break. He could only imagine a relationship with world leaders that Bill Clinton has already long established. Hillary should be President not an idiot.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   November 17th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Her hairdo continues to resemble a Darth Vader helmet.

Can we at least agree on this point?

billy-bayou   November 17th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Very interesting how often CNN chooses not to print anything that may sound derigatory aimed at that thing those poor stupid people elected to the office of president. Well...Their chickenzzzzzzzz will come home to roost!!!!

Rick in L.A.   November 17th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Condi Rice? I seem to remember her as being somewhat relevant at one time. My how time does fly.

Welcome Mr. Obama and true World Savers!

billy-bayou   November 17th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

All those people in the employ of the present administration should be very careful how they depart their meetings with the incoming administration. This may keep them from a knife in the back. These are treacherous people taking over.

David   November 17th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

To Catholic mom for Obama– Have you repented for your Obama vote yet??

MR E   November 17th, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Dont take no lectures / notes or advice from her pleaseeeeee, we have had enuogh from the Bush people. we need change and God has given it to us

Robert Williamson   November 17th, 2008 9:48 pm ET

As Chair and Founder of the Greenhouse Neutral Foundation and Author of http://www.strategicbookpublishing.comZEROGreenhouseEmissions.html I am heartened that President Elect Obama is moving swiftly to intoroduce the change he has offered to the Amercan people on main street. 8 years has been too long.

J.C.   November 17th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

I want to thank Dr. Rice for her honorable service to our country for 8 years. She is a self made leader.

box of rocks   November 17th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

She didnt have the guts Colin Powel had,at least he said he wasnt going to keep lying to the American people.He has my respect and a legacy left in the history books.

caribbean admirer of OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

This LADY is one of the most experienced Secretaries of States the US had in the last decade.
Happens to be a coloured person and I have no doubt that indeed she voted for Barack Obama on the 4th of November.
The results of the Presidential election show that a mayority of Republicans crossed the line and supported the the Godsend and mostlikely she was one of them.

Congratulations Mr. President 2008 – 2016

Griff   November 17th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Black's of America! You hsave to understand, no matter how powerful you may think you are... Africa is a Continent... 1000's of Tribe's...
I Know! Don't tell a Black Man his History... But it is not your History...
Your Roots have disapeared... You Have no Country... So you think you will make America your Country, ajns strill pretend to Be African's..
Your All Hypochrits. That's why you Elected an African... Spiritual Trash.... You live in pergatory... You always will...
While the Real African's... Are Ignored... Arn't you ashamed.. Because you should be... I know more about Africa than Most of you,,,\
I would never have Voted for Borack Obama.. I told you so, a Thousand times... Now live with it... You will all ge the Blame, for every mistake he makes...

Stan   November 17th, 2008 9:24 pm ET

KJL: Why attack Secretary Rice? She did her job well, in a difficult administration.

Yeah, ignoring that "Bin Laden Determined To Attack Within United States" memo sure was a "heckuva job".

Texas Teacher   November 17th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Erika, KS..... I agree completely.... had I read the posts first, I would have thanked you very much! :) But I post before I read.... then I read to see what others have said!

Well, slap my mouth, girl..... you nailed it! *LOL*

Texas Teacher   November 17th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Condi Rice.... a brain.. this is the woman who ignored the warning from the Clinton administration about terrorist threats and Osama bin Laden! Does NO one remember what happened before 9/11, muchless what happened after?

I am appalled at people suggesting that Rice should be considered for AnyThing in the Obama administration! Way too close to Geo. W. Bush.... a woman does not Accidently call her boss "her husband"... especially when she is a single woman! Seriously....

Desert Storm Vet   November 17th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Get over yourselves. I think the question is what would you have done, with 2 blacks to vote for and one being a woman? Wow, just think you could have really made history fisrt black VP and first woman VP. Who cares about the issues, isn't that what is all about let's make history. I heard today that some are saying now that we do not have enough black Senators. When does race stop being an issue? And if it is how many are enough? 13%, 20%? I wonder what Martin Luther King Jr. would say. Vote color not character? I wonder if he would try to coerce people by stating the racist dribble you posted.

