What a nasty column attacking Hillary. I wonder if you could have endured 11 hours of attacks and remained calm, resolute and able to answer questions with knowledge and intelligence.
I respect Hillary, she is not perfect, she is after all a human being but after seeing what is out there, she has my vote.
I respect Hillary, she is not perfect, she is after all a human being but after seeing what is out there, she has my vote.
170
If, as it turns out Benghazi was so dangerous as Ambassador Stevens reportedly stated, why did he choose to go there on 911? He erred and it cost him his life but Ms. Dowd should not miss this opportunity to blame a victim.
63
Feeling better now, Maureen? Good...I'm glad you got it out of your system. Until the next time.
That's the nice thing about Monday morning quarterbacking - we already know how Sunday's game turned out. It's certainly much easier to make judgement calls - or simply judge others - after the fact, using our 20-20 hindsight.
Having never been a part of the State Department, I won't pretend to know what the protocol is regarding requests, whether for security or for anything else. However, one thing I do know is that Libya was and is a dangerous place, and if I know that, Chris Stevens, the Libyan expert, certainly knew that. Perhaps he should have requested a ticket home until things stabilized. I certainly don't think I'd wait until the 601 request to decide, "To hell with this, I'm outta here." After all, there was always that 24-hour number.
But putting part of the responsibility on him, or on the security professionals within the State Department, wouldn't have fit with your narrative, now would it? Given your enmity of Ms. Clinton - hardly a secret - how convenient it is to construct a more effective game plan after the fact; one that puts the responsibility for the safety of those 70,000 workers who were in Clinton's employ totally on her. That way, she was clearly out of bounds in not ordering more security after reading requests she never received; we don't even need instant replay or a ruling on the field to know that.
That's the nice thing about Monday morning quarterbacking - we already know how Sunday's game turned out. It's certainly much easier to make judgement calls - or simply judge others - after the fact, using our 20-20 hindsight.
Having never been a part of the State Department, I won't pretend to know what the protocol is regarding requests, whether for security or for anything else. However, one thing I do know is that Libya was and is a dangerous place, and if I know that, Chris Stevens, the Libyan expert, certainly knew that. Perhaps he should have requested a ticket home until things stabilized. I certainly don't think I'd wait until the 601 request to decide, "To hell with this, I'm outta here." After all, there was always that 24-hour number.
But putting part of the responsibility on him, or on the security professionals within the State Department, wouldn't have fit with your narrative, now would it? Given your enmity of Ms. Clinton - hardly a secret - how convenient it is to construct a more effective game plan after the fact; one that puts the responsibility for the safety of those 70,000 workers who were in Clinton's employ totally on her. That way, she was clearly out of bounds in not ordering more security after reading requests she never received; we don't even need instant replay or a ruling on the field to know that.
104
Maureen
One last comment. Why are Democrats avoiding the email scandal like the plague? Benghazi is one thing and she dodged a bullet but the FBI are not Democratic members of the committee who spent most of their time trying to discredit the committee. That's was expected my everyone. But where is that loud mouthed Cummings, et on this?
2 independent inspector generals felt there was enough evidence to warrant the FBI to investigate and they agreed.
Democrats can't claim a witch hunt nor can they play the gender card. On this one she stands alone and there will be no committee hearing. She could prepare because she knew what to expect. Any while she sat there with her hand supporting her cheek as if she was bored to death, her character about the email scandal has been anything but confident. She's been all over the map and my question is to Democrats, why aren't you bragging about her mocking the investigation one day and then crying on cue (due to polling) a few days later. Which is it? Where is the cackling laugh and arrogant comments?
If she is the most transparent person in history why did she have to be sued via FOI lawsuits to turn information over? If she had nothing to hide why scrub the server? Now we learn there were at least 3 more? And isn't it interesting that one is complaining about the time frame. It only hurts Hillary the longer it goes and the closer to the election. How many more "emotions" will we get to see? Sullen? Hyper? Can't wait to find out
One last comment. Why are Democrats avoiding the email scandal like the plague? Benghazi is one thing and she dodged a bullet but the FBI are not Democratic members of the committee who spent most of their time trying to discredit the committee. That's was expected my everyone. But where is that loud mouthed Cummings, et on this?
2 independent inspector generals felt there was enough evidence to warrant the FBI to investigate and they agreed.
Democrats can't claim a witch hunt nor can they play the gender card. On this one she stands alone and there will be no committee hearing. She could prepare because she knew what to expect. Any while she sat there with her hand supporting her cheek as if she was bored to death, her character about the email scandal has been anything but confident. She's been all over the map and my question is to Democrats, why aren't you bragging about her mocking the investigation one day and then crying on cue (due to polling) a few days later. Which is it? Where is the cackling laugh and arrogant comments?
If she is the most transparent person in history why did she have to be sued via FOI lawsuits to turn information over? If she had nothing to hide why scrub the server? Now we learn there were at least 3 more? And isn't it interesting that one is complaining about the time frame. It only hurts Hillary the longer it goes and the closer to the election. How many more "emotions" will we get to see? Sullen? Hyper? Can't wait to find out
19
No new facts came out of this hearing?
600 (!) requests were made for improved security
despite the failure of these requests to have been addressed - or, as Hillary claims - forwarded up the DOS chain of command to her attention, no change in internal procedures or protocol was made and only reprimands were given to staff
she never spoke with her 'dear friend' Stevens once the operation she initiated began there
she identified the attack as a terrorist attack from the beginning - as emails to her daughter now reveal - but lied to the press and the public without a blink
Additionally: emails brought up by Republicans reveal she relied on Blumenthal instead of Stevens for intel on Libya - and Blumenthal has financial interest there. And there were other new facts specific to the time line of communication and activity re: Benghazi that did not support what Clinton has said
Clinton was an administrator who did not administrate. She talks about an outdated computer network in DOS as why she used personal servers but never instituted action nor funding for improvement. She whines about lack of funding for embassy security but never requested increased funding for it. Her superscilious demeanor indicates these things were the responsitbility of underlings for which she should not seriously be held accountable.
Queen Hillary says 'let them eat cake!'. And voters want to give her the WH ?
600 (!) requests were made for improved security
despite the failure of these requests to have been addressed - or, as Hillary claims - forwarded up the DOS chain of command to her attention, no change in internal procedures or protocol was made and only reprimands were given to staff
she never spoke with her 'dear friend' Stevens once the operation she initiated began there
she identified the attack as a terrorist attack from the beginning - as emails to her daughter now reveal - but lied to the press and the public without a blink
Additionally: emails brought up by Republicans reveal she relied on Blumenthal instead of Stevens for intel on Libya - and Blumenthal has financial interest there. And there were other new facts specific to the time line of communication and activity re: Benghazi that did not support what Clinton has said
Clinton was an administrator who did not administrate. She talks about an outdated computer network in DOS as why she used personal servers but never instituted action nor funding for improvement. She whines about lack of funding for embassy security but never requested increased funding for it. Her superscilious demeanor indicates these things were the responsitbility of underlings for which she should not seriously be held accountable.
Queen Hillary says 'let them eat cake!'. And voters want to give her the WH ?
26
Maureen Dowd is right on regarding HC. Four Americans died on HC 's watch due to a extremely inept security. She and others Lied to us regarding the cause as was pointed out. Dowd knows the real HC and her lack of accomplishments as well as the ability of Clinton's untrustworthiness.
22
And how do the conservatives think Hillary did during her 11 hours of testimony? Did they think their old white men looked appalling during their questioning and badgering -- or did they find something in all this drama that speaks to them? That might be a more interesting analysis, rather than the usual Hillary-bashing from Ms Dowd.
74
Over the summer a political survey went out to the American people. These survey recipients were asked to use one word to describe each candidate. The word most frequently ascribed to Hillary Clinton was 'LIAR'. Her testimony before the Benghazi committee proved that word was an apt description.
The fact Obama, Rice and Hillary all lied to the American people and the families of the 4 dead Americans should come as no surprise. Democrats will do whatever it takes to obtain or retain power. Obamacare is built on a giant stack of lies, but liberals just don't care as long as the box next to an agenda item gets ticked. Liberals will vote for Hillary, not because she has a uniting vision for this country, but rather based on the fact she's a woman. How ignorant and immature!
The fact Obama, Rice and Hillary all lied to the American people and the families of the 4 dead Americans should come as no surprise. Democrats will do whatever it takes to obtain or retain power. Obamacare is built on a giant stack of lies, but liberals just don't care as long as the box next to an agenda item gets ticked. Liberals will vote for Hillary, not because she has a uniting vision for this country, but rather based on the fact she's a woman. How ignorant and immature!
12
Why put all the blame on Hillary. Since the end of WWII America has a long history of underestimating the seriousness of what is going on in the world as well as our ability to handle or manage it. We get it wrong more often than we get it right. We seem to operate from a premise that we are the best place in the world and that our values, ideals and democracy is what everyone wants. It makes us blind to facts and accurate assessments.
Benghazi is just another example of US misreading of a world situation.
Benghazi is just another example of US misreading of a world situation.
36
Hillary Clinton, the vapid, impotent conspiracy.
6
Interestingly enough Ms. Dowd did a better job criticizing Hillary's actions than did the committee. The problem the committee had was that most of Hillary's mistakes were because she mostly followed the Conservative line. This hamstrung the committee because they couldn't criticize her for doing what they advocate.
20
I am an independent, registered in Florida, and so not automatically inclined to either love or hate Hillary. Like many, I remember those days, both during and after, the 911 chaos. I also remember that, at the time, Hillary Clinton was a Senator from New York, which includes those same towers that came crumbling down.
And so when Bush launched his ill-fated campaign into Iraq on the strength of false intelligence, I am sure that it would be hard for anybody representing New York at that time not to side with Bush. The pressure at that time was overwhelmingly patriotic; either you side with us, or somehow you are not a patriot. Bush and Cheney had used the American people's own goodwill against us in a cynical ploy to gin up a useless war.
Obama was from Chicago. Had he been from New York, things might have turned out much differently. I do not fault Hillary for that vote. In hindsight, it was a mistake, but given the context of the times it was a vote that many would make again.
And so when Bush launched his ill-fated campaign into Iraq on the strength of false intelligence, I am sure that it would be hard for anybody representing New York at that time not to side with Bush. The pressure at that time was overwhelmingly patriotic; either you side with us, or somehow you are not a patriot. Bush and Cheney had used the American people's own goodwill against us in a cynical ploy to gin up a useless war.
Obama was from Chicago. Had he been from New York, things might have turned out much differently. I do not fault Hillary for that vote. In hindsight, it was a mistake, but given the context of the times it was a vote that many would make again.
64
The investigations of Hillary Clinton are like a 2 part play. Part one was Benghazi and Democrats are puffing their chests. Hillary did well. I won't rehash the inconsistencies in her emails to her daughter and the Egyptian PM and what she said at Andrews. I also won't go on about why she went home when her people were under attack. That's inexcusable. She managed to be in that staged because about bin Laden. What was so important she hung them out to dry. I would really like to know who these security professionals she referred to who still are under her authority. Didn't she ultimately have to sign off? I would like to know why security was not increased after numerous attacks.
I'd like to know why the remained after the Red Cross pulled out and the British as well Hillary insisted we stay. Why did they stay when they had 10 terrorist camps in Benghazi and they had several attacks.
I'd like to know why she knowingly lied when she told Sean Smith's mother and Tyrone Woods father they would get the filmmaker who was responsible and prosecute him
My question is this. How will she control the narrative of the FBI investigation? She can't as evidenced by her many attempts to reframe it. What day she is mocking it and then she and Bill were both asking voters to ignore the email controversy and concentrate on the campaign. But what voters do doesn't matter. They don't determine the outcome of the investigation, the FBI does. Why aren't liberals preening about this?
I'd like to know why the remained after the Red Cross pulled out and the British as well Hillary insisted we stay. Why did they stay when they had 10 terrorist camps in Benghazi and they had several attacks.
I'd like to know why she knowingly lied when she told Sean Smith's mother and Tyrone Woods father they would get the filmmaker who was responsible and prosecute him
My question is this. How will she control the narrative of the FBI investigation? She can't as evidenced by her many attempts to reframe it. What day she is mocking it and then she and Bill were both asking voters to ignore the email controversy and concentrate on the campaign. But what voters do doesn't matter. They don't determine the outcome of the investigation, the FBI does. Why aren't liberals preening about this?
6
Hillary Clinton has mastered the art of taking the garbage flung at her, and making it smell sweet. Do not, Ms. Dowd, compliment this ability by joining the garbage throwers, you should be better than that. In her appearance before this absurd group of mediocrity, she showed the country exactly why she should be president, but you twisted your faint praise into condemnation, as usual. Why do you, with a forum to influence so many, play dirty?
75
I've been wondering what negative tack Maureen would take against Hillary's superb performance with the Benghazi clowns. We all knew it would be negative because she simply doesn't like Hillary—never has, never will, along with President Obama and numerous other Democrat public servants. And lo, we now have it, on schedule and as predicted, only this is really a bit of a stretch: finding the negative side of the positive, and changing the subject. And seeing Samantha Power as a "Fury"? Don't think so.
77
Some perspective here:
My father, G.McMurtrie Godley was US Ambassador to Lebanon 1974-1976. His successor, Francis Meloy, was assassinated shortly after his arrival Beirut in in 1976, before he was able to present his credentials. In fact, he was the last US Ambassador who was killed before Chris Stevens.
We lived in Beirut before all families were evacuated in 1975, with my dad staying behind. Our house had already been hit by rocket attacks, and it was deemed unsafe for us to remain there.
My father, a career diplomat and veteran of the Congo and Laos was no stranger to war. He travelled around Beirut with a side arm, in an armored car and his own retinue of security guards, in pick up trucks, front and back, with men armed to the teeth. He travelled more like a militia leader than a typical US Ambassador, and had developed excellent intel on the ground.
His successor, for whatever reasons, did not take or believe in such precautions. As a result, he was easily ambushed in his car and killed with virtually no security detail.
Politics aside, if Amb Stevens had requested additional security, Sec Clinton should have made it a priority to provide it. She should have also invested the time in developing a closer rapport with her Ambassador, esp in such a dangerous post. My father never had any problem getting Kissinger on the phone and had his full support.
What a tragedy.
My father, G.McMurtrie Godley was US Ambassador to Lebanon 1974-1976. His successor, Francis Meloy, was assassinated shortly after his arrival Beirut in in 1976, before he was able to present his credentials. In fact, he was the last US Ambassador who was killed before Chris Stevens.
We lived in Beirut before all families were evacuated in 1975, with my dad staying behind. Our house had already been hit by rocket attacks, and it was deemed unsafe for us to remain there.
My father, a career diplomat and veteran of the Congo and Laos was no stranger to war. He travelled around Beirut with a side arm, in an armored car and his own retinue of security guards, in pick up trucks, front and back, with men armed to the teeth. He travelled more like a militia leader than a typical US Ambassador, and had developed excellent intel on the ground.
His successor, for whatever reasons, did not take or believe in such precautions. As a result, he was easily ambushed in his car and killed with virtually no security detail.
Politics aside, if Amb Stevens had requested additional security, Sec Clinton should have made it a priority to provide it. She should have also invested the time in developing a closer rapport with her Ambassador, esp in such a dangerous post. My father never had any problem getting Kissinger on the phone and had his full support.
What a tragedy.
148
Hillary may be a victim, but she is also a dyed in the wool neoliberal like her offending husband Bill. She has assumed the mantle as the leader of the Goldman Sachs Faction of the Democrat Party, and when it comes to using the military muscle of the Empire, she is as far to the right as George W Bush.
In fact she would probably be running as a Rockefeller Republican, if the Republicans still entertained centrists or for that matter ideas, which could qualify as Conservative rather than nutty.
I saw nothing but crackpots and cranks, who have a predilection for ignoring process, rules of evidence, and modern economic principles, as articles of faith, attempting to mount an inquisition of smoke and mirrors, which was of course the perfect venue for the victim Hillary to portray herself as the defiant virago.
She crushed it, and Democrats are enchanted with her. That her own positions on the big issues like war, and banking regulations are much more akin to those of her tormentors seems to be besides the point, and it appears that the New Deal will very likely remain dead for at least another four years, given her tendency to embrace the K Street Consensus as a substitute for traditional Democratic Values.
Democrats believe that they have emerged triumphant from the Teapot Storm that was Benghazi, but they are losing on principle, and they don't seem to care. I can't see the point to elections where the contenders are all of the right, with some crazy and others less so.
In fact she would probably be running as a Rockefeller Republican, if the Republicans still entertained centrists or for that matter ideas, which could qualify as Conservative rather than nutty.
I saw nothing but crackpots and cranks, who have a predilection for ignoring process, rules of evidence, and modern economic principles, as articles of faith, attempting to mount an inquisition of smoke and mirrors, which was of course the perfect venue for the victim Hillary to portray herself as the defiant virago.
She crushed it, and Democrats are enchanted with her. That her own positions on the big issues like war, and banking regulations are much more akin to those of her tormentors seems to be besides the point, and it appears that the New Deal will very likely remain dead for at least another four years, given her tendency to embrace the K Street Consensus as a substitute for traditional Democratic Values.
Democrats believe that they have emerged triumphant from the Teapot Storm that was Benghazi, but they are losing on principle, and they don't seem to care. I can't see the point to elections where the contenders are all of the right, with some crazy and others less so.
22
Hillary has decided to do her best impression of the master, Barack Obama, for her 2016 campaign. The big smiles, the feign of boredom in the face of the opposition. After watching him for the last 8 years, she is doing her best Obama, albeit not a very good one.
