“In Libya, three women saved the day: Obama’s adviser, Samantha Power; his secretary of state, Hilary Clinton; and his ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice,” Lévy said.

Rice’s support for putting international pressure on Gaddafi had an influential role in his eventual step down from power. She offered some of the toughest rhetoric towards Gaddafi, calling his actions “frankly, delusional.” Rice supported the freezing of Libyan government assets and military aid to the country, ad also voted in support of a Libyan no-fly zone.

Rice’s influence on the situation in Libya, has contributed to putting her on track as a potential nominee for secretary of state. 

“Rice is qualified to serve as Secretary of State because of her record and experience,” said Wayne Sandholtz, Professor of International Relations at University of Southern California. 

However, others have seemingly forgotten her efforts. For many, the positive impact she made has been overshadowed by her role as spokeswoman after the attack on Ambassador Christopher Stevens in Benghazi.  

Last month, Senator John McCain stated that Rice was "not qualified" to replace Clinton as Secretary of State. However, McCain seemed to have based his opinion not on her previous successes and role in Libya, but on the statements she made after the Sept. 11 attack in Benghazi. 

The criticism that Rice has received for delivering false information after the attack has affected support for her potential nomination for secretary of state. 

Yet, Professor of International Relations at University of Southern California, Robert English said that any anger towards Rice for the delivery of false information after the attack is misdirected. 

“She was just a spokesman,” English said. “She was saying what she was told to say and just being a good solider. If people are mad they should be mad at Obama and Hilary and the directors of the CIA for making those decisions.” 

This misdirected anger has tainted the positive image Rice garnered after  her influence on the take down of Gaddafi. According to English, Rice played a significant role in a situation that proved to be a notable success for the Obama administration.

According to Sandholtz, most opposition to Rice and her potential nomination for secretary of state has been politically motivated. 

“It has proved to be a way to slow down the Obama administration,” he said. “It is also interesting that Senator McCain is one of her main opponents and he may be a little vindictive because in the past Rice has been critical of McCain.”

Despite criticism from the GOP camp, Obama has consistently defended Rice and she remains one of Obama’s top choices to succeed Hilary Clinton. 

In an interview with Bloomberg TV Obama was asked if he would look “weak” by not appointing Rice after attacks from Congressional Republicans over her response to the Sept. 11 attack in Benghazi. 

"No," Obama replied. "I don't really spend a lot of time on what folks say on cable news programs attacking highly-qualified personnel like Susan Rice. I'm going to make a decision about who is going to be the best secretary of State given we've got a changing world."

Reach Staff Reporter Emily Goldberg here.