Watch John Kerry's Secretary of State Confirmation Hearing online here.
John Kerry's confirmation hearings before the Senate for Secretary of State begin today.
It's likely to be smooth sailing for Kerry, who is himself a senator, and the current chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, before which he will be testifying.
Republicans lambasted President Barack Obama's first choice to succeed Hillary Clinton at the State Department, Susan Rice, saying she was part of a cover-up after the attacks in Benghazi, Libya that left four Americans dead, including the American ambassador, Chris Stevens.
Rice withdrew her name from consideration even before Obama could nominate her. Kerry's name was floated as a replacement and Republicans stumbled over themselves lauding his qualifications.
If they are too harsh on Kerry today, it will seem the utmost hypocrisy, particularly after complaints that Obama has not made any attempts at compromise.
Kerry will present his foreign policy credentials. In 2004, he lost the presidential election to George W. Bush. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran and he joined the Senate in 1985.
"John's entire life has prepared him for this role," said Obama at Kerry's nomination on Dec, 21. "As the son of a Foreign Service officer, he has a deep respect for the men and women of the State Department -- the role they play in advancing our interests and values, the risks that they undertake and the sacrifices that they make along with their families."
Clinton will introduce Kerry in front of the same committee before which she testified yesterday on the Benghazi attacks.