Ambassador to the United Nations: Susan Rice

Pundits believe that Obama will work more closely with the UN than George Bush ever did, making this a key appointment. Rice, a 44-year-old African American, was the Oxford University alumna who became the youngest ever assistant secretary of state under Bill Clinton and has since made a name for herself with her vocal support of intervention in the Sudanese conflict. To the Clinton camp's dissatisfaction, Rice supported Obama through the election primaries but will now have to work closely with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The New York Times has said "she has a reputation for being blunt-spoken, but also for being a politically connected fast-riser". Rice is another talented basketball player.

FIRST POSTED JANUARY 6, 2009