WASHINGTON: Despite being two months away from his inauguration and cabinet selections, President Obama nominated Rice to succeed Hillary Clinton as the US Secretary of State earlier today.

Speaking in a televised appearance from the White House, Obama said that he wanted to eliminate any distractions from the ongoing budget talks and that, after careful consideration and deliberation with Clinton and VP Biden, he felt that Rice was best suited for the position.

In addition, Rice fully represents and embraces the so-called "Asia pivot" that Washington is making under the Obama administration. Originally domesticated and cultivated in the Pearl Valley of China, rice has been growing in that region of the world for 15,000 years and knows the local culture and language well. 

The off-white grain has spent time in multiple positions within the US Department of Agriculture and was even the country's Ambassador to East Timor for one term. 

Speaking directly after Obama, she said, "I am ready to bring an increased US presence to Asia and strengthen alliances with countries all over the world."

Other prominent politicians also expressed confidence in the 23-mg grain. Said one Democratic Senator, "She may be America's smallest diplomat, but she's ready to become America's greatest diplomat."