Patricia   November 17th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

I would like to have seen her run as Prez. I think she is great

Larry   November 17th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Ms.Rice,

Thank you, and ,good job!You have kept us ALL safe after the attack,I hope who ever replaces you,I can say the same thing too.

Mark, B'ham., Al.   November 17th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

The transition teams are Post Viet Nam democrats so they will pretend they are listening to the Pentagon and State Department as Obama did the Intellegnece reports and then in January come in a push their own left wing agenda as the Clintons did by treating Terrorism as a crime not a war and sell out America to the leftist in the world as Clinton did.

Drill, Baby, Drill   November 17th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

I hope the meeting was to measure her office and see just how soon she can vacate it for Hillary. Or is it Bill that Obama is hiring/vetting!? Whew, this gets confusing!

Palin/Kucinich in '12 !

Texas Trail Kitty   November 17th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

She will cooperate because it is in the best interest of the Republcan party to cooperate. I would hope that although you worked for W you were able to recognize that he was clearly wrong about Iraq, but refused to admit it before we were sent on the fool's errand. Good luck to you Ms. Rice and you may want to change parties.

maurice   November 17th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

anyone that will put this woman down. think twice she is an ocomplished pianist , can speak 7 laguages has a bachlors degree. and has talked to many leaders around the world. in their language. how many posters on here can say the same. the woman is by far smarter than her boss and very lickley more intelligent than obama is.

Dan, San Jose   November 17th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

We've got a new president and will soon have a new cabinet. What's with all the backward looking snarky comments about stupid Bush, WMD's, etc.? Comments about Bush and anyone else in his administration being "stupid" are just cheap laugh lines to get stupid people to laugh. Do you really think that ANY administration fills it's cabinet and administrative posts with stupid people. No. We just don't agree with them and sometimes the disagreement is visceral and deep but that doesn't make them "stupid".

Just remember that Obama won the presidency by just over 50% of the popular vote, maybe 52% if you want more precision. Do you want 48% of the country going off on rants about how stupid Obama is three years from now when policies are put in place that are unpopular with 48% of the voters?

In my view all of you out there that keep making these snarky comments about Bush, Rice, and Cheney being "stupid" are just the 48% that voted against Bush four or eight years ago.

As for more of this tire old talk of WMD's – where were you when Sadam was using poison gas to kill Kurds and Iranians? So we didn't find any. Get over it! Prior to our invasion of Iraq every news venue available was blaring lurid descriptions of Sadam's atrocities and weapons programs. Do you really want me to belive that the neocons just invented all of this and the media, all the media, swallowed the story hook, line, and sinker? Please.

Ms. Rice has done her job as well as Albright, Scrowcroft, Eagleburger, or Baker. She would be a fine addition to Obama's administration.

Reg   November 17th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Erika hit it out the park! She allowed torture, therefore live by the sword
die by the sword!

A mind is a terrible thing to waste! I guess there is something to be said about "affrimitive action"! It doesn't matter what pig-ment when one is pig-headed!

A cohort to war crimes!

PL   November 17th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I think if Rice could hand over the state dept. today she would and take the next flight out of Washington. I think it's safe to say she wasn't calling the shots over at the state dept.

That Other Jerry   November 17th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Erika in KS– Condi Rice's "abbreviated" resume is 4 pages long. You would have to take your IQ and add it to that of your five closest relatives to equal hers. Barack Obama should get down on his knees and kiss her shoes until she agrees to stay on as Secretary of State and clean up the mess in Iraq. But unfortunately she's the most intelligent person in Washington, so on January 21st she's going to high-tail it back to Stanford as fast as her legs can carry her. Maybe if Obama is lucky he can figure out what to do with Bill Clinton, so he can get Hillary to replace Condi.