In any event, the person described in the latter half of this piece obviously should not be a US President. The bigger concern here is what if this wasn't just a case of ineptitude?
It's highly plausible that in 2012 there was great concern in the White House about pulling our US ambassador out of Libya, and thereby spotlighting Obama's disastrous Libya policy/doctrine just before the upcoming election.
Of course if that were the reason the US embassy personnel were not pulled, then they were left there, by both Obama and Clinton, as sitting ducks for political reasons. For two individuals so on top of details, it is very difficult to believe they didn't know exactly what was going on in the Libya they helped to create.
Hillary shouldn't be questioned by members of Congress on this matter. She and Obama should be questioned by a special prosecutor. US citizens died in the line of duty and they shouldn't have. 3 years later no one has been held accountable. This was not a spontaneous unforeseen attack as first reported. This could and should have been avoided, and we need to find out why it wasn't. W wan't around, can't blame him this time. The blame goes to Obama or Clinton, or both. Time for answers
In any event, the person described in the latter half of this piece obviously should not be a US President. The bigger concern here is what if this wasn't just a case of ineptitude?
It's highly plausible that in 2012 there was great concern in the White House about pulling our US ambassador out of Libya, and thereby spotlighting Obama's disastrous Libya policy/doctrine just before the upcoming election.
Of course if that were the reason the US embassy personnel were not pulled, then they were left there, by both Obama and Clinton, as sitting ducks for political reasons. For two individuals so on top of details, it is very difficult to believe they didn't know exactly what was going on in the Libya they helped to create.
Hillary shouldn't be questioned by members of Congress on this matter. She and Obama should be questioned by a special prosecutor. US citizens died in the line of duty and they shouldn't have. 3 years later no one has been held accountable. This was not a spontaneous unforeseen attack as first reported. This could and should have been avoided, and we need to find out why it wasn't. W wan't around, can't blame him this time. The blame goes to Obama or Clinton, or both. Time for answers
10
One does not have to be a member of congress to be Speaker of the House. I think the GOP, and especially the Freedom Caucus, should nominate Ms. Dowd. Should Ms. Clinton become President they'll need a particularly vitriolic standard bearer. Someone whose deeply felt enmity toward Ms. Clinton matches their own. Ms. Dowd has "Let's get her" written all over her.
C'mon guys. This is a winner.
C'mon guys. This is a winner.
51
OK, Maureen Dowd and I are not in Mrs. Clinton's fan club, and Hillary is far from perfect. But let's be clear: HRC is a thousand times more competent than any of the Republican clowns and ogres running for President.
I still hope that either Bernie Sanders or Larry David will be the Democratic nominee.
I still hope that either Bernie Sanders or Larry David will be the Democratic nominee.
38
"...if America went into another nebulously defined mission, there would have to be a good plan to prevent the vacuum of power being filled by militant Islamic terrorists."
Recall--the Bush-Cheney spin was much more naive--US soldiers would be celebrated in the streets for bringing democracy--to a culture not yet gown out of sniveling, sibling, sectarian rivalry.
No such vacuum was even conceivable--the gods wouldn't allow it--not in those little minds.
But still--we can't have a Maggie Thatcher waging war on the Falklands, just to prove she's not a girl.
HC needs to set that precedent too.
Recall--the Bush-Cheney spin was much more naive--US soldiers would be celebrated in the streets for bringing democracy--to a culture not yet gown out of sniveling, sibling, sectarian rivalry.
No such vacuum was even conceivable--the gods wouldn't allow it--not in those little minds.
But still--we can't have a Maggie Thatcher waging war on the Falklands, just to prove she's not a girl.
HC needs to set that precedent too.
5
Maureen Dowd makes valid points that merit serious consideration: Votes should not be based on sympathy, rather on the issues, on the political record of a candidate, on the established judgments of such a candidate and on his or her character.
International issues of war and peace, support for legislation affecting financial fairness and stability should be more relevant than sympathy a candidate may deserve for a family tragedy, or as in Mrs. Clinton's case, for wanton abuse heaped by the opposition party.
Therefore, Mrs. Clinton's vote for the destructive war against Iraq, which cost us more than three trillion dollars, thousands of American lives, hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilian lives and continues to destabilize the Middle East and threaten world peace plus Mrs. Clinton's strong advocacy for the overthrow of Libya's Qaddafi without due regard to its ramification on the stability of the region remain the most important issues as to whether Mrs. Clinton should be president.
Perhaps inadvertently the hearings revealed Mrs. Clinton's involvement in former President Clinton's international and domestic policies, including expanding NATO which led to the current confrontation with Russia and Banking deregulation which led to the 2008 financial crisis.
Ms. Dowd is on target. These are the issues that should determine Mrs. Clinton's candidacy, not sympathy derived from the opposition's unwise badgering.
International issues of war and peace, support for legislation affecting financial fairness and stability should be more relevant than sympathy a candidate may deserve for a family tragedy, or as in Mrs. Clinton's case, for wanton abuse heaped by the opposition party.
Therefore, Mrs. Clinton's vote for the destructive war against Iraq, which cost us more than three trillion dollars, thousands of American lives, hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilian lives and continues to destabilize the Middle East and threaten world peace plus Mrs. Clinton's strong advocacy for the overthrow of Libya's Qaddafi without due regard to its ramification on the stability of the region remain the most important issues as to whether Mrs. Clinton should be president.
Perhaps inadvertently the hearings revealed Mrs. Clinton's involvement in former President Clinton's international and domestic policies, including expanding NATO which led to the current confrontation with Russia and Banking deregulation which led to the 2008 financial crisis.
Ms. Dowd is on target. These are the issues that should determine Mrs. Clinton's candidacy, not sympathy derived from the opposition's unwise badgering.
22
..... and nobody plays the scourger like Maureen Dowd when the subject of her discourse is Hillary Clinton.
Actually, it was to be expected. Not so much because of the praise given to Hillary Clinton after the Benghazi Hearing, but because she did not succeed in her political quest. Anyone who has read Ms. Dowd over the past few decades knows perfectly well that she would strike back at any perceived Hillary victory.
Ms. Dowd is entitled to communicate her doubts about Hillary Clinton's testimony, but the venom with which she did is truly insupportable.
Actually, it was to be expected. Not so much because of the praise given to Hillary Clinton after the Benghazi Hearing, but because she did not succeed in her political quest. Anyone who has read Ms. Dowd over the past few decades knows perfectly well that she would strike back at any perceived Hillary victory.
Ms. Dowd is entitled to communicate her doubts about Hillary Clinton's testimony, but the venom with which she did is truly insupportable.
68
Hillary Clinton stood before the flag draped coffins of our slain Americans and gave a speech at Andrews Air Force Base in front of the cameras, in front of their families...and she knowingly lied and attributed their deaths to the infamous You Tube video.
What kind of person would use the occaision of returning corpes and greiving families to forward her political agenda? Hillary Clinton is that kind of person. But never mind the facts, or decency. Any speech or thought agains Hillary or Dear Obama leader is verboten!
The evil and fascistic American left quit caring about reality or freedom of thought or expression ages ago. We have a President who makes Richard Nixon look innocent by comparison, and it appears we will soon have another like unto him. God save us from the queen.
What kind of person would use the occaision of returning corpes and greiving families to forward her political agenda? Hillary Clinton is that kind of person. But never mind the facts, or decency. Any speech or thought agains Hillary or Dear Obama leader is verboten!
The evil and fascistic American left quit caring about reality or freedom of thought or expression ages ago. We have a President who makes Richard Nixon look innocent by comparison, and it appears we will soon have another like unto him. God save us from the queen.
18
Another boring Maureen Dowd column about Clinton. Move on...
35
I don't know what hearings Ms. Dowd was listening to, but I saw it very differently. I saw Clinton sitting very smugly and acting all put out while the committee pointed out inconsistencies and lies. Now, she not just a treacherous liar. She is a smug and arrogant treacherous liar.
14
One clear fact that came out of the hearing was that Hillary clearly and intentionally misled the American people regarding the cause of the attack. It is quite clear from her emails to Chelsea and her phone conversation with the Egyptian President that she knew the attack was a terrorist attack from the earliest moments and yet she had no qualms about blaming an innocent filmmaker for causing it. She and her colleagues knew that the truth would not play well during the election and so she discarded it.This is a clear instance of lying to the American people for a clearly political purpose! Presidents have been known to lie once in office, but lying of this magnitude before being elected would clearly disqualify any other candidate and it should disqualify her!
14
I have made it a point now for several years to not read Dowd. I wish I had stuck to that practice today…for of course, Dowd had to take what was a well deserve victory for Hillary and turn it into bashing her.
Dowd just proves that Clinton Derangement Syndrome is not just reserved for Republicans. I will not go back to my policy of avoiding her columns.
Dowd just proves that Clinton Derangement Syndrome is not just reserved for Republicans. I will not go back to my policy of avoiding her columns.
50
My mixing strangely illegitimate criticisms of Clinton (ohmigod, she uses emotional advantage to gain political advantage!!!) with what may well be legitimate criticisms (though even those seem awfully 20/20 vision-ish), you should really start self-analyzing, Maureen. After all, you seem to believe yourself to be Sigmund Freud re-incarnate. And if he didn't say, "Physician heal thyself," he should have. And so should you.
29
I think Clinton is harassed by the house republicans, I just believe she, like her husband, lies. I hate liars!
9
Gee Maureen,
When I started reading the article, I thought you might be for once making some sense as you clearly attacked the right-wing nuts of the house and senate, but you then when on with your usual right-wing nonsense. Maureen, don't you understand that the ideas you, Brooks and other conservative columnists generate and support with your articles helped put those evil incompetent ideologues in the positions they now occupy? Are you proud of this?
When I started reading the article, I thought you might be for once making some sense as you clearly attacked the right-wing nuts of the house and senate, but you then when on with your usual right-wing nonsense. Maureen, don't you understand that the ideas you, Brooks and other conservative columnists generate and support with your articles helped put those evil incompetent ideologues in the positions they now occupy? Are you proud of this?
40
Why do Hillary's fans keep glossing over the fact that she stood by the coffins of four dead Americans - including her supposed friend, Ambassador Stevens - and lied to their families? It takes an especially awful person to do such a thing.
13
Rather than continuing to write snide comments and broad attacks upon the Clintons, especially Hillary now, I wish Ms. Dowd would write about the source of her enmity toward them. Did they not treat her with TLC when Bill was President? What?
46
It's funny to hear member of Congress complain because Ambassador Stevens didn't have the SOS's e-mail address. If you have ever tried to contact a member of congress it's laughable. You get an automated thank you and never hear another word.
31
The commenters within hated Hillary when she was First Lady. They hated her before Benghazi and after Benghazi, and they'll hate her when she becomes President.
51
Hours of questioning Clinton about Benghazi: 13.8
Hours of questioning W about 9/11: 1
Hours of questioning W about 9/11: 1
63
Ah, yes. Jim Jordan. He should remember that it was Gale Gordon, not the much more pleasant Jim Jordan, who played the blustering Mayor LaTrivia on "Fibber McGee and Molly". The decisions Ms. Clinton has made throughout a long career including as Secy of State are fair game. As Ms. Dowd points out, however, if you keep asking the same questions with no new evidence, to the same person, you are likely to get the same response. This is, of course, a basic Republican piece of logic. Do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result each time.
6
Say all the negative things you want to about Hillary Clinton. Knock yourselves out. But something is only as good as what it's compared to, and compared to the GOP's clown car of presidential candidates Hillary looks unbeatable. It's time we had a woman president in this country, and barring something that snatches defeat from the jaws of victory, that time will arrive in November 2016.
37
Give your pathetic vendetta a rest, Maureen.
71
If it is Sunday it is Dowd trashing Hillary.
Enough already, let go of this jealousy.
This Clinton obsession is not helping anyone.
Breathe in and breathe out.
And then let it all go Maureen Dowd.
Enough already, let go of this jealousy.
This Clinton obsession is not helping anyone.
Breathe in and breathe out.
And then let it all go Maureen Dowd.
60
Americans or Europeans shouldn't blame yourself for the failure of people who couldn't get along with their neighbors.These people have lived next to each other for at least hundreds of years and yet they butcher each other and try to put the main blame on outsiders.Two weeks ago I was passing by, here in Addis, by a neighborhood a few blocks from US Embassy.It is a Tourists' favorite destination for picking up some traditional dresses.I pass through it several time a week on my way to visit my almost 90 Mom.2 weeks ago I arrived at the middle of road rage triggered brawl from which some 3 guys got bloody face or nose .I immediately looked for a Cop and I told her that this being a tourist frequented place they shouldn't be allowed to witness this and the businesses around will be negatively affected and she went on asking reinforcement and searching for the offenders.Citizens of host country we are expected to be that sensitive and Embassy compounds have to be treated as sacred places and the Geneva convention hints that.People of Countries like Libya, Somalia,Afghanistan,Iraq,Syria, N.Nigeria,etc. have to reclaim their land have it meet the criteria that makes a domain become a Country.The lesson from Libya's tragedy is that it is prudent to try to help these countries become a livable place from a certain distance.That these places have an intolerant culture and thinking, fanned and perpetuated by despots,is 1 main reason that make them dangerous to the World too.TMD.
8
Hillary a victim? The real victim in this Benghazi inquisition is the American
people - victims of Republican prosecutors straight out of a Halloween party.
This Trey Gowdy creature - a really strange looking dude - lead the pack of
nasty wolves that succeeded in making Mrs. Clinton look like a future President.Your focus, Ms. Dowd , should have been on this weird group that
formed a Spanish Inquisition committee to denigrate a woman so far superior
to them. The current Republican party , headed by these Freedom idiots - is
this a new name for Tea Partiers? - is the problem to focus on for you and the
rest of our sound bite oriented press mavens, who do the people poor service.
True you picked a bit on Gowdy and his morons, but I still say the real victim here is the American people who have to put up with these lunatics and -
oh, the shame of it.!!!!
people - victims of Republican prosecutors straight out of a Halloween party.
This Trey Gowdy creature - a really strange looking dude - lead the pack of
nasty wolves that succeeded in making Mrs. Clinton look like a future President.Your focus, Ms. Dowd , should have been on this weird group that
formed a Spanish Inquisition committee to denigrate a woman so far superior
to them. The current Republican party , headed by these Freedom idiots - is
this a new name for Tea Partiers? - is the problem to focus on for you and the
rest of our sound bite oriented press mavens, who do the people poor service.
True you picked a bit on Gowdy and his morons, but I still say the real victim here is the American people who have to put up with these lunatics and -
oh, the shame of it.!!!!
39
Hillary most certainly did not 'play the victim' by any known definition of that phrase. She crushed those who were out to get her. This is, simply, really sloppy writing by Dowd, who presumably meant that Hillary has thrived on sympathy from voters/observers when others abuse her in some way. But 'playing a victim' suggests much more than that, and is completely incorrect.
As to Dowd's analysis of Hillary's responsibility and failures in Libya and more broadly, who takes Dowd seriously as an authority on foreign policy? Hillary's response to Anderson Cooper in the last debate regarding Lincoln Chafee's criticisms would be quite appropriate here. If Hillary (or her supporters) are asked if they want to respond to Dowd's assertions the best answer would be a simple "No."
As to Dowd's analysis of Hillary's responsibility and failures in Libya and more broadly, who takes Dowd seriously as an authority on foreign policy? Hillary's response to Anderson Cooper in the last debate regarding Lincoln Chafee's criticisms would be quite appropriate here. If Hillary (or her supporters) are asked if they want to respond to Dowd's assertions the best answer would be a simple "No."
39
Maureen, Is there anything you can find, which is not critical of the Clintons?
37
It is quite simply Hillary's turn!
3
If Ms. Dowd is going to list Valkyries who engineered our involvement in Lybia, I think she needs to include Ann Marie Slaughter, currently getting a much smoother ride from the media than Hillary.
6
The time has come to spell out the cheap methods of the majority party that has major responsibility for causing Benghazi. Congress has the power of the purse, and has been trying to "Starve the Beast". Republicans succeeded, the Beast could not defend itself. Insufficient funds to run State made all decisions prey to "lowest cost". That is especially true where hired bodyguards are concerned. Any fool risking their life to guard someone in a cauldron of hostile murderous religious factions will demand (and get) a good pay-check.
The time has also come to ask why this column is silent on other questions of great importance:
-No one has asked how many other embassies were writing daily for better security support.
-No one has asked if direct access of Mr. Stevens to Secretary Clinton by phone was ever used instead of e-mails.
-No one has asked if Secretary Clinton's security experts briefed her on re-allocating funds for better security at an outpost, due to be shut down, and one that was not even a conciliate.
-No one has asked what was classified (then) that would cause a Secretary of State to hold back on identifying terrorists vice a movie angered mob.
Another area that I wonder about is how this column did not notice that our support for the anti-Muammar el-Qaddafi majority in Libya was not well received by France (who forbade our planes to overfly France going to Libya). Nor that the Obama Administration (including Ms. Clinton) kept "BOOTS OFF THE GROUND".
The time has also come to ask why this column is silent on other questions of great importance:
-No one has asked how many other embassies were writing daily for better security support.
-No one has asked if direct access of Mr. Stevens to Secretary Clinton by phone was ever used instead of e-mails.
-No one has asked if Secretary Clinton's security experts briefed her on re-allocating funds for better security at an outpost, due to be shut down, and one that was not even a conciliate.
-No one has asked what was classified (then) that would cause a Secretary of State to hold back on identifying terrorists vice a movie angered mob.
