[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 47 (Monday, November 22, 2004)]
[Pages 2830-2831]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Nomination of Condoleezza Rice To Be Secretary of State 
and the Appointment of Stephen J. Hadley As National Security Adviser

November 16, 2004

    The President. Good afternoon. I'm pleased to announce my nomination 
of Dr. Condoleezza Rice to be America's Secretary of State. Condi Rice 
is already known to all Americans and to much of the world.
    During the last 4 years, I've relied on her counsel, benefited from 
her great experience, and appreciated her sound and steady judgment. And 
now I'm honored that she has agreed to serve in my Cabinet. The 
Secretary of State is America's face to the world. And in Dr. Rice, the 
world will see the strength, the grace, and the decency of our country.
    Both Condi and I have been proud to serve with our friend Secretary 
of State Colin Powell. He has been one of the most effective and admired 
diplomats in America's history. Secretary Powell has helped to rally the 
world in a global war. He's helped to resolve dangerous regional 
conflicts. He's helped to confront the desperate challenges of hunger, 
poverty, and disease. He has been tireless and selfless and principled, 
and our entire Nation is grateful for his lifetime of service.
    I'm also grateful that Steve Hadley has agreed to become my new 
National Security Adviser. Steve served Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Bush 
before me, and he has done a superb job as Dr. Rice's deputy during 
these past 4 years. Steve is a man of wisdom and good judgment. He has 
earned my trust, and I look forward to his continued vital service on my 
national security team.
    When confirmed by the Senate, Condoleezza Rice will take office at a 
critical time for our country. We're a nation at war. We're leading a 
large coalition against a determined enemy. We're putting in place new 
structures and institutions to confront outlaw regimes, to oppose 
proliferation of dangerous weapons and materials, and to break up terror 
networks.
    The United States has undertaken a great calling of history to aid 
the forces of reform and freedom in the broader Middle East so that that 
region can grow in hope instead of growing in anger. We're pursuing a 
positive new direction to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, an approach 
that honors the peaceful aspirations of the Palestinian people through a 
democratic state and an approach that will ensure the security of our 
good friend Israel.
    Meeting all of these objectives will require wise and skillful 
leadership at the Department of State, and Condi Rice is the right 
person for that challenge. She's a recognized expert in international 
affairs, a distinguished teacher and academic leader, and a public 
servant with years of White House experience. She displays a commitment 
to excellence in every aspect of her life, from shaping our strategy in 
the war on terror to coordinating national security policy across the 
Government to performing classical music on stage. Above all, Dr. Rice 
has a deep, abiding belief in the value and power of liberty, because 
she has seen freedom denied and freedom reborn.
    As a girl in the segregated South, Dr. Rice saw the promise of 
America violated by racial discrimination and by the violence that comes 
from hate. But she was taught by her mother, Angelena, and her father, 
the Reverend John Rice, that human dignity is the gift of God and that 
the ideals of America

[[Page 2831]]

would overcome oppression. That early wisdom has guided her through 
life, and that truth has guided our Nation to a better day.
    I know that the Reverend and Mrs. Rice would be filled with pride to 
see the daughter they raised in Birmingham, Alabama, chosen for the 
office first held by Thomas Jefferson. Something tells me, however, they 
would not be surprised. [Laughter]
    As many of you know, Condi's true ambition is beyond my power to 
grant. [Laughter] She would really like to be the commissioner of the 
National Football League. I'm glad she's put those plans on hold once 
again. The Nation needs her. I urge the Senate to promptly confirm 
Condoleezza Rice as America's 66th Secretary of State.
    Congratulations.

[At this point, Secretary-designate Rice made brief remarks.]

    The President. Good job. Thank you all.

Note: The President spoke at 12:33 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the 
White House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary-designate Rice.