Triumphs and failures of a national security adviser Former U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice writes candidly in her book, "Tough Love" about her time with the Obama administration and her life in Maine. Author: Amanda Hill (NEWS CENTER Maine) Published: 10:55 AM CST November 5, 2019 Updated: 2:22 PM CST December 11, 2020 PORTLAND, Maine — Susan Rice served on President Barack Obama's Cabinet as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and as a national security adviser. Through those four years, she worked with the President, strengthening relationships with foreign countries. Those are the times Rice is proud of during her term, but there were also shrouds of controversy, and times she didn't agree with the President.