Challenges in the Life of Condoleezza Rice in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Condoleezza Rice faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Condoleezza Rice is a prominent American diplomat and political scientist. She served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009 and the 19th U.S. National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005. Currently, she directs Stanford University's Hoover Institution. As a Republican, Rice holds the distinction of being the first female African-American Secretary of State and the first woman to be National Security Advisor. Before Barack Obama's presidency, she and Colin Powell were the highest-ranking African Americans in the U.S. executive branch. At the time of her appointment, she was also the highest-ranking woman in the presidential line of succession.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1952: Jim Crow Alabama

In 1952, in Jim Crow Alabama, Condoleezza Rice's father was unable to register to vote as a Democrat, which contributed to his joining the Republican party.

September 15, 1963: Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing

On September 15, 1963, Rice's schoolmate Denise McNair was murdered in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church by white supremacists.

1963: Heard 16th Street Baptist Church bombing

In 1963, Rice recalled hearing and feeling the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham where her friend was killed. The crime failed to crush the hopes of young lives.

August 6, 2001: Characterized PDB as Historical Information

On August 6, 2001, Condoleezza Rice characterized the President's Daily Brief, "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US," as historical information, indicating it was based on old reporting.

July 17, 2002: Rice met with CIA director George Tenet

On July 17, 2002, Rice met with CIA director George Tenet to personally convey the Bush administration's approval of the proposed waterboarding of alleged Al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah.

2003: Briefed on Enhanced Interrogation Techniques

In 2003, Condoleezza Rice, along with Vice President Dick Cheney and Attorney General John Ashcroft, met with the CIA and were briefed on the use of waterboarding and other methods including week-long sleep deprivation, forced nudity, and the use of stress positions. The Bush administration officials "reaffirmed that the CIA program was lawful and reflected administration policy".

March 2004: Declined to Testify Before 9/11 Commission

In March 2004, Condoleezza Rice initially declined to testify before the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission), with the White House claiming executive privilege. However, under pressure, Bush agreed to allow her to testify.

May 2004: Iraq Stabilization Council became nonexistent

By May 2004, The Washington Post reported that the Iraq Stabilization Group, which Condoleezza Rice had been named to run, had become virtually nonexistent.

January 26, 2005: Confirmed as Secretary of State

On January 26, 2005, the Senate confirmed Condoleezza Rice's nomination as Secretary of State by a vote of 85–13. The negative votes were the most cast against any nomination for Secretary of State since 1825, stemming from Senators who wanted to hold Dr. Rice and the Bush administration accountable for failures in Iraq and in the war on terrorism.

August 2005: Ratings Decreased Following Hurricane Katrina

In August 2005, Condoleezza Rice's ratings decreased following a heated confirmation battle as Secretary of State and after Hurricane Katrina.

September 14, 2005: Rice Dismisses Criticisms

On September 14, 2005, Condoleezza Rice dismissed criticisms, stating she doesn't need to be told how to be black.

2006: Rice asserted she did not recall the July 2001 meeting

In 2006, when asked about the July 2001 meeting, Rice asserted she did not recall the specific meeting, commenting that she had met repeatedly with Tenet that summer about terrorist threats. Moreover, she stated that it was "incomprehensible" to her that she had ignored terrorist threats two months before the September 11 attacks.

April 2007: Rejected House Subpoena

In April 2007, Condoleezza Rice rejected a House subpoena, citing executive privilege, regarding the prewar claim that Iraq sought yellowcake uranium from Niger.

April 2009: Stated she did not authorize torture

In April 2009, Condoleezza Rice stated that she did not authorize the CIA to use torture, but rather conveyed the administration's authorization, subject to the Justice Department's clearance, while at Stanford University.

2015: Called for Investigation by Human Rights Watch

In 2015, Human Rights Watch called for the investigation of Condoleezza Rice for conspiracy to torture as well as other crimes, citing her role in authorizing the use of so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques".