THE FIGHTER STILL REMAINS. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmed Condoleeza Rice's nomination for Secretary of State and sent it to the full Senate. If confirmed, as she will be, she will be the first Black woman to serve in that position. I have a feeling that, by the time she is done, the phrase "First Black Woman To" will be practically affixed to her name.

John Kerry voted no. At first they would not let him vote. He had not been there in so long they did not recognize him (or wouldn't admit it). But, after he told them he voted for her before he voted against her, they believed him and let him in, after not letting him in.

Barbara Boxer voted no also. It is just that no one cared.