Susan Rice on Trump, impeachment and why Canada shouldn't back down to China

Former U.S. national security adviser Susan Ricebelieves U.S. President Donald Trump's days in office are numbered but she predicts his ouster will be through the ballot box, rather than impeachment.

Rice, who was alsoambassador to the United Nations under Barack Obama, thinks "Democrats are likely to win" the 2020 election, pointing to Trump's track record.

"I think that the American people have seen a lot of Donald Trump now and much of the downside of his leadership, which is rife with dishonesty, rife with self-interest," Rice toldThe National'sAdrienne Arsenault, in an interview promoting her new book,Tough Love.

But despite what appears to be evidence of "very serious abuses of power" on Trump's dealings with Ukraine, she doesn't think Trumpbeing booted from office through impeachment is likely. However, she does think the impeachment inquirycan inform U.S. voters about Trump's conduct as they cast their ballots for president.

"I think it will deepen concerns among the American public," she said.

Ricealso had some warnings for Canada's "tough situation"with China.

Watch:Susan Rice says Canada right to arrest Huawei exec

Susan Rice says Canada right to arrest Huawei exec

5 years ago

Duration 2:29

Former U.S. national security adviser and ambassador to the UN Susan Rice says Canada should not back down to China over Meng Wanzhou's arrest.

On Canada's arrest ofHuawai executiveMeng Wanzhouat the behest of the U.S., Ricesaid it was the right thing to do pointing to extradition agreements between the North American neighbours andadds that "it's not beneficial for Canada to back down" to Beijing.

"I think Canada should stand by its principles and and be very clear, as you have with other important players like Saudi Arabia," Rice said.

"I don't think Canada benefits from caving," she said, acknowledging that there are detained Canadians in China.

"In my experience [with China] if you give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile."

WATCH: The National's interview with Susan Rice, Sunday night on CBC Television and streamed online