ABC NEWS IS REPORTING that Condi Rice will replace Colin Powell as Secretary of State.

I think she’s a good choice, notwithstanding the bipartisan appeal of the Lieberman idea (which was probably a nonstarter anyway, as I don’t think the Dems want to lose any Senators). I wonder if she’s being groomed for a Presidential or Vice-Presidential slot in 2008?

Upside: She’s up to speed on the issues. Downside: She’s been working awfully hard for the past 4 years. She’s probably tired. But hey, when Cheney steps down, she can be moved to the Vice Presidency and get a little rest. . . .

UPDATE: Brian Crouch emails:

The media is overlooking something. Not only is Rice the first female black Secretary of State, she’s the first black person to replace another black cabinet official of any gender.

And do I need to mention this is the first administration to have two black Secretaries of State?

Thank God for the GOP’s affirmative action stance. Namely, “may the best person win.“

I think she’s a good choice. I also think she should take a week or two at the beach.

ANOTHER UPDATE: In response to Brian Crouch’s email, Bill Hobbs writes: “Actually, it is an indicator of great progress on America’s racial front that such things are not overly hyped by the press.”

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: The more cynical Rand Simberg emails:

Actually, the fact that it’s not being hyped (overly or otherwise) by the press is an indicator not of progress on America’s racial front, but an indictator that she was appointed by a Republican (you know, the Party of Lincoln), rather than by a Democrat.

So cynical, that Rand.

MORE: Reader Edward Christie notes the rather fractured English of the caption accompanying Rice’s photo in the ABC story: “National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice as they listen to President George W. Bush speaks in the Oval Office in Washington. (Jason Reed/Reuters)”

Are they outsourcing this stuff to some place where English isn’t the native language?

STILL MORE: Condi vs. Hillary, 2008? Fun to contemplate, anyway.

MORE STILL: LaShawn Barber is pleased.