Meh. Losing an “ambassador” is a big deal since we hadn’t lost one in an attack since 1979. We aren’t talking about losing a few infantrymen who were humping in the bush so the concern and desire to get the “truth” is warranted.
Andy is right; nothing from this hearing changes anyone’s outlook on Hillary unless you are undecided on her. The pro Hillary camp is claiming victory after the hearings, as is the anti-Hillary camp. IMO here are the key things that stand out to me on this issue:
1) Had Clinton handed over the email years ago when initially requested this whole Banghazi thing would have been forgotten by now. This hearing only happened because new info was obtained from the Clinton camp, info previous investigations didn’t have at the time.
2) This Benghazi thing is still notable because Hillary’s main resume’ builder to serve as POTUS is her SOS experience. What happened under her leadership is fair game and a good indication of what to expect from her “leadership” when she becomes POTUS.
3) Over 600 requests for additional security prior to the attack (spread over a long time frame) that were ignored/denied. Brits and Red Cross pulled out of Libya by the time the attack occurred. If you are going to have high ranking officials in a hot zone, give them the support they need or GTFO. Hillary was in a position to make that decision one way or another; she is accountable for anything that happens under her watch.
4) Zero movement of assets once the initial attack was underway. I can secede this point if there was no hope of ever reaching the ambassador, but again see point 3 above.
5) Most damning and really the only “new” thing found out in this hearing: Clinton knew it was a planned terrorist attack (emailed her family and informed the Egyptian gov) but stuck to the “Youtube video” narrative when explaining it to the American people. I say “new” because previously we didn’t have emails that verify this; however anyone with a brain stem knew a Youtube video didn’t incite a riot that overran an “embassy”.
When it’s all said and done I don’t think this will have any implications on the election. Your average person is more concerned with where their next paycheck is coming from rather than what goes on in some shithole in the ME. This whole thing will be spun as a waste of time/money, and it’s pretty hard to argue that. conks can thank McCarthy’s comments for that.
