Powell's Gone, Condi to State?

Colin Powell has resigned as Secretary of State, and the leading candidate to replace him would be Condi Rice from the National Security staff. Condi would be a great choice, a brilliant but tough lady who could carry out the President's diplomatic mission with grace and good humor. I don't know why anyone would want that job, but if someone has to do it, Condi would be good.

Powell is held in great reverence by the media as, in their view, the only "moderate" voice in the administration. Personally, I've never been convinced that he was right for the job. Despite his military background and former job as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he seemed more than a little reluctant to use force when force was clearly needed. Remember, he was not at all convinced that we should have gone to war with Iraq...in 1991. He was probably the ultimate diplomat - lots of talking but not too much action.

If Condi gets the job, she'll be good. Look for a nasty confirmation battle, though, as the Dems try and settle some old scores with her regarding the intelligence from the Iraq war.

UPDATE - Condi gets the nod.