Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice Do Not Have to Answer for Benghazi

Susan Rice, Hillary Clinton, and David Petraeus all have one thing in common: an intimate knowledge of the events before, and during, the September 11th terror attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya. Perhaps it is a coincidence that each one of these high-level players were able to defer public scrutiny of their respective roles.

U.N Ambassador Susan Rice

Susan Rice withdrew her name as a possible nominee for Secretary of State, ensuring that she will not be subjected to potentially long and arduous (and public) confirmation hearings. Ms. Rice would have no doubt been questioned extensively about her role in the removal of the words "al Qaeda" and "terrorism" from talking points used for her repeated appearances on various news programs.

When former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had her confirmation hearings, CNN reported at the time that she won the nomination "after hours of sometimes-bitter debate." The article reported that "Leading the charge against Rice...were Democratic Sens. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, Robert Byrd of West Virginia and Barbara Boxer of California." Although opposition to Susan Rice has been deemed "racist" and "misogynistic;" the author does not recall opposition to Condoleezza Rice being subject to similar criticism.

Susan Rice and the Obama Administration are most likely not interested in "hours of sometimes-bitter debate," that would most likely poke holes in the already gossamer-thin narrative that has been ineptly spun and full of inconsistencies regarding the terror attack that resulted in the death of Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty, and Tyrone Woods.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Mrs. Clinton sustained an injury which will prevent her from giving her much-anticipated testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding Benghazi. Deputy Secretary William Burns and Deputy Secretary Thomas Nides are scheduled to take her place.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Ms. Clinton "has been recovering from a stomach virus" and "fainted," resulting in a concussion. Her spokesperson "didn't specify on which day Mrs. Clinton sustained her concussion, only saying that it happened 'earlier this week.'"

Her doctors "strongly advised her to cancel all work events for the coming week," which, of course, included testifying about Benghazi. She will continue to work from home, however. Panel chairman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen made it clear that she still expects Clinton to testify. The timing seems more than suspect.

Former CIA Director David Petraeus

It was not too long ago that the powers that be attempted to excuse David Petraeus from testifying. ABC News reported that "the sudden change in the witness list is likely not political." As reported by CNN, "some have even suggested that the timing of Petraeus' stepping down is suspect, given the expected grilling in Congress." Initially, acting director Michael Morell was to take the stand regarding the attack in Benghazi, but after much public pressure, Petraeus did manage to give a closed-door statement, instead of being subjected to public sworn testimony.

Conflicting and inaccurate reports have proven themselves to be abundant. One would think that such pivotal players would be chomping at the bit to set the record straight. Is it really a coincidence that not one of the three top-level officials will be giving sworn public testimony on the terror attack that resulted in the death of four Americans?

Image Source: Toledo Blade

Follow @ReneeNal

Join the Conversation	You are following this conversation | stop following follow this conversation by email