While she [Condoleeza Rice] never seemed an ideological Republican prior to her time with Bush Sr, upon her return to Stanford, many of her friends - who, interestingly, are in the main far more leftwing than she is - detected a hardening in her approach to issues such the affirmative action that had greatly assisted her own rise. She was also extremely autocratic. She was intelligent; she was always right. She believed deeply that she was God’s instrument, guided by His will. Despite her inexperience as a manager, she felt that compromise and coalition-building were an unnecessary waste of time. She could be ruthless. She accomplished much, was also feared - and, of course, she was exceptional. (Read More)

Referral from Princess Sparkle Pony blog