Another area that I wonder about is how this column did not notice that our support for the anti-Muammar el-Qaddafi majority in Libya was not well received by France (who forbade our planes to overfly France going to Libya). Nor that the Obama Administration (including Ms. Clinton) kept "BOOTS OFF THE GROUND".
15
Ms. Dowd seems to share not only the condescending attitude towards Hillary Clinton displayed by her political opponents, but also their impotence. It is fine, and expected, for the media to question, criticize, and debunk a politician's judgment and policy choices, but another to demonize her with such gusto. And spreading comptempt for members of the Select Committee on Benghazi so as to appear balanced is not enough cover. The choice to attack the Clintons is a political choice. We get it. We are engaged in a struggle for political power. Whoever wins will literally impact our lives in ways we don't know yet. So if you have evidence of a candidate's, any candidate, malfeasance, corruption, or high crimes and misdemeanors, publish it. Just stop reminding us of a past-century salacious failed GOP impeachment.
22
Ms. Dowd has a fixation on the Clintons for several years now; I guess this family is her speciality. Today's title of her article surpass all others. So the Clintons are the 'Empire' now; well with all the good news for her in the past two weeks and her marvelous; presidential demeanour during the neocons panel on Thursday I guess I will agree with you totally. I hope to see you on that cold morning January 20th; 2017 during her inauguration.
34
"Hillary acted bemused, barely masking her contempt at their condescension. She was no doubt amazed at what an amateur job they were doing at character assassination."
I don't think they would have done any better if they had retained a true professional's services. I am thinking of Maureen Dowd.
I don't think they would have done any better if they had retained a true professional's services. I am thinking of Maureen Dowd.
28
From all accounts Mr. Stevens was a well respected, admired State Department Employee with a reputation for excellent judgement. It is likely that Secretary Clinton trusted him to make good decisions and thus allowed him to make all of the "calls".
Ms. Dowd, why don't you save us your repetitive cynicism regarding Secretary Clinton. Or, are you particularly interested in modeling Donald Trump's approach to politics. I have read your column for years and this is not your shining moment. Frankly, there is little difference between you and Mr. Gowdy. Why Secretary Clinton? Why now?
Ms. Dowd, why don't you save us your repetitive cynicism regarding Secretary Clinton. Or, are you particularly interested in modeling Donald Trump's approach to politics. I have read your column for years and this is not your shining moment. Frankly, there is little difference between you and Mr. Gowdy. Why Secretary Clinton? Why now?
31
"If conservatives hold a Salem witch trial [...] she turns around and uses the sympathy engendered to slip into the H.O.V. lane of a superhighway to the presidency.". while i agree with both you and Chris Mathews in saying that H used her supposed 'victimhood' to become a Senator, she did not need to, and did not, play the 'victim card' in the hearings. The Republicans bear full responsibility for that fiasco whose only positive outcomes were the revelation of H's private e-mail server and H's 'the video made me do it' lies (see the WSJ editorial by Kimberley Strassel, "She Knew All Along"). and even more revealing of H as an epic liar (she lies with as much ease as she plays victim) was her 'interview' with Rachel Maddow in which she said that B signed DOMA, outlawing same-sex marriage in order to block an anticipated attempt to pass a Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. The prima facie absurdity of outlawing same-sex marriage in order to prevent the outlawing of same-sex marriage (does that remind anyone of the 'destroying the village in order to save the village' strategy used in Vietnam) was, of course, allowed to pass without comment by the fawning Maddow.
3
Trust Ms. Dowd to never miss an opportunity to trash one of her three favorite nemeses -Hillary, Bill, and Barack. Only here she has to work harder. Because the Republicans did such a poor job in bringing her down, Dowd has to remind them of the argument they should have made. The key word in the piece is Valkyrie as if Ms.Clinton singlehandedly imposed her will on a passive president and reluctant country - forgotten is that this is the one intervention over the past decade that had multilateral, international support so contemptible and horrifying was Kaddafi's assault on his own peoples. Also conveniently omitted is Kevin McCarthy's lapse into truth telling that the only point of the hearings was to make Hillary unelectable. When it comes to Hillary, Maureen Dowd is the witchfinder general- how frustrated she must feel that her fellow witchfinders failed so miserably.
48
At first I was happily reading along about “Trey Gowdy and his blithering band of tea-partiers” when all of a sudden we were attacking Hillary. It reminded me of the time the blithering band of idiots chased Sidney Blumenthal down a rabbit hole. There is just so much excitement in these stories it's hard to keep up. Still, no one does mean like Maureen.
38
If facts demonstrate it was not Clinton's negligence that caused Stevens' death, she should be excused of charges.
Sympathies for anyone, including those killed, are irrelevant in judging Clinton's ignoring 600 requests to upgrade security. Or to overthrow Gaddafi in the first place. Or her decision to vote for the Iraq War.
Clinton' is to be judged for actions and decisions she made, not for how journalists or politicians treat her, regardless of where our sympathies fall.
Sympathies for anyone, including those killed, are irrelevant in judging Clinton's ignoring 600 requests to upgrade security. Or to overthrow Gaddafi in the first place. Or her decision to vote for the Iraq War.
Clinton' is to be judged for actions and decisions she made, not for how journalists or politicians treat her, regardless of where our sympathies fall.
4
i've always been puzzled by two things: 1. Why does Hillary get so much of the blame for invading Iraq? According to www.govtrack.us, 77 senators voted for the Iraq invasion in 2003. Twenty-nine of them, including John Kerry and Chuck Schumer, are Democrats. Yet no one mentions the others. Hillary still gets the blame. Could it be that women aren't supposed to vote for war?
2. The second thing puzzling is the utter lack of criticism of the Bush administration's failure to pay attention to the warning signs leading up to 9/11. There seemed be a tacit agreement at the time on the part of all Americans not to question anything the Bush administration did before or after 9/11. Americans apparently were all expected to stand together. I can't even recall the NY Times questioning the Iraq invasion, not right then anyway. But of course Hillary still bears the responsibility for invading Iraq.
Yet here are House Republicans trying to rip Hillary Clinton apart for what happened in Benghazi--the same House Republicans who cut spending for security at US embassies and consulates. Why aren't Democrats pointing that out?
As a Canadian, I find it all fascinating. Penelope Otton.
2. The second thing puzzling is the utter lack of criticism of the Bush administration's failure to pay attention to the warning signs leading up to 9/11. There seemed be a tacit agreement at the time on the part of all Americans not to question anything the Bush administration did before or after 9/11. Americans apparently were all expected to stand together. I can't even recall the NY Times questioning the Iraq invasion, not right then anyway. But of course Hillary still bears the responsibility for invading Iraq.
Yet here are House Republicans trying to rip Hillary Clinton apart for what happened in Benghazi--the same House Republicans who cut spending for security at US embassies and consulates. Why aren't Democrats pointing that out?
As a Canadian, I find it all fascinating. Penelope Otton.
50
It is clear by these comments that there are still some who actually believe Clinton's contention that she did not receive a single one of the 600 emails and cables - higher level communications that went directly to Clinton - from this now dead man, pleading for normal protective measures.
Notwithstanding the nationwide campaign that began Wednesday night to glorify this extremely accomplished liar, we, the little people, at last are more streetwise than to fall for it.
And further - how do you, reader, accept that if you, unless you are a prominent democrat, had been caught with just one single top secret email in your personal computer, you would be swinging from a noose today as has been the case heretofore. Hopefully equal justice for all will resume when the current administration's DOJ is replaced.
Notwithstanding the nationwide campaign that began Wednesday night to glorify this extremely accomplished liar, we, the little people, at last are more streetwise than to fall for it.
And further - how do you, reader, accept that if you, unless you are a prominent democrat, had been caught with just one single top secret email in your personal computer, you would be swinging from a noose today as has been the case heretofore. Hopefully equal justice for all will resume when the current administration's DOJ is replaced.
3
Truth is when you want a leader to take that 12:00 A.M call it will be someone like Sidney Blumenthal, for Hillary and Valerie Jarrett for Barack. They will be briefed on casualties and collateral damage in the morning after they’ve had their manicures and coffee. If the American people want to elect another communist, socialist, opportunist whatever you want to call them, then they deserve the pain and suffering these people will bring (crony capitiallaism, further eroding of the national currency and job security, gutting the national security and our constitutional rights, death and destruction to small western cultures around the world, etc, etc. in the end it’s always the middle class who gets pulled down the swirling waters of the toilet bowl known as progressive government. But hey, we can always pin it on weak Republicans and overzealous tea parties right?
2
Great article and such a magnificent exception to so much of the drivel we have been recently hearing: So many pol commentators have lauded and applauded Hillary for the debate, and the hearing, and they seem to be crowning her as an Empress deserving of coronation.
Dowd points out that there were genuine flaws and deficits in Hillary's discharge of her duties but that the Republicans, a generally intellectually handicapped group of duds, just did not know what questions to ask.
Dowd points out that there were genuine flaws and deficits in Hillary's discharge of her duties but that the Republicans, a generally intellectually handicapped group of duds, just did not know what questions to ask.
6
"Hillary acted bemused, barely masking her contempt at their condescension."
So did Oliver North, when he appeared before the Iran-Contra Committee.
Ms. Dowd wrote that Cindy Sheehan had "absolute moral authority" -- what about Glen Smith's father or Tyrone Smith's mom?
So did Oliver North, when he appeared before the Iran-Contra Committee.
Ms. Dowd wrote that Cindy Sheehan had "absolute moral authority" -- what about Glen Smith's father or Tyrone Smith's mom?
8
Ms. Dowd's criticism is valid. Hillary has a history of negligence for details where the devil resides. She grossly bungled her attempt to ram through national health care for lack of preparation and realistic assessment to the mood of the congress.
There is no getting around the fact that she rubber-stamped GW Bush's invasion of Iraq when it was clear that Hussein never posed a mortal threat to the U.S. or was involved with 9/11.
I will vote for Hillary Clinton over any Republican alive - beyond any question this is a done deal. But that does not mean that she is beyond criticism. The Clinton's have always been the wisest and smartest operatives in D.C. ten years after the fact. It would be nice to have someone in the Oval Office who operated in real time with reality.
There is no getting around the fact that she rubber-stamped GW Bush's invasion of Iraq when it was clear that Hussein never posed a mortal threat to the U.S. or was involved with 9/11.
I will vote for Hillary Clinton over any Republican alive - beyond any question this is a done deal. But that does not mean that she is beyond criticism. The Clinton's have always been the wisest and smartest operatives in D.C. ten years after the fact. It would be nice to have someone in the Oval Office who operated in real time with reality.
3
Ms. Dowd:
Your writing is priceless. While you might have appeared to many readers to be throwing Hillary under the bus once again, I think you have unwittingly helped her. You point out how, despite being confronted repeatedly with personal and professional adversity, Hillary manages to persevere and make a bad situation turn to her favor. These hearings were just another example of this theme
Secretary Clinton proved to be a formidable force under pressure and appeared to be a leader that can remain composed.
I pose this question: Who are you going to vote for? Trump? Carson? Bush? Cruz? Yes, Bernie Sanders is a possibility. I just do not think he can win. However, the Democrats must win given the Republican options. We need to get behind Hillary, not because she is the perfect candidate, but, rather, she is the only candidate that has the resiliency to handle the pressure.
Thank you Ms. Dowd, though I am not sure you meant to, for clarifying this to us all.
Your writing is priceless. While you might have appeared to many readers to be throwing Hillary under the bus once again, I think you have unwittingly helped her. You point out how, despite being confronted repeatedly with personal and professional adversity, Hillary manages to persevere and make a bad situation turn to her favor. These hearings were just another example of this theme
Secretary Clinton proved to be a formidable force under pressure and appeared to be a leader that can remain composed.
I pose this question: Who are you going to vote for? Trump? Carson? Bush? Cruz? Yes, Bernie Sanders is a possibility. I just do not think he can win. However, the Democrats must win given the Republican options. We need to get behind Hillary, not because she is the perfect candidate, but, rather, she is the only candidate that has the resiliency to handle the pressure.
Thank you Ms. Dowd, though I am not sure you meant to, for clarifying this to us all.
30
We learned a few things.
no waiver signed for the secure embassy construction and counterterrorism act.
Told truth to chelsea and Egypt Lied to the parents of those lost and us about a video.
600 requests for security from the embassy in the most dangerous place on earth for an American and she doesn't see or respond to a single one.
It took 3 years to get most of the relevant documents from hillary Clintons state department.
She deleted emails that we have a right to see and the law says should be maintained.
Most importantly we learned that Hillary and the left will lie in the face of evidence and disparage anyone who attempts to point that out. All of the above should be front page news but instead we hear that Hillary is presidential. CNN runs a distorted 3 min video that makes no mention of her lies and ignorance or lies about the 600 requests for help. We learned that any truth you want from hillary will takes years of digging and once uncovered will be ignored by those who would rather disparage anyone who has a different opinion
no waiver signed for the secure embassy construction and counterterrorism act.
Told truth to chelsea and Egypt Lied to the parents of those lost and us about a video.
600 requests for security from the embassy in the most dangerous place on earth for an American and she doesn't see or respond to a single one.
It took 3 years to get most of the relevant documents from hillary Clintons state department.
She deleted emails that we have a right to see and the law says should be maintained.
Most importantly we learned that Hillary and the left will lie in the face of evidence and disparage anyone who attempts to point that out. All of the above should be front page news but instead we hear that Hillary is presidential. CNN runs a distorted 3 min video that makes no mention of her lies and ignorance or lies about the 600 requests for help. We learned that any truth you want from hillary will takes years of digging and once uncovered will be ignored by those who would rather disparage anyone who has a different opinion
4
And I thought your pre-hearing column, "Please, Pillory Hillary!" was a tad biased.
Maureen, is it fair to treat the special committee as a pathetic joke, even though the threat of it has hung over her for months? You claim that Clinton was "playing the victim." What makes you feel comfortable dismissing that threat? Is it merely because, compared to the committee, she seemed almost supernaturally prepared? That bar is very low. Your witty "Teanderthal" snark hardly reflects the danger posed by this committee's unethical maneuvering. So reminiscent of the House Un-American Activities Committee in the '50s, except designed to destroy only one person.
Now, as to Clinton herself, who is your real target:
No, her Iraq vote "is not the terrain of Gowdy’s lame committee." So why is it the "terrain" of this lame column about the committee's railroading of her? Her Iraq vote is not under attack by any republican (nor will it ever be, as Rand Paul is probably not going get the nomination).
So, can we stop litigating this vote (that she has already admitted was a mistake)? I don't believe she was afraid of being seen as soft, a criticism you still hound her for ("she didn’t want to seem like a hippie flower girl flashing a peace sign").
And no, her advocacy of the humanitarian intervention in Libya does not make her responsible for its many security failures.
Lastly, the "damn emails". Please, Maureen. No mas.
Maureen, is it fair to treat the special committee as a pathetic joke, even though the threat of it has hung over her for months? You claim that Clinton was "playing the victim." What makes you feel comfortable dismissing that threat? Is it merely because, compared to the committee, she seemed almost supernaturally prepared? That bar is very low. Your witty "Teanderthal" snark hardly reflects the danger posed by this committee's unethical maneuvering. So reminiscent of the House Un-American Activities Committee in the '50s, except designed to destroy only one person.
Now, as to Clinton herself, who is your real target:
No, her Iraq vote "is not the terrain of Gowdy’s lame committee." So why is it the "terrain" of this lame column about the committee's railroading of her? Her Iraq vote is not under attack by any republican (nor will it ever be, as Rand Paul is probably not going get the nomination).
So, can we stop litigating this vote (that she has already admitted was a mistake)? I don't believe she was afraid of being seen as soft, a criticism you still hound her for ("she didn’t want to seem like a hippie flower girl flashing a peace sign").
And no, her advocacy of the humanitarian intervention in Libya does not make her responsible for its many security failures.
Lastly, the "damn emails". Please, Maureen. No mas.
23
Ms. Dowd seems to be one of those people who just can't accept it when a woman displays strength and competence.
45
What an incredible column. Dowd skewers the inept and embarrassing Republican committee members better than anyone I've read, and rightly throws in W for good measure. Then she rolls up her sleeves and tries to carry out the hatchet job they were too stupid to pull off. She would have us believe it was Hillary alone who enabled Bush and Cheney's disastrous war. She would have us believe Hillary alone overthrew Khadaffi. She would have us believe that the 24/7 access every ambassador has to every Secretary of State is meaningless if they don't also have a personal e-mail address. Just who is blinded by Clinton hatred here, Maureen? Just who all is living in a parallel universe?
46
My reaction to Thursday’s taxpayer-funded show trial of Hillary Clinton went from outrage to incredulity to physical nausea. Carl Bernstein beat me to the punch by comparing it to Joe McCarthy’s House Un-American Activities Committee in its villainy and abuse of process.
Two things quickly became clear:
1) The Republican party in its current form is irredeemable--or rather, incurable; it is a malignancy on the American body politic, and it’s metastasizing with the help of a media complex whose agenda is ratings, not news. The so-called hearing was nothing more than a marathon of failed character assassination framed as a spectator sport.
2) As the seven Republican hyenas on the panel grew increasingly rabid with the passing hours, Clinton handled herself with unfailing poise and with a patience and endurance that was utterly transcendent. In short, this pack of opportunistic hacks trying to make a name for themselves gave her a free 11-hour platform on network television to show that she is knowledgeable, diplomatic, decisive, and passionate in defending her country--in other words, she was presidential. Some Democrats may be feeling the Bern, but even Ms. Dowd can't pillory Hillary.
