Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Joins CBS News

(Photo: AP)

(TheBlaze/AP) -- Just in time for inauguration coverage, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has joined CBS News as a contributor.

Rice, who served as secretary of state during President George W. Bush's second term, made her debut on "Face the Nation" Sunday and will be included in inauguration coverage on Monday.

CBS News Chairman Jeff Fager and president David Rhodes made the announcement Sunday, saying Rice "will use her insight and vast experience to explore issues facing America at home and abroad."

Rice was the first African-American woman to serve as secretary of state, following Colin Powell in the office. She was Bush's national security adviser during his first term and worked on the National Security Council under his father, President George H.W. Bush.

Rice was also part of the team offering Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney general strategy and advice on foreign policy.

Her primetime speech at the Republican National Convention in August received raves. She did not mention President Barack Obama by name, but spoke of the crisis in education and the need for immigration laws that protect the country's borders while meeting economic needs. She also said that although it may seem that America has carried the burdens of supporting free people everywhere, if the United States does not lead, no one will.

Speaking on "Face the Nation," Bob Schieffer presented his new colleague: "Everybody knows Condoleezza Rice was President Bush’s Secretary of State, but I'm highly pleased to announce she has a new job. As of today, she is joining CBS News as a contributor."

Watch Rice's response and the rest of the interview, below (skip to around 7:00):