Kip D. Fisher   November 17th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

I think Obama should keep Rice as Sec. State, she is incredibly strong and intelligent, already has the contacts overseas, and could really make a difference in my opinion. Jeff Brown asks that someone name one thing she has done in the last 8 yrs. Well for 4 yrs she was Nat'l Sec. Advisor which simply advises the Prez on Nat'l Seurity issues, since 04 she has worked for Bush as Sec. State and has had to do what he wants her to do, which has hamstrung her as far as dealing with foreign countries, I think she would be much more effective Sec. State in the Obama administration. Just my opinion though

bill for barack   November 17th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

I'm sure Condi would tell them the truth – if only someone would tell her what the truth is.

Griff   November 17th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

You did not like that CNN. You love to Promote that Killer. But you don't like the truth.. That's how Obama was Elected.. Your Version of the Truth!!!! Now you know how/why I get so negative.............

jarock   November 17th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

i think condi rice is extremely distinguished ,stateswoman-likeand did her best in a tufff admin..
i had hoped she vote for barack....i jus think so

Mike, Syracuse NY   November 17th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

The Bush administration is doing a lot more to ensure a smooth transition than Clinton ever did.

Griff   November 17th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

Well Mr, Idiot Obama... What and How far, are you going to get involved in your Own Country: Somalia? Now they have you, between a "Rock & a Hard-Place". This is all they wanted in East Africa, A Black Muslim in the White House.. East Africa on Fire!!! All Because "So called Black African Americans", Don't know the Fist Thing About Africa... They just pretend to, to get Sympathy from the Rest Of the World... When will Black So Called Slaves (Who don't know the first thing about Slavery)..... Stop all this Crap!!!!!!!!
10,000,s of little Black Children will Die in Africa, Becaus4e of Ignorant "Black American's"............ What are are you going to do Mr Obama... Nini Sasa?????

Dolly,   November 17th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

like a used car salesman

Gene   November 17th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

To Jeff Brown...

I can name you many things that all fall into one catagory.. Condi Rice had to follow up and cleaned up after W. He makes a fool of himself constantly, and she comes in and makes us look like there's some intelligence in the white house. That in itself is enough to legitimize her.

What's she supposed to do? She's abroad meeting with world leaders all the time. That's her job. Are you saying she's never done her job?

Otto   November 17th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

President Bush to President Obama: Man...You are so smooth, the world loves you!

I need a huge favor, can you start early? I'd love to get the hell outa here and quick!

President Obama to President Bush; There can only be one President at a time and even though your times expired; you will remain until January 20th. Get that?

President Bush, maaaannn...I was hoping you would consider letting me off the hook early but you are tougher than you look! Smirk on face…

Gene   November 17th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

By the way Repubs... if you're looking for a star in your party.. stop looking at idiots like Sarah Palin and wanna be conservatives like Mitt Romney. You want someone to run who commands respect... Rice is your girl. She may actually have a shot if Obama doesn't do well of winning a presidential election for the republicans.

Ken   November 17th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

I would hope that Rice would be in support of Hillary Clinton to replace her. Both she and Hillary Clinton are very smart women and can do a great job as the Secretary of State.

Making sure that there is a smooth transfer of the guard is not too much to ask for.

I do hope that Rice would tell the transition team that Hillary Clinton would be the right person to replace her.

Frank   November 17th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

This woman and Colin Powel are both as guilty as Bush for 8 years of disasterous strategies and policies! I hope they all crash and burn for destroying our country!!!!

sunny123   November 17th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Give the gal a break. She had to toe the line with Shrub/Cheney and still be able to look in the mirror. She has done a valiant job. This woman is smart, goodlooking and on top of what is going on. I have no doubt we haven't heard the last of her. At least I hope not. You go, Condi. Good job!

Independent   November 17th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

No one can deny that Condi is one of the smartest people on the planet. Dr. Rice actually started her career in the State Dept. under President Carter. So you can't just say she's a conservative. And she is respected around the world. Just look what the rest of the world thinks of her. They hate Bush but they love Condi. I think Obama is smart enough to recognize talent and intelligence when he sees it. I bet he'll have a place for her just like he does for Colin Powell.