Democrats Elijah Cummings and Adam Schiff, in their frequent expressions of dismay at the proceedings, admirably echoed Joseph Welch saying to McCarthy, “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?” In the case of Gowdy and his venal thugs, the answer is clear and unequivocal.
Two things quickly became clear:
1) The Republican party in its current form is irredeemable--or rather, incurable; it is a malignancy on the American body politic, and it’s metastasizing with the help of a media complex whose agenda is ratings, not news. The so-called hearing was nothing more than a marathon of failed character assassination framed as a spectator sport.
2) As the seven Republican hyenas on the panel grew increasingly rabid with the passing hours, Clinton handled herself with unfailing poise and with a patience and endurance that was utterly transcendent. In short, this pack of opportunistic hacks trying to make a name for themselves gave her a free 11-hour platform on network television to show that she is knowledgeable, diplomatic, decisive, and passionate in defending her country--in other words, she was presidential. Some Democrats may be feeling the Bern, but even Ms. Dowd can't pillory Hillary.
Democrats Elijah Cummings and Adam Schiff, in their frequent expressions of dismay at the proceedings, admirably echoed Joseph Welch saying to McCarthy, “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?” In the case of Gowdy and his venal thugs, the answer is clear and unequivocal.
46
She is a charlatan, a has been. Hillary,please don't destroy what little democracy we have left.
4
Dowd's hot here, alright, following up the irresistible force of H.C. 's victim-valor, without allowing the aroused passion to cloud harsh judgment of her role in the Libya debacle. Clinton, Powers and Rice: 3 Amigas matching the 3 Amigos McCain, Lieberman and Graham of old in infamy. But why didn't she mention (a) the theme of Steven's rumored homosexuality, which had appeared in the video profaning the Prophet. And (b) the gun-running operation through Turkey to Syrian by CIA-State Dept. which Stevens was in the process of arranging. Funny how these particular facts always get filtered out of the total picture.. .
2
I am an American filmmaker living in the UK.
A few years ago, I interviewed several Barristers (courtroom lawyers specialising in witness cross examination) for the Metropolitan Police to help their officers be better witnesses in court. Not only did I interview them, I sat through many hours observing them in court.
Every one of these highly qualified lawyers said that a witness telling the truth is unshakable. As one eminent Barrister summed up: " I don't care who you are. You can be a murderer, or a grandmother, if you come before me as a witness telling lies, I will rip your arms and legs off and nail your bleeding carcass to the witness box, because that is my job. But if you are telling the truth, I am powerless."
Every Republican on the panel (with the exception of Lynn Westmoreland) practiced law to some degree or another before entering politics. They were hopeless in examining HRC, simply because they weren't interested in proper interrogation to find the truth. Their full intent was to get her to acquiesce to their foregone conclusions.
I watched most of it, and my observation was that HRC was unshakable under pressure. And the Republicans were powerless...that is a fact.
A few years ago, I interviewed several Barristers (courtroom lawyers specialising in witness cross examination) for the Metropolitan Police to help their officers be better witnesses in court. Not only did I interview them, I sat through many hours observing them in court.
Every one of these highly qualified lawyers said that a witness telling the truth is unshakable. As one eminent Barrister summed up: " I don't care who you are. You can be a murderer, or a grandmother, if you come before me as a witness telling lies, I will rip your arms and legs off and nail your bleeding carcass to the witness box, because that is my job. But if you are telling the truth, I am powerless."
Every Republican on the panel (with the exception of Lynn Westmoreland) practiced law to some degree or another before entering politics. They were hopeless in examining HRC, simply because they weren't interested in proper interrogation to find the truth. Their full intent was to get her to acquiesce to their foregone conclusions.
I watched most of it, and my observation was that HRC was unshakable under pressure. And the Republicans were powerless...that is a fact.
367
Ms. Dowd attacks Hillary based on suppositions without evidence regarding security at the State Department facility in Benghazi. Her reasoning --Hillary needed to know so she had to know. I'm particularly inclined to reject that view. If I knew everything I needed to know, I'd be a lot smarter than I am.
18
Guess we will never know what all the hype was over a Mohamed video.
Despite Dowd's attacks on her "the Force" is strong in Hilary Clinton. Maureen however seems to have gone over to "the Dark Side."
29
Maureen Dowd paints Hillary as both playing the victim card and a Hawk from hell. Yes, she made mistakes, but according to Ms. Dowd mistakes are not allowed especially for those she deems not to her liking. In fact I haven't heard her say a good word about anyone, but to take it back in the next breath.
Hillary has often admitted her bad judgment at times and has striven to correct those instances. Emails were never an issue until Hillary's enemies made it so. the reactionary conservatives are big on bombast and war and bombings, but I have never heard them admit mistakes even as their policies wrecked the world economy, led us into senseless wars and created huge debt.
Please Ms. Dowd will you find it in your self to be less vindictive and more balanced in your approach towards situations of which you seem to have little practical experience or knowledge.
Hillary has often admitted her bad judgment at times and has striven to correct those instances. Emails were never an issue until Hillary's enemies made it so. the reactionary conservatives are big on bombast and war and bombings, but I have never heard them admit mistakes even as their policies wrecked the world economy, led us into senseless wars and created huge debt.
Please Ms. Dowd will you find it in your self to be less vindictive and more balanced in your approach towards situations of which you seem to have little practical experience or knowledge.
29
In the final two hours when I watched the "show", Hillary proved herself to be as smart as a whip, well prepared, indefatigable and able to dance circles around her sparring partners. Her Republican inquisitors were nasty, belligerent, unable to catch her in their ridiculous traps and simply not in her league. This is not to say, however, that I am not somewhat uneasy about Hillary's executive skills. She is right that at the level of SOS she could not personally handle emergencies at 270 embassies. But it was her job as the top administrator at State to make sure the policies were in place to bring in the right level of personnel, up to and including herself, in the case of escalating problems. It's known as "the buck stops here". I would be more comfortable if she had accepted that responsibility.
55
We should stop conflating Iraq and Libya. At least in the latter case we did not invade and we certainly did not intervene under false pretenses.
9
First, Maureen Dowd suggests in a reasonable tone that "it is legitimate to examine Clinton’s record in the Middle East". She then goes on to disparage Clinton as "...One of the Furies", "...The Valkyrie who engineers the intervention", and "...The midwife to chaos". The basis for her merciless indictment? Mostly a questionable analogy between Iraq (where there was no Arab spring) and Lybia (where no American troops were deployed). In her attempt to rationalize her deep antipathy towards Hillary Clinton without offering any substantial argument, it seems that Maureen Dowd falls into the same trap as the Republican members of the Benghazi investigation committee.
23
"As Hillary kept explaining, that job was the province of the “security professionals,” four of whom were later criticized for providing “grossly inadequate” security at the Benghazi compound and removed from their posts." Removed by whom? And when?
3
I have a feeling the Times will endorse Bernie Sanders, who's right next to Rosenthal on his Facebook page. Even so, why won't Maureen won't let up on Hillary, which makes me sympathetic with her.
4
Ms. Dowd is generally insightful. But I'm getting bored of name-calling in politics and media. This includes both the author's reference to Ms. Clinton as "Lady Hawk," and Mr. Trump's references to the world's "idiots." Can we please have an adult discussion about something? Anything?
13
I am no fan of Mrs. Clinton (of course given the freak show in the other party I will have no choice but to vote for her) but this line of reasoning offered by the always annoying Ms. Dowd as well as Republicans on the committee that she should have her finger on the pulse of a consulate in Libya (not the Embassy mind you but a consulate) is absurd. Sorry Ms. Dowd but the wrold was and is on fire. Mrs. Clinton was Secretary of State not the Ambassador to Libya. If there is any job in the world that is inherently macro in perspective it is Secretary of State. There are 196 countries in the world and while some deserve more attention than others, there were multiple countries in the Middle East with dictators in transition. My point is that had she known exactly what was going on in Libya down to the level of detialed demanded by Ms. Dowd and the GOP (keep in mind these clowns are utterly incompetent at doing their jobs but feel qualified to pass judgment on others) she would not have been doing her job.
With the respect to increases in security, recall that the Republicans refused to provide the additional funding requested for increases in security around the glob as well as in Libya. Beyond that, who thinks Hillary CLinton would be the go to person at the State Department to evaluate security needs at a consulate?
It is a dangerous and crazy world. SInce we have oputposts all over the world, you will see similar attacks in the future as in the past.
With the respect to increases in security, recall that the Republicans refused to provide the additional funding requested for increases in security around the glob as well as in Libya. Beyond that, who thinks Hillary CLinton would be the go to person at the State Department to evaluate security needs at a consulate?
It is a dangerous and crazy world. SInce we have oputposts all over the world, you will see similar attacks in the future as in the past.
33
Hillary is a liar and YES, it does matter. She has no right to be in the White House with her impeached husband and her total lack of morals.
7
Well, we did learn that even some of Sec. Clinton's staff members thought that Susan Rice had "gone off the farm" with the cockamamie spontaneous protest story.
5
This is contrived sarcasm.
18
I feel sort of rude intruding on your string of characterizations regarding Republicans with boorish facts, but I can't help myself.
1. Hillary Clinton's State Department failed to provide adequate security for Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans accompanying him.
2. No one has ever been held accountable for this failure.
3. Hillary Clinton and others in the Obama Administration claimed for weeks after the attack in Benghazi grew our of a protest over an Internet video, even though they knew almost real-time that it was a terrorist attack.
4. During a Congressional inquiry into the cause of the attack, Ms. Clinton's response was, "What does it really matter?"
4. Hillary Clinton and the Obama Administration have systematically resisted producing documents related to the Benghazi attack. For example, the Benghazi Committee just received Ambassador Steven's emails last week.
5. Hillary Clinton stored thousands of government records, including classified materials, on a private server at her home.
6. Hillary Clinton attempted to destroy all emails on the server she did not want made public.
7. Hillary Clinton has lied about her reason for doing business on a private server, falsely claiming that she did so for the convenience of not carrying two devices.
1. Hillary Clinton's State Department failed to provide adequate security for Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans accompanying him.
2. No one has ever been held accountable for this failure.
3. Hillary Clinton and others in the Obama Administration claimed for weeks after the attack in Benghazi grew our of a protest over an Internet video, even though they knew almost real-time that it was a terrorist attack.
4. During a Congressional inquiry into the cause of the attack, Ms. Clinton's response was, "What does it really matter?"
4. Hillary Clinton and the Obama Administration have systematically resisted producing documents related to the Benghazi attack. For example, the Benghazi Committee just received Ambassador Steven's emails last week.
5. Hillary Clinton stored thousands of government records, including classified materials, on a private server at her home.
6. Hillary Clinton attempted to destroy all emails on the server she did not want made public.
7. Hillary Clinton has lied about her reason for doing business on a private server, falsely claiming that she did so for the convenience of not carrying two devices.
9
Ms Dowd, your lead is false. In 11 grueling hours of testimony, Hillary Clinton did not play the victim card for a single second. Meanwhile, if you're going to discuss "grossly inadequate security", you might want to mention the prime reason--Republicans slashing the budget for such security. While you justly mock the "pasty-faced, nasty-tongued white men bullying her", you should realize the single-standard readers of your column are substituting the word "woman" for "men."
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
29
I used tone a big fan of Ms. Dowd. She is a superb writer.
during the Bush years and in her book "Bushworld" she took an almost satirical attitude about the Bush administration. Seeming today, "Look at how absurd this is."
But it is rage and anger she shows again the Clintons and Obama.
She's laid off Obama, even, recently, suggesting he was doing a good job as a lame duckPresident.
But this is a hit piece on Hillary. "Playing the victim." Condescending to the committee." Being concerned when the candidate she was running against for senator assaulted her.
And, most sadly, perpetuating the myth the she neglected Benghazi and Ambassador Stevens.
David Brooks has seen the light. Ms. Doud has gone to the Dark Side.
If I read this column who didn't know the author they would swear it was a Fox News opiniotator. Very strange and very sad.
during the Bush years and in her book "Bushworld" she took an almost satirical attitude about the Bush administration. Seeming today, "Look at how absurd this is."
But it is rage and anger she shows again the Clintons and Obama.
She's laid off Obama, even, recently, suggesting he was doing a good job as a lame duckPresident.
But this is a hit piece on Hillary. "Playing the victim." Condescending to the committee." Being concerned when the candidate she was running against for senator assaulted her.
And, most sadly, perpetuating the myth the she neglected Benghazi and Ambassador Stevens.
David Brooks has seen the light. Ms. Doud has gone to the Dark Side.
If I read this column who didn't know the author they would swear it was a Fox News opiniotator. Very strange and very sad.
35
Regardless of how Hillary fared in this particular hearing on this, one of many scandals that follow her, she is a liar.
She said she had her own server so she wouldn't have to carry multiple devices. Turns out she carried multiple devices anyway.
She said she gave us all her work emails. Since then we have found more and more, as well as a gap early in her SOS tenure.
She said she never sent anything classified. As that started to be proven false, she changed to saying she never sent anything *marked* classified.
She may well skate on this scandal too now that she is back on the standard Clinton M.O. Deny, deny, deny, get caught, apologize and then refuse to discuss it again, claiming it's been covered to death. It has worked for her and Bill so many times.
Character and integrity matter. Hillary lacks both.
She said she had her own server so she wouldn't have to carry multiple devices. Turns out she carried multiple devices anyway.
She said she gave us all her work emails. Since then we have found more and more, as well as a gap early in her SOS tenure.
She said she never sent anything classified. As that started to be proven false, she changed to saying she never sent anything *marked* classified.
She may well skate on this scandal too now that she is back on the standard Clinton M.O. Deny, deny, deny, get caught, apologize and then refuse to discuss it again, claiming it's been covered to death. It has worked for her and Bill so many times.
Character and integrity matter. Hillary lacks both.
8
Furies? Valkyrie? Hawk? Any other cheap, mysogynist shots you'd like to add, Ms Dodd? You may be smarter than the average Republican white male, but you've certainly got all their ugly tricks down.
38
I'm not sure if we watched the same hearing. Mrs. Clinton was barely called on the carpet by incompetent congressmen for her failure to answer that 3 AM call she went on about in her failed presidential bid in 2008. No one asked her if her contribution to the Arab Spring played a significant part in the invasion of Europe currently going on, nor did the ask if her destruction of civil government in Libya also contributed to making that former nation a launching pad for that invasion. It's hard to tell who is the most incompetent. If answering questions from congressmen was the only job of the POTUS Hillary should win but we know that and a whole lot more is not true.
7
I'm not a Hillary fan or hater. Ms. Dowd stated that Hillary's Middle East policy was not in the province of the Committee. The actual event does seem to be "fog of war" related. (Though every now and then the event's proximity to the election does cross my mind) But, she was the point person on the Libya strategy and it was similar to Iraq in that a really bad guy would no longer be around to control things. Clearly there was going to be a power vacuum. She should have been obsessive about it.
4
Hillary's entire political career is based on being a victim? That's the argument?
There's not much intellectual bandwidth in this column.
It's intellectual irrelevance, if not, malpractice, to analyze the hearings on the petty level this does. Not much better than the mile wide-inch deep knowledge of most tv hosts, who couldn't ask a follow-up question if they tried because they know so little of how things work. I see that here.
But the victim premise says it all about Dowd. If that's her take on a quite admirable political career - according to R's in the Senate as well, and, before that, a demonstrated concern for issues she chose to care about (children and women), it says more about Dowd than it does about Hillary.
I like Bernie's ideas, and I hope he moves the national dialog, and her, even more left than he already has. But the long view (which is why Obama will be considered a fine President) tells me that if a Democrat doesn't get elected, and isn't able to appoint our next generation of Supreme Court justices our country is going to get very ugly - and it has had more than its share of ugly periods dating to before its founding. If Hillary's the electable one, she has my vote.
In my view, this column is pretty petty stuff.
That's what's important, not the
There's not much intellectual bandwidth in this column.
It's intellectual irrelevance, if not, malpractice, to analyze the hearings on the petty level this does. Not much better than the mile wide-inch deep knowledge of most tv hosts, who couldn't ask a follow-up question if they tried because they know so little of how things work. I see that here.
But the victim premise says it all about Dowd. If that's her take on a quite admirable political career - according to R's in the Senate as well, and, before that, a demonstrated concern for issues she chose to care about (children and women), it says more about Dowd than it does about Hillary.
I like Bernie's ideas, and I hope he moves the national dialog, and her, even more left than he already has. But the long view (which is why Obama will be considered a fine President) tells me that if a Democrat doesn't get elected, and isn't able to appoint our next generation of Supreme Court justices our country is going to get very ugly - and it has had more than its share of ugly periods dating to before its founding. If Hillary's the electable one, she has my vote.
In my view, this column is pretty petty stuff.
That's what's important, not the
18
Libya was invaded by people who knew little about the country, and either accepted or helped spread misleading propaganda about the internal situation. From every report Ms. Clinton urged the campaign against Libya on a reluctant president, and the result has been a complete, unrelenting disaster. Ms. Dowd is entirely correct to call Ms. Clinton to account for the results of American policy in Libya. It seems that every major decision that Ms. Clinton has taken part in, or even contributed to, has been a failure, to say the least, for the United States and all others concerned. From health care in 1993 to Ms. Clinton's widely reported advice to her husband not to intervene in Rwanda, to the Iraq War, and then the overwhelming humanitarian disaster in Libya. All of this needs to be taken into account when we evaluate Ms. Clinton as the perspective president. For those who don't remember Ms. Clinton spoke about "obliterating Iran" when asked a question about an attack on Israel during the 2008 debates. This should not be the first response of a potential president. I have no confidence in Ms. Clinton's ability to manage the foreign policy of the country, and little faith in her character. It is a deep shame that the GOP has so little to offer in opposition to the frightening potential of Ms. Clinton as president. I can only hope that her ascent is derailed by the present FBI investigation.
