Hillary Clinton Praises Susan Rice

United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, a possible successor to Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, got some words of support from Clinton Wednesday.

"Susan Rice has done a great job as our ambassador to the United Nations," Clinton told reporters at the State Department. "Of course, this decision about my successor is up to the president, but I am very happy he has the opportunity with a second term to make a decision."

President Barack Obama also defended Rice from Republican criticism, calling her "extraordinary."

Rice had a series of difficult meetings on the Hill with Republicans this week. A trio of senators -- John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) said she hadn't addressed their concerns about her explanations of the September attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also said she "continued to be troubled" and wanted further information about Rice's role.

Rice reportedly said she had been given incorrect information about the attacks, but hadn't deliberately made misleading remarks.