Obama gives rival Clinton top job

President-elect Barack Obama has given his old rival, Hillary Clinton, an important job in his new government.

Mrs Clinton was a big obstacle in Mr Obama's battle to become the next president of America.

The pair ran against each other to be picked to stand in the election as the candidate for the Democratic party.

But when he announced that Mrs Clinton would be his new secretary of state, Mr Obama said he had "complete confidence" in his old opponent.

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As secretary of state, Mrs Clinton will look after America's relationships with other countries.

Mrs Clinton will take over from the Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice

Speaking at a news conference in Chicago, Mr Obama said: "She's an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence, who knows many of the world's leaders."

Mrs Clinton said she would give the job "her all".

"The American people have demanded not just a new direction at home, but a new effort to renew America's standing in the world as a force for positive change," she said.