3
"As a senator, she made a political vote to let W. invade Iraq. As much homework as she did to get ready for the Libya committee, she chose not to do her homework on Iraq in 2002 — neglecting to read the sketchy National Intelligence Estimate."
Sorry, but this is the only part of the article that rings true, in my opinion. Victim??????? Sorry, never saw that side. But guess I'll never get over the decision to invade vote. That's why my vote will go to Bernie.
Sorry, but this is the only part of the article that rings true, in my opinion. Victim??????? Sorry, never saw that side. But guess I'll never get over the decision to invade vote. That's why my vote will go to Bernie.
4
Maureen Dowd, absolutely unreadable jibberish.
20
Ah, Maureen.
This is how you helped bury Gore and elect Bush. Bob Somerby has you so thoroughly nailed, but the rubes here keep buying it.
This is how you helped bury Gore and elect Bush. Bob Somerby has you so thoroughly nailed, but the rubes here keep buying it.
18
What is the quote? 'Hoist with one's own petard' .
The Conservatives just gave HC the presidency.
Sorry Ms. Dowd, ( not! ) your snark is harmless and makes you look all the more spoilt.
11 hours and all you got is she's not nice. I don't like her!
It's going to be another tough 4 yrs. for ya.
The Conservatives just gave HC the presidency.
Sorry Ms. Dowd, ( not! ) your snark is harmless and makes you look all the more spoilt.
11 hours and all you got is she's not nice. I don't like her!
It's going to be another tough 4 yrs. for ya.
23
Thank you for reminding the readers of Hillary's vote for the Iraq war, albeit tangentially. That "mistake" alone should disqualify her. Imagine her as President making another such "mistake"?
5
Incredible that even Maureen Dowd is willing to not only excuse the prevaricating Ms. Clinton but that she is willing to join her in this LeftLiberalProgressive 'liars club' as well.
2
Maureen. Politically and economically the Republican Party is the greatest threat, internal or external, to our country. . Reagan became President because gullible Americans believed his early stage alzheimer's delusions of "welfare queens." He gave us Reaganomics which brought untold suffering to millions of people with the economic collapse of 2008. Bush#1 became President because of stories about Willy Horton. (It took brain cancer to get Lee Atwater to realize he was a slimeball and to apologize to Dukakis.) Bush #2 became President because of a partisan Supreme Court with a swing vote by Sandra Day O'Connor, which I suspect she regretted on 9/11. Hillary Clinton might "play the victim" or seem "oddly detached" but I believe that she should everything humanly possible, short of physical violence, to keep another Republican out of the White House. Maybe she will succeed at changing the "trajectory" of this nation and end the Age of Reagan and return us to the Age of Roosevelt with a stable well regulated capitalist system, not one that we have to save from itself every so often.
26
Ms. Dowd,
Mrs. Clinton is uniquely the only former 2 term First Lady to be a candidate for President, who also served as a US Senator from New York (not her own Chicago), who was a candidate in 2008 although she lost to President Obama in the primary and she was confirmed and served as the Secretary of State for the largest foreign diplomatic corps in the World. I would have been extremely disappointed if she had not performed with the intelligence and poise that she demonstrated. I don't think there was another woman or man in the United States, other than perhaps Jimmy Carter, who could have performed better.
As a political performance, there could not have been a better script written. I really think this speeded the escalator to the White House. It was almost unfair to Mr. Sanders who has had great policy ideas that address the real issues of the Nation. I am sure that she didn't ask for the GOP attack but it cinched the White House.
I am a little concerned about her ability to keep up the intensity, she has the intelligence and seems to be driven to perfection in her work, it is entirely possible by the time she is elected she will be totally burned out.
Jimmy Carter's op-ed on Syria made me wonder if when Syria became violent & she was Secretary of State did she have the presence of mind to consult with President Carter? I really don't like shipping weapons & killing in every conflict. She must be for peaceful reduction of conflict..
Mrs. Clinton is uniquely the only former 2 term First Lady to be a candidate for President, who also served as a US Senator from New York (not her own Chicago), who was a candidate in 2008 although she lost to President Obama in the primary and she was confirmed and served as the Secretary of State for the largest foreign diplomatic corps in the World. I would have been extremely disappointed if she had not performed with the intelligence and poise that she demonstrated. I don't think there was another woman or man in the United States, other than perhaps Jimmy Carter, who could have performed better.
As a political performance, there could not have been a better script written. I really think this speeded the escalator to the White House. It was almost unfair to Mr. Sanders who has had great policy ideas that address the real issues of the Nation. I am sure that she didn't ask for the GOP attack but it cinched the White House.
I am a little concerned about her ability to keep up the intensity, she has the intelligence and seems to be driven to perfection in her work, it is entirely possible by the time she is elected she will be totally burned out.
Jimmy Carter's op-ed on Syria made me wonder if when Syria became violent & she was Secretary of State did she have the presence of mind to consult with President Carter? I really don't like shipping weapons & killing in every conflict. She must be for peaceful reduction of conflict..
9
All true.
Mrs. Clinton did a remarkably poor job as USA foreign secretary. The murder of the officials in Libya just one of the poorly thought-out and executed actions under her management. That is beside the point however. Most USA foreign secretaries do a much more abysmal job than she.
The nutcase Republicans on this show-trial committee are so stupid that it does not take the political and evasive skills, nor intelligence and knowledge, of someone like Mrs. Clinton to allow those Republicans to reveal how stupid and venal they are. I watched a few moments of the interchanges. Mrs. Clinton always calm, articulate and clear. The questioners anything but that. Those Republicans should be impeached from their roles. Unbelievable waste of tax-payer funds and brazen display of stupidity for anyone with a functioning brain to see.
Mrs. Clinton did a remarkably poor job as USA foreign secretary. The murder of the officials in Libya just one of the poorly thought-out and executed actions under her management. That is beside the point however. Most USA foreign secretaries do a much more abysmal job than she.
The nutcase Republicans on this show-trial committee are so stupid that it does not take the political and evasive skills, nor intelligence and knowledge, of someone like Mrs. Clinton to allow those Republicans to reveal how stupid and venal they are. I watched a few moments of the interchanges. Mrs. Clinton always calm, articulate and clear. The questioners anything but that. Those Republicans should be impeached from their roles. Unbelievable waste of tax-payer funds and brazen display of stupidity for anyone with a functioning brain to see.
8
Libya is still a mess, that says it all.
6
I find it incredible, how Maureen Dowd hates Hillary. I don't really understand it, although I know some people who find her (Hillary) kind of untrusthworthy -- I personally like her, and I am not against anyonw criticizing her, but I can't really fathom the fervour of hatred in Dowd's writings about her. For me it kind of disqualifies her to touch this subject. Hatred is never a good advisor. It simply narrows her vision and lays bare her persona. Maybe she is simply jealous?
44
I don't understand why there is not a huge uproar over the discovery of Clinton's email that night to Chelsea about an AlQuaeda like group and, more importantly, the transcript of her telling the Egyptian prime minister [?] the next day that it was a planned attack and had nothing to do with the internet video. President Obama and she were blaming that video and claiming is resulted from a demonstration for a week or so. It is documented evidence she was lying. The media largely is ignoring it. Imagine if such a document had been discovered in similar circumstances for Dick Cheney or any other republican. Look at what the media did to Christie about a traffic jam when there was no evidence showing misconduct by him.
2
Hind sight is always perfect. It's difficult being in the top job and relying on others to do their job.
There are more than 33000 criminal gangs with more than a million members in the USA. I'm sure as I write their are terrorists residing here, right under our noses. What should we do about this? The prospects for disaster are daunting. Should we give up all our freedoms? Should we walk around heavily armed? Do we need soldiers and check points in our major cities?
This was one of countless judgment calls, Hillary had to make. Apparently, she can handle the stress. That's the kind of person we want to hold the key to the cover over the Nuke button!
There are more than 33000 criminal gangs with more than a million members in the USA. I'm sure as I write their are terrorists residing here, right under our noses. What should we do about this? The prospects for disaster are daunting. Should we give up all our freedoms? Should we walk around heavily armed? Do we need soldiers and check points in our major cities?
This was one of countless judgment calls, Hillary had to make. Apparently, she can handle the stress. That's the kind of person we want to hold the key to the cover over the Nuke button!
17
I wouldn't say that the hearing showed Hillary "playing the victim." When did she complain or feel sorry for herself? If she had "played the victim," it might have been understandable. But she really didn't, unless defending yourself when attacked is playing the victim.
I'd say the hearing did two things: it made people sorry for her, because who can imagine having to endure such a relentless and moronic witch hunt; and it made people more impressed with her, because she came across as calm under pressure and highly competent. The Republicans hoped to manufacture a gaffe or two, but they ended up doing Hillary a favor.
Having said that, just because Maureen Dowd makes everything a matter of personality doesn't mean she's wrong about Hillary Clinton's foreign policy record. Iraq and Libya are two major examples of Hillary throwing her weight behind the rush to war - without, as it turns out, sufficient consideration of the long-term consequences. Many hawkish liberals craft foreign policy based on how they would like the world to be, and not as it actually is. They imagine a world where the American war machine has the intentions humanitarian liberals wish it had, and where it has the capacity and moral authority to change countries halfway around the world in ways that humanitarian liberals desire.
Based on her record, Hillary seems to think this way. Commenters here shouldn't minimize or dismiss that record just because Hillary is so much smarter than the Republicans.
I'd say the hearing did two things: it made people sorry for her, because who can imagine having to endure such a relentless and moronic witch hunt; and it made people more impressed with her, because she came across as calm under pressure and highly competent. The Republicans hoped to manufacture a gaffe or two, but they ended up doing Hillary a favor.
Having said that, just because Maureen Dowd makes everything a matter of personality doesn't mean she's wrong about Hillary Clinton's foreign policy record. Iraq and Libya are two major examples of Hillary throwing her weight behind the rush to war - without, as it turns out, sufficient consideration of the long-term consequences. Many hawkish liberals craft foreign policy based on how they would like the world to be, and not as it actually is. They imagine a world where the American war machine has the intentions humanitarian liberals wish it had, and where it has the capacity and moral authority to change countries halfway around the world in ways that humanitarian liberals desire.
Based on her record, Hillary seems to think this way. Commenters here shouldn't minimize or dismiss that record just because Hillary is so much smarter than the Republicans.
101
To borrow Rep. Rangel's line about the GOP's relentless attacks on President Obama, if Hillary walked on water, Ms. O'Dowd would say she can't swim.
23
Ms. Dowd is right, victimhood plays very well for HRC. If it hadn't been for young intern Monica, HRC would never have run for, much less won, a senate seat from a state where she'd never lived. That said, the GOP rightwing clowns played their role perfectly this time around, affording HRC the same victim's light once more, while completely ignoring fact-based Qs of any importance, most importantly HRC's very vocal support of US war measures against Libya, rendering that nation the state of volatile anarchy that it has become. Military actions are rightwing meat, they love war, and HRC has rarely encountered military action that she didn't approve. She would make a very dangerous president indeed. She and the rightwing GOP will play well together at war abroad.
4
Hillary would have seemed even more presidential if she had been able to suggest improvements to security for State Department staff in dangerous places.
1
Eleanor Roosevelt once said that a woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water. Hillary Clinton is probably one of the strongest women we'll see in this day and age. You may or may not like her, but you'll never underestimate her.
308
Val in Brooklyn, NY
Gotta hand it to you, Ms. Dowd. You certainly are predictable.
Christine McMorrow, Larry Eisenberg and Tim B. are correct.
BTW, Tim Kane, you said it before my family member said (I just got to this page). It's jealousy.
Question for you, Ms. Dowd. If there were no legal consequences, would you challenge Hillary to a duel or invite her to meet you in an alley somewhere to duke it out?
Submitted 10-25-15@1:42 a.m. EST
Gotta hand it to you, Ms. Dowd. You certainly are predictable.
Christine McMorrow, Larry Eisenberg and Tim B. are correct.
BTW, Tim Kane, you said it before my family member said (I just got to this page). It's jealousy.
Question for you, Ms. Dowd. If there were no legal consequences, would you challenge Hillary to a duel or invite her to meet you in an alley somewhere to duke it out?
Submitted 10-25-15@1:42 a.m. EST
6
There were mistakes made. Why does everything democratic have to ba a scandal.
5
The "Call the Midwife" references were appropriate. There is a nerdi-ness about her,
1
I've been disappointed recently with the Washington Post so I tried the Times tonight. Those commenting are crazy for Clinton. I feel like I'm at Fox News and the far right. Here, instead, is the ugliness of the far left. It leaves no room for criticism either... which is not so different than Mrs. Clinton not being willing to admit her mistakes... just like Mr. Trump. So while they look so different, in reality, both desire power and control for their own gains...
3
I guess Ms.Dowd you can't get past her vote on Iraq. Or is it that she stayed with Bill after Monica. There are plenty of sacred cows to go after besides Mrs. Clinton.
4
As always, you let her off to easy...
1
So, it doesn't matter to many who have posted that Hillary lied to the faces of the families of the four men who died in Benghazi. She lied purely for her future run for President. She looked into the eyes of wives, mothers and fathers of the four dead Americans and lied with her typical cold hearted detached sociopathic talking points. What an apathetic society we have become. What if your son or husband had requested more protection over 600 times? What if your loved one was murdered serving our country? These men should be honored and their families should get honest answers. Will you only care and understand if one of your loved ones is murdered? Yet you are impressed by a woman who can deflect, lie and do as she pleases with no consequences. A woman who truly believes she is entitled and is above the law. What a sad commentary for our country. Those who admire her "strength" and ignore the decades of scandals, lies and cover-ups will no doubt appoint her royal highness to the throne she feels entitled to. Stop this political dynasty
4
The Committee made a huge mistake, born of the small-mindedness of the members, in not having all the questioning done by counsel instead of the members. That would then have been serious examination of the kind one would find in a federal courtroom. The members would then, however, have had to give up their bit of publicity on the tube, which they could not do. The fact is, it is not very hard to hold your own as a witness before a Congressional committee. During about a ten-year period in government I testified, often before hostile committees, dozens of times. I found that when Congressmen do the questioning you are always at an advantage because you know much more than they do about the subject and you are much better prepared. Plus they only have a few minutes and cannot follow a line of questioning very far. Nor do they coordinate as they are all prima donnas. In most cases they got the questions from their staff and can't really follow up effectively. It is quite a different story on the few occasions when a committee submerges its egos and turns the job over to their counsel.
7
Hillary Clinton played no victim. Where does Ms. Dowd come up this stuff. Did she even bother to watch Hillary on Thursday?
20
This article is distorting Hillary Clinton’s record:
Iraq. Hers was not an unconditional endorsement of a U.S. attack but, rather, her conditional support of using our forces if warranted. Like Colin Powell and most of us, she did not know that Iraq’s alleged possession of WMDs was based on Dick Cheney’s fabrications rather on CIA’s assessment.
Libya. Our involvement in Lybia was limited to bombing raids to prevent a genocide orchestrated by Muammar Gaddafi. He was ousted in the Libyan Civil War, not as result of military action by the U.S. The ensuing chaos in Libya is the result of civil unrest, not of bungling by the U.S.
Handling of classified information. This is material that a government body treats as sensitive information requiring protection of confidentiality, integrity, or availability. Documents are typically marked as restricted, confidential, secret and top secret. The choice of level is based on an impact assessment. There is no evidence that any of the emails received or sent by Ms. Clinton were marked as classified. Retrospective claims that she received emails containing classified/classifiable information point to failures by their originators not her.
Reliance on a private server. Her preference, perfectly legal at the time, was motivated by the notorious unreliability and vulnerability to hacking of the government alternative.
Iraq. Hers was not an unconditional endorsement of a U.S. attack but, rather, her conditional support of using our forces if warranted. Like Colin Powell and most of us, she did not know that Iraq’s alleged possession of WMDs was based on Dick Cheney’s fabrications rather on CIA’s assessment.
Libya. Our involvement in Lybia was limited to bombing raids to prevent a genocide orchestrated by Muammar Gaddafi. He was ousted in the Libyan Civil War, not as result of military action by the U.S. The ensuing chaos in Libya is the result of civil unrest, not of bungling by the U.S.
Handling of classified information. This is material that a government body treats as sensitive information requiring protection of confidentiality, integrity, or availability. Documents are typically marked as restricted, confidential, secret and top secret. The choice of level is based on an impact assessment. There is no evidence that any of the emails received or sent by Ms. Clinton were marked as classified. Retrospective claims that she received emails containing classified/classifiable information point to failures by their originators not her.
Reliance on a private server. Her preference, perfectly legal at the time, was motivated by the notorious unreliability and vulnerability to hacking of the government alternative.
13
there's something even more annoying than readers complaining about M Dowd hitting on H Clinton... that's M Dowd hitting on H Clinton
9
White men? Relevant? No, it just shows the shallowness of her thinking.
3
If one cannot distinguish between a president Hillary Clinton and a President Trump, Carson, or Cruz, then there is no hope left on the left.
I am a child of the Old Left, and am in deep sympathy with Bernie's positions. (Indeed, as my father came from Brooklyn, that touch of accent in Bernie's speech adds to the charm). But I am old now, and a realist who has seen too many fine ideals either go down to defeat or curdle into cynicism. I fear that a Republican presidency now --- considering that a major component of that party is close to fascism ---is a serious threat to the survival of our nation (not to mention the world).
