United States Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, is a leading candidate to become the next Secretary of State. (Creative Commons/ DonkeyHotey)

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Susan Rice, is the leading candidate to become the next Secretary of State, though Republicans have said that they will attempt to block her confirmation.

"It is quite likely that she will become secretary of state," said Dr. Stephen Long, professor of political science at the University of Richmond. "Graham and McCain's responses were most likely political posturing that comes at an uncertain time after election," said Long.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, along with many other congressional Republicans including Sens. Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte, have been among those claiming they will block Rice's nomination, should President Obama nominate her.

However, Rice's chances of becoming Secretary of State may now be better after McCain said on Sunday that he would be willing to listen to an explanation of her account.

"I'd give everyone the benefit of explaining their position and the actions that they took," McCain told Fox News. "I'd be glad to have the opportunity to discuss these issues with her."

This softening of tone comes after McCain calling Rice "unqualified" to replace current Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Rice has faced harsh criticism from Republicans since her comments about the attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya. Following the Sept. 11th attacks on the consulate in Benghazi that resulted in the death of four Americans, Rice appeared on Sunday news talk shows and attributed the motive of the attacks to a protest over an anti-Muslim video posted on YouTube. Later, it was revealed that evidence suggesting an Al Qaeda or Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist attack had been kept from the talking points Rice had used in her television appearances.

"Rice's comments on Libya came during an extremely uncertain time. She, as ambassador to the UN, doesn't have access to information that she could share with public that doesn't come from the official chain of the intelligence community," Long explained.

These talk show appearances have caused some to question her credibility. Still, Rice remains a qualified candidate.

Ambassador Rice has served in Obama's cabinet since her appointment. Rice has also held positions in Obama's campaign. She was Senior Advisor for National Security Affairs on the Obama for America Campaign and served on the Advisory Board of the Obama-Biden Transition.

Rice previously served the Clinton administration as a member of the National Security Council, Director for International Organizations and Peacekeeping and Senior Director for African Affairs.

Rice is among the youngest to represent the United States at the United Nations and is the first African American woman to do so.

In her role as ambassador, Rice has helped obtain stricter sanctions against Iran and North Korea, worked to prevent nuclear proliferation and also assisted in UN business with Iraq and Afghanistan.

Her academic record is also impressive. Rice graduated with honors in History from Stanford University. She went on to earn her Master's degree and Ph.D in International Relations from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.

"Rice is extremely well qualified and extremely well liked not only among Democrats," Long said. "She has the fundamental skill set required to be secretary of state. It is not unusual for people who have been ambassador to the UN to take on a post like this."

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry is another option for the position, though Rice is considered the frontrunner.

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Olivas here.