Rice Beats Clinton in "Most Powerful" Poll

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is the most powerful woman in the United States, but she falls short of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., with respect to presidential leadership, according to a recent poll.

A Quinnipiac University survey revealed 45 percent of voters think Rice has the most power and influence. Clinton trailed with 29 percent and House of Representatives Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., captured 23 percent.

However, when asked who is the most qualified to serve as commander in chief, Clinton topped the poll with 56 percent. Rice came in second with 50 percent approval. A full 47 percent do not think Pelosi is qualified to lead from the White House.

The poll showed Democrats split with 34 percent for Clinton, 33 percent for Rice and 30 percent for Pelosi. Republicans go with Rice by a large majority over Clinton, 60 to 22 percent, and only 15 percent for Pelosi. Independent voters back Rice at 43 percent, with 29 percent for Clinton and 24 percent for Pelosi.