With all its acknowledged faults and failures, I feel that the US has been a good place to be ---- certainly we Jews have thrived here as nowhere else in our history of the last 2000 years. It has been bad enough that the radical reactionaries have taken over many state governments and that they have a propaganda apparatus in Fox News that would turn Goebbels green with envy. Should they capture the Federal government I can foresee only catastrophe.
Who would you prefer to be appointing the next SCOTUS judges, and who would you trust with access to the nuclear codes, Hillary, or any of the unhinged maniacs now leading the GOP primary polls? And who really believes that Bernie, bless him, could carry places like Florida, Ohio, and Virginia that are essential to a presidential victory?
I am a child of the Old Left, and am in deep sympathy with Bernie's positions. (Indeed, as my father came from Brooklyn, that touch of accent in Bernie's speech adds to the charm). But I am old now, and a realist who has seen too many fine ideals either go down to defeat or curdle into cynicism. I fear that a Republican presidency now --- considering that a major component of that party is close to fascism ---is a serious threat to the survival of our nation (not to mention the world).
With all its acknowledged faults and failures, I feel that the US has been a good place to be ---- certainly we Jews have thrived here as nowhere else in our history of the last 2000 years. It has been bad enough that the radical reactionaries have taken over many state governments and that they have a propaganda apparatus in Fox News that would turn Goebbels green with envy. Should they capture the Federal government I can foresee only catastrophe.
Who would you prefer to be appointing the next SCOTUS judges, and who would you trust with access to the nuclear codes, Hillary, or any of the unhinged maniacs now leading the GOP primary polls? And who really believes that Bernie, bless him, could carry places like Florida, Ohio, and Virginia that are essential to a presidential victory?
21
Dowd is always at her best when she is dismantling HRC's phony persona. To say Hillary is the lesser of two evils, when pitted against the Tea Party, is not a compliment, but a lament. Hillary is truly despicable, but not in a likable, Donald Trump or Bill Clinton way. More like Jadis, from The Chronicles of Narnia. If she ends up being President, it will be always winter, never Christmas....
3
Gee, I guess the guys at the Washington Monthly have it right. You really do look for any excuse you can find to bash the Clinton's. Those aren't exactly their words but it gets the point across. I just never saw it before. This piece feels not only mean spirited but just plain wrong. How is it that she was playing the victim card. I mean, I am a Bernie fan. But she had a great debate and road that wave right into the halls of Congress. Seemed like she presented a great example of an empowered, smart, able leader. I guess I just don't get it. You could argue it wasn't a fair fight. But playing the victim? That's how she got such favorable reviews afterward. Wow! That's deep...as in deeply misguided and wrong.
21
*
*
I watched much of Secretary Clinton's testimony to try to figure out WHY these US Representatives keep grilling her. In the course of watching, I think I may have figured it out:
Most of the louder Republican politicians these days were teenagers -- idolizing Ronald Reagan -- when the beribboned Lt. Col. Oliver North told a Congressional Committee about a "neat idea" he had heard. These wannabe pols needed someone to look up to because Reagan was a doddering embarrassment by that point. Who did they pick? North.
After North testified, their teenage libidos were sparked by the stylish Fawn Hall, who had shredded documents, used her undergarments to smuggle material out of a secure office, and told the Committee she agreed with the person who had told her, "Sometimes you have to go above the written law." I was a law student, and was fascinated at the dual concept that "outside the law" (in legalese, "illegal") was suddenly "above the law"; and that people can just decide these things for themselves because they hold Presidential appointive office or high military rank (or both), which in legalese is called "anarchy".
The teens of 1987 who became GOP Representatives are, I theorize, teed off at the Democrats for making National Hero North and National Heroine Hall sit in the witness chair for so long. And so, they're getting their revenge on a woman who in 1973 was a staffer for Sam Ervin's Watergate Committee.
You can't blame John Boehner for leaving that crew behind.
*
I watched much of Secretary Clinton's testimony to try to figure out WHY these US Representatives keep grilling her. In the course of watching, I think I may have figured it out:
Most of the louder Republican politicians these days were teenagers -- idolizing Ronald Reagan -- when the beribboned Lt. Col. Oliver North told a Congressional Committee about a "neat idea" he had heard. These wannabe pols needed someone to look up to because Reagan was a doddering embarrassment by that point. Who did they pick? North.
After North testified, their teenage libidos were sparked by the stylish Fawn Hall, who had shredded documents, used her undergarments to smuggle material out of a secure office, and told the Committee she agreed with the person who had told her, "Sometimes you have to go above the written law." I was a law student, and was fascinated at the dual concept that "outside the law" (in legalese, "illegal") was suddenly "above the law"; and that people can just decide these things for themselves because they hold Presidential appointive office or high military rank (or both), which in legalese is called "anarchy".
The teens of 1987 who became GOP Representatives are, I theorize, teed off at the Democrats for making National Hero North and National Heroine Hall sit in the witness chair for so long. And so, they're getting their revenge on a woman who in 1973 was a staffer for Sam Ervin's Watergate Committee.
You can't blame John Boehner for leaving that crew behind.
17
This column epitomizes "damning with faint praise". Ms. Dowd, Hillary Clinton has now shown, hands down, that she is the person who is best qualified to be President of the United Stares. Period.
21
Interesting to see a NY Times columnist skewering Clinton for messing up on the Iraq vote, when NYT itself was successfully led down the wrong path by Cheney and used to build the case for attacking Iraq.
Not to justify her vote, but those were the times (post-9/11) when the country was behind its President and willing to take on the terrorists "anywhere".
Not to justify her vote, but those were the times (post-9/11) when the country was behind its President and willing to take on the terrorists "anywhere".
12
Wait a minute. It was the Brits and French who were eager to go into Libya and asked the US to help with airborne intelligence. We're always criticizing our leaders for going into war without our allies, but we were supposed to be reject our allies' call for help? Against a dictator who was killing his own people? It's amazing how the Fourth Estate is re-writing history -- and then rewriting the rewrite: Bush the Elder should have come to the aid of the Shiites when they rebelled against Saddam, who proceeding to gas and bomb them. But Bush II should have left Saddam in power instead of blasting him out of the way -- because it was clear to everyone (in the press) that ISIS would slaughter everyone. You guys should write the news before it occurs so we'd be able to keep up with you.
9
Another MD hit piece on HRC where she - again - talks about the private emails but does not mention her dear friend, Caroline Kennedy, doing the same thing in her current professional position. Two words, double standard.
9
Hillary only left the Republicans "reeling" if you're too darn stupid to take notice of her blatant mendacity. Get it, Maureen?
3
Hillary isn't a victim. She allowed the GOP to embarrass themselves and their voters. Gowdy and the boys looked like fools,lazy fools. The victims are the American public who are hoping to get bridges repaired or the debt ceiling approved.
27
If her Republican opponent gets in her space in an overbearing way
I think not - sneering - disrespectful - low life way is more like it.
I think not - sneering - disrespectful - low life way is more like it.
3
Years back while watching a TV interview l'affaire Monica Lewinsky I was astounded by Hillary poise in handling the critical interview.
Undoubtedly she has extraordinary leadership quality that set her apart from the crowd of Presidential aspirants.
Gifted she is, one hopes as the leader of the sole super power, she realizes the world is moving lightening fast away from "Best Ambassador is a Man of War" medieval mind set.
Gun boat diplomacy itself needs to be challenged. The problem of Benghazi is not one of management. Both sides endorsed and supported the intervention in Libya. Since that time, there has been an expansion into Syria and other parts of the Middle East.
Gifted leader of Hillary caliber would have surely re calibrate American interventionist policies for the sake of world peace.
"Where the U.S. once judged political events in the Third World as they related to the broader context of U.S.-Soviet relations, that no longer needs to be a principal determinant for U.S. policy. Freed of the strategic necessity to view every regional crisis as an emerging East-West battleground, the United States now has the freedom to make realistic Judgments about the importance of Third World events to the vital interests of the nation" http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a256442.pdf
Undoubtedly she has extraordinary leadership quality that set her apart from the crowd of Presidential aspirants.
Gifted she is, one hopes as the leader of the sole super power, she realizes the world is moving lightening fast away from "Best Ambassador is a Man of War" medieval mind set.
Gun boat diplomacy itself needs to be challenged. The problem of Benghazi is not one of management. Both sides endorsed and supported the intervention in Libya. Since that time, there has been an expansion into Syria and other parts of the Middle East.
Gifted leader of Hillary caliber would have surely re calibrate American interventionist policies for the sake of world peace.
"Where the U.S. once judged political events in the Third World as they related to the broader context of U.S.-Soviet relations, that no longer needs to be a principal determinant for U.S. policy. Freed of the strategic necessity to view every regional crisis as an emerging East-West battleground, the United States now has the freedom to make realistic Judgments about the importance of Third World events to the vital interests of the nation" http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a256442.pdf
6
I wonder where Republicans might have gotten the idea that nakedly bashing Hillary, without the cover of facts or logic, would be something they could sell to the public.
Where, oh where could that idea have come from, Maureen Dowd? What could have led them to think that Hillary Clinton elicits a reflexive gag from the public, Maureen Dowd? What kind of person could think that merely waving around the name "Sidney Blumenthal" serves as a form of indictment, Maureen Dowd?
The Benghazi committee ripped the veil from Republican pretense of rationality and fairness for the thousandth time. That's what this column does for a member in good standing of the Times' staff.
Where, oh where could that idea have come from, Maureen Dowd? What could have led them to think that Hillary Clinton elicits a reflexive gag from the public, Maureen Dowd? What kind of person could think that merely waving around the name "Sidney Blumenthal" serves as a form of indictment, Maureen Dowd?
The Benghazi committee ripped the veil from Republican pretense of rationality and fairness for the thousandth time. That's what this column does for a member in good standing of the Times' staff.
20
So according to democrats and liberals, Benghazi is just crazed republicans trying to bring Hillary down, How dumb,
So it doesn't matter to Democrats that they were fed line after line of lies about a "Youtube Video" to cover up the attack, Hillary lied about the cause of the attacks, never admitted where that lie started, and repeated that Youtube Video lie over and over. Democrats don't care.
Democrats don't even care that Hillary is lying to them as well..
Hillary Lied about her server, her Emails, clearly poor judgment, obviously a means for Hillary to cover her steps, democrats don't care.
Hillary has a history of people dying to coverup her crimes. Democrats don't care.
Hillary tried to DESTROY Every woman that BILL CLINTON slept with, but Hillary will spout a pack of lies made up by democrats called the "War on Women".. What a joke.
Hillary is a disgrace. Democrats that support Hillary are a disgrace.
As least Bernie Sanders is not a criminal. He's a crazy socialist who doesn't realize that capitalism made the USA great, but he honestly believes his platform. Hillary's entire life is a lie.
Hillary herself can't even name one accomplishment while SOS..
Don't believe me? Ask her.
So it doesn't matter to Democrats that they were fed line after line of lies about a "Youtube Video" to cover up the attack, Hillary lied about the cause of the attacks, never admitted where that lie started, and repeated that Youtube Video lie over and over. Democrats don't care.
Democrats don't even care that Hillary is lying to them as well..
Hillary Lied about her server, her Emails, clearly poor judgment, obviously a means for Hillary to cover her steps, democrats don't care.
Hillary has a history of people dying to coverup her crimes. Democrats don't care.
Hillary tried to DESTROY Every woman that BILL CLINTON slept with, but Hillary will spout a pack of lies made up by democrats called the "War on Women".. What a joke.
Hillary is a disgrace. Democrats that support Hillary are a disgrace.
As least Bernie Sanders is not a criminal. He's a crazy socialist who doesn't realize that capitalism made the USA great, but he honestly believes his platform. Hillary's entire life is a lie.
Hillary herself can't even name one accomplishment while SOS..
Don't believe me? Ask her.
3
So putting up with the idiotic GOP is playing the victim? They even admitted they were a lynch mob. Maybe having a brain is a fatal flaw that our present president and our future president Clinton have in common. Lady Hillary will be this nations next president because no matter what is thrown at her she maintains her focus on her family, our Democratic party, and our country.
16
Of all the 270, was there a bigger, more dangerous 'exception' at that time, than Libya? Did it make a "...difference, at that point?" Would you believe her answer, anyway?
1
Did Maureen Dowd watch the same hearing I did? Apparently not, from this rant of a column.
16
Many of you who support Clinton (certainly not due to her accomplishments - you cannot name one) somehow failed to connect that this occurred weeks before the election after Obama claimed terrorism was on the run. Even though Clinton emailed Chelsea under an assumed name to explain it was a terrorist act hours after it happened, she came up with the often repeated lie that the attack was the result of a video, not an act of terrorism, to support Obama's pre-election claim. She repeated this lie to the grieving family members as the caskets of the four dead heroes were being honored.
Do you not see anything wrong with a cold blooded government employee who puts her party before the truth?
Do you not see anything wrong with a cold blooded government employee who puts her party before the truth?
4
I didnt see it this way at all. I saw Hillary exposed as lying about the video, her ambassador asked for help over 600 times -she didnt respond, and a few other smaller things she ,until the hearing-lied about or fabricated differing stories.
This woman is so power hungry its pathetic. Like Rom Fournier stated- we are in for many more years of the Clintons sleaze and denying the truth if she is elected.
God Help Our Country. We need You now.
This woman is so power hungry its pathetic. Like Rom Fournier stated- we are in for many more years of the Clintons sleaze and denying the truth if she is elected.
God Help Our Country. We need You now.
3
Greg Hicks, the senior State Department official on the ground in Libya during the attack on our consulate, told Hillary Clinton while the attack was going on that the video had nothing to do with the attack.
After being briefed by Hicks about the attack in Benghazi, Hillary then emailed her daughter Chelsea & told her that our consulate in Benghazi was under attack by an al Qaeda like group.
Propagandists (a.k.a., professional liars) have spun the lie that lack of funding was responsible for embarrassing lack of security for our personnel in Benghazi. But most people discovered that story was false when Charlene R. Lamb, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, testified under oath before Congress that lack of funding had nothing to do with the State Department's decisions to deny 600 requests for more security in Benghazi.
A state Department memo documents that the day after Hillary’s duplicitous statement blaming the video for the attacks, she told Egypt’s Prime Minister that the video had nothing to do with the attacks.
The attacks in both Egypt & Benghazi had been planned for months to take advantage of the Muslim Brotherhood's gains in Egypt & the volatile conditions caused by the overthrow of Gadaffi.
After being briefed by Hicks about the attack in Benghazi, Hillary then emailed her daughter Chelsea & told her that our consulate in Benghazi was under attack by an al Qaeda like group.
Propagandists (a.k.a., professional liars) have spun the lie that lack of funding was responsible for embarrassing lack of security for our personnel in Benghazi. But most people discovered that story was false when Charlene R. Lamb, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, testified under oath before Congress that lack of funding had nothing to do with the State Department's decisions to deny 600 requests for more security in Benghazi.
A state Department memo documents that the day after Hillary’s duplicitous statement blaming the video for the attacks, she told Egypt’s Prime Minister that the video had nothing to do with the attacks.
The attacks in both Egypt & Benghazi had been planned for months to take advantage of the Muslim Brotherhood's gains in Egypt & the volatile conditions caused by the overthrow of Gadaffi.
4
600 calls for security; so why was he there?
Don't you get it, he made the call to go there, knowing he didn't have the security. Why dump that on Hillary? She can't say it, and no one else seems to want to, but unfortunately, Ambassador Stevens made the call and it cost him his life. That is the answer to the Bengazi hearing that no one wants to say out loud.
Don't you get it, he made the call to go there, knowing he didn't have the security. Why dump that on Hillary? She can't say it, and no one else seems to want to, but unfortunately, Ambassador Stevens made the call and it cost him his life. That is the answer to the Bengazi hearing that no one wants to say out loud.
13
The Republicans on the Select Committee failed miserably, so Maureen Dowd has to show them how it is done. Maureen, of course, is a lot more effective. But even she had to go back to Hillary's humiliation at the hands of her philandering husband, and her vision of a foreign policy more robust than Obama's (but nowhere near the bloodlust that passed for the foreign policy of the Bush/Cheney administration). In any case, what does those things have to do with Ben Ghazi? As I watched the hearings on TV, I admired the temperament and intelligence of the woman who, I hope, will be our next president. And despaired of the future of our country if left to the likes of Trey Gowdy and his henchmen.
24
Good characterization of the U.S. facility in Bengazi as "the Bengazi compound", for it certainly wasn't a consulate. Rather, it was a TMF: temporary mission facility, which might have prompted the committee to ask why Ambassador Stevens was sent to a TMF--not a consulate, but they did not ask Mrs. Clinton that question. Moreover, TMFs are not privy to the same kind of security protocol as U.S. Consulates are, so why wasn't that information too coughed-up by either the committee or Mrs. Clinton? Finally, as the CIA also was at "the Bengazi compound" (= TMF), why didn't the committee ask for the reason the CIA was in Bengazi? Weapons buy-back after we flooded the region with weapons to take out Muammar?? No real inquiry of Mrs. Clinton by the committee, and no real expertise from the committee on what was really happening in Bengazi at the time. An ambassador at an unarmed TMF, and a CIA waiting in the wings. Hmmm...did these guys get even close to the real story??
9
It's unfortunate that the importance of the email issue is now being belittled because of Benghazi which is mostly a witch hunt (although not completely, it shows, in my opinion, regretful casualness as to the danger the embassy was facing).
