“…What difference at this point does it make?,” … “I take full responsibility… “ ~~ Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, quoted from Benghazi hearings on Capital Hill, January 23, 2013
In between smiles, sighs, chuckles, and even touching her nose, to proverbial self patting herself on her back and combative inconsistencies, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded fiercely to intense questioning on the September 11th attack in Benghazi that killed 4 Americans including Libya Ambassador Stevens during the 5 hours of Benghazi hearings earlier today at Capital Hill.
There were two separate hearings today – one from the House and the other from the Senate. Clinton was criticized repeatedly at the Benghazi hearings today in Capital for not being interviewed by the Accountability Review Board (ARB).
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Florida said that she thinks that’s “outrageous” why Clinton wasn’t interviewed. Clinton responded “I was not asked to speak.”
Among other criticisms of Clinton were that her “answers were not straight” and “facts not straight,” from Senator John McCain to Senator Rand Paul finding it inexcusable that she “did not read the cables from Ambassador Stevens from Benghazi," sent weeks before the attack emphatically asking for more security, as well as many other communications.
Additionally, the fact that the four security consultants who did not take appropriate action did not get fired but instead got suspended and are still on salary was very concerning to many.
Heavy criticism involved the manner in which U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice repeatedly said the attack was due to an "American anti-Islam video," essentially hiding the fact that the attack was terror related when it was known early on.
Worth mentioning is that the American video producer is still in jail. Clinton responded saying “I did not say it was from a video,” yet at the ceremony for the 4 killed individuals she mentioned that an “American anti-Islam video caused the attacks" which ultimately lead to the deaths.
Clinton accepted responsibility but also admitted that those responsible for the attacks have not been captured.
Clinton was scheduled to testify in December, but suffered a concussion from a fall at her home while recovering from a stomach bug and needed treatment for a blood clot near her brain.
There were many unanswered questions and “cop-out” responses ranging from Clinton saying to the likes of “what difference at this point does it make?,” “I take full responsibility,” and answering her reason for not answering questions because going on Sunday talk shows is “not her favorite thing to do,” to even blaming a lack of funding, “budget shortfalls,” for the inadequate security.
Written follow-up to many questions were requested and Clinton agreed to doing so.
Before members asked questions, they wasted a lot of time praising and “thanking her,” for doing her job and others extending their thank you by complimenting Clinton for her "great public service and accomplishments and for being a role model to women and girls.”
What do you think? Should Congress stop wasting time flattering Clinton and get right to the question regarding the terrorist attack and stop the rhetorical praise?
Additional resources:
- Clinton takes on critics over Benghazi at tense Hill hearings, Fox News
- Clinton faces continued criticism in afternoon Benghazi hearing, Yahoo Blog
- Rand Paul Grills Clinton at Benghazi Hearing: ‘Had I Been President…I Would Have Relieved You of Your Post’ The Blaze
- Hillary Clinton Faces Capitol Hill Grilling Over Benghazi Attack, The Daily Beast
- Hillary Clinton Versus the Benghazi Talking Points, Slate Magazine
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