Rice: ‘proud’ of Obama’s victory

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced Wednesday that the Department of State “will do everything we can” to ensure a smooth transition to President-elect Barack Obama.

While noting that Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain was “gracious” in his defeat, Rice said, “On a personal note, as an African-American, I am especially proud because this is a country that’s been through long journey in overcoming wounds, and making race not the factor in our lives.

“That work is not done, but yesterday was obviously an extraordinary step forward.”