The real reason Clinton's server? To hide the ongoing correspondence between her government office, the Clinton Foundation, and foreign governments which sent millions of dollars straight to the foundation in exchange for arms. Saudi Arabia, United States Emirates, Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, Quatar, Oman and Algeria all funneled millions of dollars to the foundation, after which their arms deals were approved by Hillary.
The Benghazi committee suspects as much which is why they were going wild over Sidney Blumenthal who had business dealings in Libya and was profiting from Quaddafi being deposed. That is why they did not want to show the transcripts of Blumenthal's hearing. Apparently they came up empty this time. Nefarious, weasily Blumenthal is probably too smart to get caught by these lead footed idiots. But I do hope said idiots keep digging.
The real reason Clinton's server? To hide the ongoing correspondence between her government office, the Clinton Foundation, and foreign governments which sent millions of dollars straight to the foundation in exchange for arms. Saudi Arabia, United States Emirates, Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, Quatar, Oman and Algeria all funneled millions of dollars to the foundation, after which their arms deals were approved by Hillary.
The Benghazi committee suspects as much which is why they were going wild over Sidney Blumenthal who had business dealings in Libya and was profiting from Quaddafi being deposed. That is why they did not want to show the transcripts of Blumenthal's hearing. Apparently they came up empty this time. Nefarious, weasily Blumenthal is probably too smart to get caught by these lead footed idiots. But I do hope said idiots keep digging.
6
Maureen:
Any one who have read your column on occasion could have easily predicted that you would have a completely negative spin on the hearing, but it sounds like that you were equally upset with the Republican's competency and the fact that Hillary was able to take on the Committee with ease! But all this negative venom may not be good for your health, nor the health of your readers.
Any one who have read your column on occasion could have easily predicted that you would have a completely negative spin on the hearing, but it sounds like that you were equally upset with the Republican's competency and the fact that Hillary was able to take on the Committee with ease! But all this negative venom may not be good for your health, nor the health of your readers.
22
Democrats, Please don't rewrite history, Hillary Clinton voted for the Iraq war. She gave her full support. Liberals, always remember that, or I'll remind you. These posts are as if you don't know Hillary's history,
The worst thing about Hillary is that she can't run away from Hillary.
I don't understand the liberal mindset at all, but I do know right from wrong. If I were a liberal, I'd have to support Bernie Sanders, just because he is at least an HONEST socialist nut.
The worst thing about Hillary is that she can't run away from Hillary.
I don't understand the liberal mindset at all, but I do know right from wrong. If I were a liberal, I'd have to support Bernie Sanders, just because he is at least an HONEST socialist nut.
4
One observation I have not seen in comments, is that Ms. Clinton has been in public service since she was the first lady of Arkansas. Then 8 years as first lady, 8 (?) years a Senator, 4 years as Secretary of State. All of that was service was worth nothing in the eyes of the GOTPers. I wonder if they showed the CEO's of Lehman and Goldman Sachs more respect than Ms. Clinton, who may well add President to her resume. I have also read some of the Ambassador's requests for more security. From what I have seen, they were for only one or a few more men, and would not likely have been enough to deter or defend the post against the attack. Blaming HRC for the actions of these jihadists, emblematic of the violence in this godforsaken region is the height of scapegoating.
13
The Republicans on the committee are either the new Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight or the reincarnation of the 1963 Mets - "Can anyone here play this game?" So what would otherwise have seemed a spitball from Mo looks like chin music. Yes, sympathy has been "engendered" once again (interesting choice of words, there Missy) but Hillary came off to most of the flyover populace as looking way more presidential than anyone in the current Republican clown car of candidates.
13
I can just see Morning Joe and Mika leading off Monday morning's show with Maureens' first line.
4
Any top secret material was not top secret at the time it was sent or received on Hillary's email server. It was only classified later.
10
Maybe it's a function of my age, but watching Hillary Clinton play this committee like a cheshire cat was a pure pleasure. She, like so many of us, has seen the use of such exercises by Congress devolve over the decades from serious efforts to petty partisanship. I've not trusted a one since the day Anita Hill was laid bare in a committee lead by Joe Biden, ironically.
And yes, the messy Clinton marriage, like those of so many baby boomers, still will need to be re-vetted, thanks to strong women like you, Maureen, who still remind us that walking away would always have been a more dignified choice for her.
But here we are. 16 years later. And here she is, knocking junior Senators aside with one hand tied behind her back, and one eye focused on the lint on her lapel.
The empire is striking back...but what if it's really just that old dream that the new deal is real, capitalism does sometimes need to be rescued from itself, and democracy must work for all, not just a few. I'll chip in a few bucks to get C3PO to follow her around for 4 years. May the force be with us.
And yes, the messy Clinton marriage, like those of so many baby boomers, still will need to be re-vetted, thanks to strong women like you, Maureen, who still remind us that walking away would always have been a more dignified choice for her.
But here we are. 16 years later. And here she is, knocking junior Senators aside with one hand tied behind her back, and one eye focused on the lint on her lapel.
The empire is striking back...but what if it's really just that old dream that the new deal is real, capitalism does sometimes need to be rescued from itself, and democracy must work for all, not just a few. I'll chip in a few bucks to get C3PO to follow her around for 4 years. May the force be with us.
6
Great column and true. Clinton missed the mark on Libya but certainly was alone in that. Caught up in the Arab Spring, Obama, his military, and plenty in Congress, thought helping fell Gaddafi was America's duty. In hindsight, that decision, like some before it (think Iraq and Bush), were naive and stupid. It was stupid stuff. Clinton was part of that. If she admitted as much now, she would lose the election. I think leaders can and do make big mistakes. But they have to offer more than their mistakes. Clinton does. That's why I'm voting for her.
5
Maureen, I couldn't agree more. She is responsible and she certainly shouldn't been seen or heard turning it into something that it is not. If I were an ambassador, I would be concerned.
6
You actually make sense. Which is probably why you're not in Congress. Good piece.
4
Well said Maureen. I earlier said I only respect Paul Krugman at the NYT because he speaks truth to power . That is a half truth, you do too. Respect, keep up the good work we need more critical voices that have a memory and independent thoughts like you.
6
"Leading from behind" did try to not make her numero uno architect/planner, though that's what her political enemies are implying as you do too.
And can you imagine the relentless mileage the GOP (& MD?) would have gotten if we didn't participate in their civil war/revolution with our NATO bombing.
They'd be blaming the weak/feckless/irresponsible Obama Administration for not intervening by way of the eloquent punditry of Charles Krauthammer.
Libya is another tragic debacle spawned by the ambitious ideals of the Arab Spring media myth, except apparently only Tunisia has come through successfully.
Chaos/anarchy happens, especially where there are dictatorships being
fought by dis-united people.
And can you imagine the relentless mileage the GOP (& MD?) would have gotten if we didn't participate in their civil war/revolution with our NATO bombing.
They'd be blaming the weak/feckless/irresponsible Obama Administration for not intervening by way of the eloquent punditry of Charles Krauthammer.
Libya is another tragic debacle spawned by the ambitious ideals of the Arab Spring media myth, except apparently only Tunisia has come through successfully.
Chaos/anarchy happens, especially where there are dictatorships being
fought by dis-united people.
5
It appears that the very biased news media has succeeded in convincing most uninformed public that Hill didn't lie even though she admitted it. She literally said that she told her daughter it was a PLANNED terrorist attack yet told the public it was the result of a video about something else.
Talk about how misinformed / stupid we've become that we can't even decipher lies from truths when they're flat out admitted.
Talk about how misinformed / stupid we've become that we can't even decipher lies from truths when they're flat out admitted.
4
"When you are the Valkyrie who engineers the intervention, you can’t then say it is beneath you to pay attention to the ludicrously negligent security for your handpicked choice for ambassador in a lawless country full of assassinations and jihadist training camps."
If, indeed, there had been a significant diplomatic justification for maintaining a consulate in Benghazi after the fall of Muammar el-Qaddafi, what was it?
If, as has been reported, the consulate at Benghazi was retained in service
of covert operations, should our Secretary of State have been tasked with primary and immediate responsibility for in its security?
Recommended reading:
http://www.salon.com/2015/05/28/the_benghazi_outrage_we_actually_should_...
One might recall a quite different Congressional response to the Barracks Bombing in Beirut, Lebanon of 1983.
"There were more than enough opportunities to lay blame for the horrific losses at high U.S. officials’ feet. But unlike today’s Congress, congressmen did not talk of impeaching Ronald Reagan, who was then President, nor were any subpoenas sent to cabinet members. This was true even though then, as now, the opposition party controlled the majority in the House."
-- Jane Mayer
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/ronald-reagans-benghazi
If, indeed, there had been a significant diplomatic justification for maintaining a consulate in Benghazi after the fall of Muammar el-Qaddafi, what was it?
If, as has been reported, the consulate at Benghazi was retained in service
of covert operations, should our Secretary of State have been tasked with primary and immediate responsibility for in its security?
Recommended reading:
http://www.salon.com/2015/05/28/the_benghazi_outrage_we_actually_should_...
One might recall a quite different Congressional response to the Barracks Bombing in Beirut, Lebanon of 1983.
"There were more than enough opportunities to lay blame for the horrific losses at high U.S. officials’ feet. But unlike today’s Congress, congressmen did not talk of impeaching Ronald Reagan, who was then President, nor were any subpoenas sent to cabinet members. This was true even though then, as now, the opposition party controlled the majority in the House."
-- Jane Mayer
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/ronald-reagans-benghazi
8
Before 9/11 the apparatus of the national security state primed and ready: huge military, CIA, NSA, neo-cons in both parties, overzealous supporters of Israel- all ready to avenge humiliations and re-make the Mid-East. 9/11 unleashed it and all sense of restraint. Unless we elected a Eugene McCarthy in 2008 the overseas adventurism would continue. This was Ike's warning came true: the military-industrial complex genie will be impossible to bottle up again.
Of course Stevens should have been supported and monitored. Of course he should have been pulled out. Of course he and his team were victims of our reckless interference in other countries. We need to stop. We don't need to be the world's policeman. For most Americans, the kind of ruthlessness required to impose order and peace throughout the world is not in our nature. We should not try. We should not foster and develop such barbarism in our fellow citizens.
As a Nation, we are devolving into an armed camp, accustomed to gun violence and inured to its tragedies. We train men and women to protect us, ask them to kill in our name. And then we forget them when they come home. We bomb innocents in hospitals and villages, we justify torture, we watch a refugee crisis explode. Atrocities all, and yet we still never finish the job; 10,000 servicemen dead; Countless civilians dead. Stevens, dead. And he won't be the last. And for what?
No more wars. No more arms sales. No more culture of Death.
Of course Stevens should have been supported and monitored. Of course he should have been pulled out. Of course he and his team were victims of our reckless interference in other countries. We need to stop. We don't need to be the world's policeman. For most Americans, the kind of ruthlessness required to impose order and peace throughout the world is not in our nature. We should not try. We should not foster and develop such barbarism in our fellow citizens.
As a Nation, we are devolving into an armed camp, accustomed to gun violence and inured to its tragedies. We train men and women to protect us, ask them to kill in our name. And then we forget them when they come home. We bomb innocents in hospitals and villages, we justify torture, we watch a refugee crisis explode. Atrocities all, and yet we still never finish the job; 10,000 servicemen dead; Countless civilians dead. Stevens, dead. And he won't be the last. And for what?
No more wars. No more arms sales. No more culture of Death.
4
"They must have been mistaking her for W., who always looked as if he wouldn’t know what to say if his notes blew away in the wind."
Ah yes!
I remember well the marathon questioning of W. when he was inquisitioned for more than 11 hours by the Dem's regarding those "missing" WMD's which led to all the horror and death.
Alas, he wasn't prepared for whe he started choking he didn't have any lozenges to suck.
Ah yes!
I remember well the marathon questioning of W. when he was inquisitioned for more than 11 hours by the Dem's regarding those "missing" WMD's which led to all the horror and death.
Alas, he wasn't prepared for whe he started choking he didn't have any lozenges to suck.
8
Many writers apply hindsight to Hillary but not to Bush or Clinton for deaths in Foreign Service employment. Both had far more deaths and problems. Bush in fact refused to testify in public regarding 9/11 and the hearings were a whitewash.
This is nothing but shots at a front-runner--would Lincoln Chafee rate the same air time in front of the committee?
This is nothing but shots at a front-runner--would Lincoln Chafee rate the same air time in front of the committee?
13
I am curious when Dowd transformed from a Hillary attacker into a Hillary defender. No matter
What I think Democrats should concern themselves with is the FBI investigation. 2 separate inspector generals requested this which means Democrats can't invoke a witch hunt by Republicans. The FBI is independent
Having said I'd like Dowd to explain why it took 20 FOI lawsuits to get the State Department and Hillary to turn over documents. How do you defend her lying at her March 11 press conference that she never sent or received confidential emails. They've retrieved over 400. Hillary says that the emails were not tagged. Doesn't it stand to resson that as the head they were?
I would also like Dowd to explain why Hillary obstructed justice and lied during the investigation and.to explain the newly discovered servers. Finally, can Dowd prove the the servers had the same firewalls as the State Department and if not what she had was approved IT people? Thank you
What I think Democrats should concern themselves with is the FBI investigation. 2 separate inspector generals requested this which means Democrats can't invoke a witch hunt by Republicans. The FBI is independent
Having said I'd like Dowd to explain why it took 20 FOI lawsuits to get the State Department and Hillary to turn over documents. How do you defend her lying at her March 11 press conference that she never sent or received confidential emails. They've retrieved over 400. Hillary says that the emails were not tagged. Doesn't it stand to resson that as the head they were?
I would also like Dowd to explain why Hillary obstructed justice and lied during the investigation and.to explain the newly discovered servers. Finally, can Dowd prove the the servers had the same firewalls as the State Department and if not what she had was approved IT people? Thank you
2
I think I finally understand Dowd. She's writing about comic book characters like superheros and evil villains. Hillary is the Lady Hawk that spawned a fledgling democracy in the Arab world. And the Benghazi committee republicans are the pasty faced Vultures attempting to clip the Hawk. It's all great fun and entertaining. And the part about the poor victim Hawk growing up on "sympathy engendered", well that don't quite fit but hey its a good yarn.
2
This southern fried attempt to use a congressional committee to suppress a free election for President in 2016 must be figorously countered by all means available under law and the Constitution. The former slave colonies and their Jim Crow heirs must not prevail against the Union under the disguise of Republicans.
Hillary Clinton is the single standard this week who blunted this century's Pickett's charge let by South Carolina's Gowdy. Shame on all of these states that send such to our Capitol. They have done more to advance the cause of the murderers of Libya than the attack on the consulate.
Hillary Clinton is the single standard this week who blunted this century's Pickett's charge let by South Carolina's Gowdy. Shame on all of these states that send such to our Capitol. They have done more to advance the cause of the murderers of Libya than the attack on the consulate.
10
The contempt spewed forth in this column isn't as tedious and obnoxious as watching Trey Gowdy. But it's close.
Still talking about Monica more than 20 years later, Ms. Dowd? Zzzzzz.
If Hillary negotiated world peace, Ms. Dowd would find some sarcastic bon mot to try yet again to level her.
It wouldn't work.
Still talking about Monica more than 20 years later, Ms. Dowd? Zzzzzz.
If Hillary negotiated world peace, Ms. Dowd would find some sarcastic bon mot to try yet again to level her.
It wouldn't work.
16
Funny, I didn't see victim Hillary during the 4+ hours that I watched. Instead I saw a composed and knowledgeable stateswoman, confident, articulate. civil, respectful and almost inhumanly patient while being grilled by a group of highly agitated Republicans with blood lust in their eyes. I have always admired both Clinton's love of politics and their skill and practicality demonstrated navigating both calm waters and the increasingly choppy seas of the highly partisan American political system. Hillary Clinton came away from this Republican inquisition looking more Presidential than ever. She possesses more diplomacy acumen, intelligence and communication skills in her fingernail than all the Republican candidates combined. She would get my vote in a New York minute, if nominated.
23
Maureen: Do you dare to question the absolute rightness of our beloved former Secretary of State? Are you suggesting that she was all show and no substance, that she couldn't have picked Ambassador Stevens out of a line-up, that she was more concerned about helping Sid than saving Stevens? And worst of all, are you suggesting that the video didn't "cause" the Benghazi tragedy? No dessert for you!
4
Sentence one: she's not a victim of any legitimate inquiry.
3
Perhaps the NYTimes is finally going to be able to criticize the Democrats? Even the most beloved children can be scolded by their parents and in this case, Clinton did a poor job in Libya.
BTW, the remarks about "pasty white men" is really pandering disguised as humour. The foreign policy disaster of Libya, Syria and the Middle East, squarely owned by this administration, will reverberate for decades.
BTW, the remarks about "pasty white men" is really pandering disguised as humour. The foreign policy disaster of Libya, Syria and the Middle East, squarely owned by this administration, will reverberate for decades.
2
Had there been classified information on my unclassified computer ...I would have been wearing a pair of handcuffs within 48 hours .....this women had decision oversight on what went on her computer ....the buck should have stopped with her....how much intel that those countries have that wish us harm only they a know...and this week revelation of the CIAs directors computer breach reveals total disregard for information security ...Like Give away checkers ...this administration is playing a one sided give away of national security information.
5
Hillary playing the victim? Are you kidding, Maureen? What I saw instead was a warrior. Deft, dispassionate, even cunning. She displayed an impressive arsenal of weapons that she brought to the table: namely, a command of the topics discussed; a self-confidence that resulted from her thorough preparation; and a complete control of her emotions.
