Indeed it will, unless you believe the power of The One is such that he can lay low even the mightiest of nations. Then again, “fine” is a subjective term. If, as Condi surely does, you think the west’s six-year tap dance over Iran’s nuclear program is a “fine” way of addressing the problem, replete as it is with ineffectual UN sanctions and time aplenty for Tehran to work out the kinks on mastering enrichment, then yeah — by that standard, President O will be just fine.

“I don’t need another job in government with anybody,” she said. “Look, I’m a Republican, all right? Sen. McCain is a fine patriot, and … he would be a great president. But there’s something to be said for fresh blood. And I know that there are a lot of very good people who could be his vice president.”

During the interview in a regal room at the State Department appointed with chandeliers, rich carpets and cases of porcelain, Rice was asked: “Would you feel safe with a President Obama?”

“Oh, the United States will be fine,” she responded. “I think that we are having an important debate about how we keep the country safe. I think we are having an important debate about our responsibilities, our obligations, our interests in the Middle East in the wake of the now increasing evidence of success in Iraq. Those are important judgments for the American people to make.”

Hmmm.