Obama will be a great President that represents the WHOLE country. Not just the idiots on the liberal lunatic fringe like Erika, KS.

As an Independent supporter of Barrack Obama I hope he makes good use of Dr. Rice and her experience.

The Legacy of Obama -   November 17th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

America’s Reputation Restored …

Bush’s “My Way or the Highway … Wanted Dead or Alive … We’re Fighting a Crusade” tone will be replaced by a collaborative, co-operative approach to interfacing with the world. President Obama will be a strong and decisive when implementing policy to protect US interests and will be willing to act alone. However, if he does, the world will respect him for it because he will have given others as much consideration as possible first.

NC=Blue in 2008   November 17th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Condi is so funny - I KNOW she voted for Obama. Every time she talks about him, she gets all giddy!!!!

voter   November 17th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

we don't need Condi to help us with the transition. After the mess she made, we need a new direction. Thanks, but no thanks.

There IS hope for the future>>>   November 17th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

I like Ms. Rice, but, not in the position she's in. She has not done much for the middle east...

Lisa   November 17th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

So if they're vetting Bill Clinton, does that mean that Hillary already has the job? They're just finalizing it with a background check?

Nick Cordisco   November 17th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

although I admire your initiaitive to schedule a meeting with the Obama transition team. I think providing you 30 minutes was offering you too much of their time.

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

To Ms. Rice and all the Bushies: thanks for a smooth transition, of course, this is expected of you. Not great thing.

However, Ms. Rice, you are part of the problem and part of the Bush/Cheney legacy:

OVER $10 TRILLION in National debt

A ONE TRILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT

STILL SPENDING $10 BILLION A MONTH IN IRAQ, A WAR BASED ON LIES.

ETC., ETC. YOU & THE REST OF THE BUSHIES OWE AMERICA AN APOLOGY FOR YOUR FAILURES!

s   November 17th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

I wonder if she voted for Obama ... I know Bush did.

Allan   November 17th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

After the door closed, high fives all around.

You just know she followed all sentient Republicans and voted Obama.

Kathy   November 17th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

BhusseinO is such a liar. He means no good to this country.

Andy   November 17th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

I can only imagine that meeting with anyone in the current administration must be solely a formality – what on earth can Obama et. al. learn from this complete failure to the American people? Nothing.

Janice Illinois   November 17th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Amen Erica C Rice can't wait to see you and George go. If we are ever lucky enough to see him prosecuted I hope you get to go there with him too. No honor among thieves.

Bryan   November 17th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Bye Rice, Hello Hillary

w.l. jones   November 17th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

The boss is always right whether one like it or not. Said enogh.

David   November 17th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

She mostlikely did vote for Obama. She is one of the few Bush staff with a brain still around.

Jeff Brown   November 17th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Name one positive thing that this woman accomplished in her 8 years in the Bush cabinet...ONE!

maynard hopkins wi   November 17th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Rice should be the S.O.S.

KJL   November 17th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Why attack Secretary Rice? She did her job well, in a difficult administration.

Get over yourselves   November 17th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

I just wonder what would have happened if McCain had picked Ms. Rice as his running mate. What would all the racists done? Admit it...you voted for McCain/Palin because it was an all-white ticket. This WHITE, Christian, former Republican, public school teacher RAN to vote early for "THAT ONE."

Mo money   November 17th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I LOVE CONDI RICE....I heard she was single ; )

A Woman In California For Obama   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Why not? Afterall, Ms. Rice most certainly voted for Obama.

Erika, KS   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Memo to Ms. Rice: You work for George W Bush. You worked for his father. You stood before Congress and publicly stated that Bin Laden was not a threat. You told us that Iraq possessed WMD's. YOU, Ms. Rice are part of the problem.

While there is nothing wrong with working with others with whom you disagree, but wolves should not try to disguise themselves as sheep, and expect the public or president-elect to believe it.

Your time is up lady. Go away. We now have to try to re-build from the destruction that you and the entire Bush administration have created.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   November 17th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Barack is so smooth.

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