That her adversaries on the committee had been 'outed' by McCarthy's slip of the tongue only added to her self-confidence. Where her adversaries were hostile she was unmoved. Where they were passionate she was cool. I have no doubt here yoga helped. I have no doubt her refusal to evince even a hint of weariness over the 11 hours was intentional. In the end, Maureen, the figure that most resembled a victim was Goudy, not Hillary.
That her adversaries on the committee had been 'outed' by McCarthy's slip of the tongue only added to her self-confidence. Where her adversaries were hostile she was unmoved. Where they were passionate she was cool. I have no doubt here yoga helped. I have no doubt her refusal to evince even a hint of weariness over the 11 hours was intentional. In the end, Maureen, the figure that most resembled a victim was Goudy, not Hillary.
34
Whatever else that is wrong in the world that you can you blame her for- there is one thing that we should give her some credit.
She remembered to bring the lozenges.
She remembered to bring the lozenges.
3
It's time to say goodbye to the Clinton / Bush age of politics.
What no one points out when they read this article is that it's all so partisan and polarizing. Criticize Obama, people bring up Bush. Criticize any Republican and people bring up Clinton. The article itself sounds like someone describing a boxing match. Doesn't anyone long for a story about politics, for the first time in 20 years, that talks about someone getting along to get something done?
When a country gets like this, it is time for fresh blood. Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter. We need a President that is new, stable and dead center.
What no one points out when they read this article is that it's all so partisan and polarizing. Criticize Obama, people bring up Bush. Criticize any Republican and people bring up Clinton. The article itself sounds like someone describing a boxing match. Doesn't anyone long for a story about politics, for the first time in 20 years, that talks about someone getting along to get something done?
When a country gets like this, it is time for fresh blood. Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter. We need a President that is new, stable and dead center.
3
You have to hand it to the Chairman of the Committee. His opening statement was a wonderful display of compassion. Here is man driven by his deep desire to find the truth and to hold those accountable who might be responsible for the death of four Americans.
Strange though that his thirst for truth seems to be so limited to this one issue. Take his opening statement and replace "four" with "4850" and "Benghazi" with "Iraq" and you have an adequate opening for a congressional investigation this country will never see
Strange though that his thirst for truth seems to be so limited to this one issue. Take his opening statement and replace "four" with "4850" and "Benghazi" with "Iraq" and you have an adequate opening for a congressional investigation this country will never see
4
Enough, Maureen. Lay off Hillary.
She's not your enemy, as much as you despise her, she's the best hope we have for a decent president.
She's smart.
She's articulate.
She can think on her feet.
She can be funny.
She is knowledgeable.
She is experienced.
What more do you want? The leader of the free world should be someone with all her attributes.
She can also withstand hours of nastiness, stupidity, and plain nastiness thrown at her, as evidenced by the lame Republicans she faced this week.
She's not your cup of tea? Please tell us who of those in the running can come close to making you proud to have as your President?
She's not your enemy, as much as you despise her, she's the best hope we have for a decent president.
She's smart.
She's articulate.
She can think on her feet.
She can be funny.
She is knowledgeable.
She is experienced.
What more do you want? The leader of the free world should be someone with all her attributes.
She can also withstand hours of nastiness, stupidity, and plain nastiness thrown at her, as evidenced by the lame Republicans she faced this week.
She's not your cup of tea? Please tell us who of those in the running can come close to making you proud to have as your President?
34
Being Secretary of State is not like being governor or even senator. One is serving the president and carrying out an administration's policy, with less capacity for "independent" action. Certainly, the experience itself is a plus for a presidential candidate. Still, we'd all be well-served by a more thorough discussion of what Secretary Clinton did or did not accomplish as Secretary of State, how her tenure compares with that of other recent Secretaries, and how our global relationships and some of the world's hotspots developed -- for better or worse -- during her tenure. The obsession with Benghazi and the emails, the Republican clown circus, and the lack of a full primary field all combine to deny the American public a discussion that would be very useful about the woman who may well be the next president.
107
Is there any way the committee can question Donald Trump for 11 hours? I really think they deserve the treatment he would be sure to give them.
8
There seemed to be little discussion of what happened that day in Benghazi. No mention of the number of people who actually were part of the attack. Or how many military persons (not allowed by Libya in any case) would have been needed to defend the "satellite" embassy. And even if they had what might have been adequate numbers of armed people there, would some or all have perished in the attack? These installations must act autonomously to some extent since the minute by minute activities cannot be controlled remotely, No plan however thought out or clever is fool proof.
1
Hillary Clinton made the Republican members of the Benghazi Committee look like a pack of howling baboons. Gowdy's Three Ring Partisan Witch Hunt was such a debacle that if Trey was in possession of one shred of decency he would have resigned his seat the monent the hearing ended.
17
I think Ms. Dowd has brought a whole new nuance to "damning with faint praise." Even in a column that ostensibly about Hillary's superb Benghazi hearing, she digs and digs. I know that you're very disappointed that Joe Biden didn't grab at your presidential tease, but really Maureen, get over it. Hillary playing the victim? How about you stop playing the bully?
33
Hillary is headed for a fall. It's just a matter of time. The truth has a way of exposing itself in the most curious ways.
3
It appears that most of these posts are from coolaid-drinking lefties that desperately want Hillary in the White House. She is guilty, at minimum, of leveraging non-secured / non-DOD secured systems to transmit SCI / SoS business. If that were ANYONE else, that person would have been frog-walked into a deep and dark prison cell for 10+ years. But she is the NYT's darling and thr NYT-fans are pulling-hard to make her the next POTUS.
You will probably win, because most voters are lemmings. Good luck, when things get ugly.
You will probably win, because most voters are lemmings. Good luck, when things get ugly.
4
Maureen, I LOVED "Teanderthal," but suspect it might have been squandered on anyone who doesn't acknowledge the fact of human evolution. The belittling "Lilliputian" was mildly redundant, as the committee's pettiness was already abundantly evident.
One of the more disappointing aspects of this proceeding was the lack of discipline and inattention to time constraints, with the chairman and others referring to a "next round" of questioning, even as the hearing entered its eleventh hour.
It is indeed unfortunate that this was not an actual judicial proceeding where a plethora of redundant interrogation could have been summarily dispatched with the simple objection that a question had already been "asked and answered."
Instead, we were treated to a bunch of good old boys admitting all too often that "I know you [Mrs. Clinton] answered this question before..." I mean, it's one thing to waste the People's time and treasure, but these guys had the arrogance and audacity to waste it repeatedly.
One of the more disappointing aspects of this proceeding was the lack of discipline and inattention to time constraints, with the chairman and others referring to a "next round" of questioning, even as the hearing entered its eleventh hour.
It is indeed unfortunate that this was not an actual judicial proceeding where a plethora of redundant interrogation could have been summarily dispatched with the simple objection that a question had already been "asked and answered."
Instead, we were treated to a bunch of good old boys admitting all too often that "I know you [Mrs. Clinton] answered this question before..." I mean, it's one thing to waste the People's time and treasure, but these guys had the arrogance and audacity to waste it repeatedly.
7
Embassies and missions are unsafe in countries today with terrorists and suicide missions , lack of government control etc. This is no longer like in the Cold War when there was more control of the population.
However, the NY Times listed FIVE US Ambassadors let alone the rest of the staff have been killed since the early 1970s. It is listed in this summary immediately after the attack of Sept 11 2012 in Bengazi http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/world/middleeast/us-envoy-to-libya-is-...
A more accurate summary of the Bengazi attack is in Wikipedia.
Embassies should be protected with full cooperation of US military and CIA should advise no US events on Sept 11. Rooms that can be set on fire with one Molotov cocktail should contain an oxygen breathing mask like we have in every airplane and a flashlight to get out.
The hearing was not about how to avoid dangers and since that time we have abandoned the embassy in Yemen and not stood our ground - we might want to at least try to stand up to the terrorist with lots of planning and cooperation.
5 Ambassadors dead in the new era since 1970s ? More planning should be done and less talk about Hillary's emails by Congress, military, CIA ,President, and Hillary.
However, the NY Times listed FIVE US Ambassadors let alone the rest of the staff have been killed since the early 1970s. It is listed in this summary immediately after the attack of Sept 11 2012 in Bengazi http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/world/middleeast/us-envoy-to-libya-is-...
A more accurate summary of the Bengazi attack is in Wikipedia.
Embassies should be protected with full cooperation of US military and CIA should advise no US events on Sept 11. Rooms that can be set on fire with one Molotov cocktail should contain an oxygen breathing mask like we have in every airplane and a flashlight to get out.
The hearing was not about how to avoid dangers and since that time we have abandoned the embassy in Yemen and not stood our ground - we might want to at least try to stand up to the terrorist with lots of planning and cooperation.
5 Ambassadors dead in the new era since 1970s ? More planning should be done and less talk about Hillary's emails by Congress, military, CIA ,President, and Hillary.
3
wow Hillary cut her entourage down to eight or so for this hearing … usually she has about 40 in attendance …
1
You might be able to undermine her in your column, but she would demolish you in court. She's one helluva lawyer.
I thought she was magnificent with the hideous committee. So did her biographer, Carl Bernstein.
I thought she was magnificent with the hideous committee. So did her biographer, Carl Bernstein.
14
I watched with disgust and enjoyed it at the same time. American style democracy!
If I could I would vote for Bernie Sanders, with HC as his back bone.
If I could I would vote for Bernie Sanders, with HC as his back bone.
Maureen as usual nailed it. Pointing out some facts wherein Hilary dropped the ball with respect to Libya in her role as secretary of state. On the other hand her republican inquisitors on the panel were an embarrassment and not yet ready for prime time.
3
You are absolutely right Maureen. About the colossal incompetence of the GOP leadership in Washington and in the State Department's finger on the ball after Qaddafi was deposed.
It's actually true that Hillary did not call the shots on security and she could have pulled the mission. Regarding staying in touch with the ambassador there are robust communications setups for each of the 170 foreign post to stay in touch with Washington and they do not have to depend on a direct line first to the Secretary.
Hillary followed Obama's doctrine of not setting up another nation-building enterprise in Libya and if you recall no other European country or the UN marched in.
We are looking at a colossal lack of governance competence and good example throughout the Arab world and around the rim of the Mediterranean and in the Middle East.
Think about the oppression found in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt -- almost all of the Muslim countries and in Israel. It's due to convoluted constitutions and in the case of the Muslim nations a fear by its leaders that they face assassination if they seek to separate religion from the state -- essentially if they seek not to enforce oppressive religious laws against women and even men who may get canned if they don't go to Friday prayers.
This dysfunction covers an enormous part of the world's populations. It is an unsustainable condition because we live on a space ship that is in trouble.
It's actually true that Hillary did not call the shots on security and she could have pulled the mission. Regarding staying in touch with the ambassador there are robust communications setups for each of the 170 foreign post to stay in touch with Washington and they do not have to depend on a direct line first to the Secretary.
Hillary followed Obama's doctrine of not setting up another nation-building enterprise in Libya and if you recall no other European country or the UN marched in.
We are looking at a colossal lack of governance competence and good example throughout the Arab world and around the rim of the Mediterranean and in the Middle East.
Think about the oppression found in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt -- almost all of the Muslim countries and in Israel. It's due to convoluted constitutions and in the case of the Muslim nations a fear by its leaders that they face assassination if they seek to separate religion from the state -- essentially if they seek not to enforce oppressive religious laws against women and even men who may get canned if they don't go to Friday prayers.
This dysfunction covers an enormous part of the world's populations. It is an unsustainable condition because we live on a space ship that is in trouble.
3
Yes, Maureen. Hillary voted for the Iraq war and helped create the chaos in Libya. And there are legitimate questions about her actions as Secretary of State. But her performance at the hearing was so impressive that many doubters are simply at a loss for words. Obviously, not you though, Maureen. You have plenty to say. On a day when she seemed to soar to stratospheric heights, leaving the reptilian Republicans foundering in the deep ooze, you could have at least spared her the mean-spirited carping of your column. There are many Americans who do not love, or even like, Hillary. But they cannot fail to see her decency, dignity, poise and intelligence. The hearing was such a wonderful gift from her enemies. If you have enemies like these, who needs friends?
26
Oddly enough, Maureen, between you and the Republicans, your unjustified attacks are helping to swell the ranks of Hillary Clinton's supporters.
Your personal animus and incessant criticism of Hillary is tipping over to her side those who have been on the fence.
So thanks, MoDo, for the unintended gift.
Your personal animus and incessant criticism of Hillary is tipping over to her side those who have been on the fence.
So thanks, MoDo, for the unintended gift.
20
I intend to vote for whomever the Democrats nominate in 2016, but Hillary's in-your-face performance before those twisted Republican interrogators made me feel much better about my intended vote. As did Dowd's review of the event. I specifically want a president with some capacity for viciousness. "Everyone's gotta kill their own snakes," as the saying goes, and after watching her perform I have great confidence Hillary can kill or maim her own tendency toward egotism and revenge, as well as hold her own with the evil serpents in the international political arena.
312
Perfectly put. Thanks for finding the right way to hold both the Republicans and Hillary accountable.
3
She was well prepared, she wasn't uptight, she kept her cool instead of smacking them over the head, she was Presidential.
Well done.
But, how do you square the "friend" who doesn't have your "email"? Do any of you Hillary supporters have friends who don't have your email address?
Well done.
But, how do you square the "friend" who doesn't have your "email"? Do any of you Hillary supporters have friends who don't have your email address?
1
Bullseye Maureen. A lot of the NYT readers won't like it, but you really nailed it. Good job.
6
Maureen makes a valid point about Hillary's seemly detached posture toward Chris Stevens once he was assigned as the ranking DOS official in Libya. If Mr. Stevens was truly a friend to which she gave a very difficult and dangerous assignment in highly visible and unstable country one would think she would be checking in with him somewhat regularly to hear first hand how it was going from him. It is not exactly the kind of leadership style would inspire confidence from others who could be in or sent in harms way.
5
If growly Gowdy wanted to do something useful for the country and 'get her' at the same time, he would've held hearings on Libya policy. But then again, that would've nailed his republican colleagues too, like Graham, McCain and the rest of the our 'special ally' chorus. Since neither party is interested in good policy for America if it means upsetting their 'donors', we have to settle for the theatrics.
11
What is the practical outcome sought by bashing Hillary at this point in time? Bernie Sanders is bright, knowledgeable about domestic issues, honest and as admirable a candidate as one could hope for as a human being. Can he win in this country where he is a self admitted democratic socialist when all that most people hear is "Socialist" - a dirty word in this country since the Cold War. He has no chance to be president in this right of center nation. Then look to the right and what one sees is a group of GOP candidates that is not only incompetent, they are downright scary. I have never been a great Hillary supporter, and she has made some serious miscalculations for sure. As did Bil Clinton, Lyndon Johnson and JFK. But as of today, and after especially after an admirable performance under real stress, in front of many people whose sole objective was her political assassination, we need to solidify around the best choice for a Democratic candidate in front of us. That person is Hillary.
11
"Trey Gowdy and his blithering band of tea-partiers went on a fishing expedition, but they forgot to bring their rods — or any fresh facts."
The blindness of the left is astonishing. In the hearing it was revealed that the administration KNEW there was no protest over some stupid you tube video. They were lying through their teeth as the Hillary emails make clear - she knew that night it was an Al Qaeda "affiliate". A man went to prison over that video - completely phony and tyrannical. So yeah, there were some fresh facts. Like HIllary emailing her daughter national security information with the alias "Diane Reynolds". The Clintons are still slippery.
The blindness of the left is astonishing. In the hearing it was revealed that the administration KNEW there was no protest over some stupid you tube video. They were lying through their teeth as the Hillary emails make clear - she knew that night it was an Al Qaeda "affiliate". A man went to prison over that video - completely phony and tyrannical. So yeah, there were some fresh facts. Like HIllary emailing her daughter national security information with the alias "Diane Reynolds". The Clintons are still slippery.
5
Hillary Clinton voted for war in Iraq and refuses to tax the plutocrats at the same high rate that the rest of us pay. She does not deserve our support.
The only candidate who clearly wants to do things that level the playing field is Bernie Sanders. To see what we should do, go to YouTube and watch Comedy Party Platform (2 min 9 sec). Compare Bernie's platform and Hillary's. Then send a buck to Bernie and invite me to speak to your group. Thanks.
The only candidate who clearly wants to do things that level the playing field is Bernie Sanders. To see what we should do, go to YouTube and watch Comedy Party Platform (2 min 9 sec). Compare Bernie's platform and Hillary's. Then send a buck to Bernie and invite me to speak to your group. Thanks.
4
This column is one of the best that Ms. Dowd has ever written. It is not only exceptionally insightful and informative, but very well written.
My views of Hillary Clinton have evolved over the years. I believe that President William Clinton was one of our great Presidents, and that he endured pathological hostility from the Republican bullies, incomprehension from "progressives," and perhaps indifference from the rest (i.e., nearly all of us).
(I also believe that President Obama has become one of our great Presidents, especially during the past two years, and also because of Obamacare and the modest stimulus in 2009.)
But I lot faith in Hillary after she voted for the Iraq war, which for me was the defining issue of the era. Ms. Dowd is right: She did it to appease the Republicans and to appear "tough." But she will never appease them, and the US has wasted monumental resources on its military interventions, making matters worse where we should not be at all.
Seeing Hillary at this committee hearing, however, reminded me of the relentless harassment and ugly bullying that she has had to endure for a lifetime from the hateful right-wing bigots, who know no decency but prattle on opportunistically about their warped "values."
i will vote for Hillary. but I do not like her hawkish tendencies or lawyerly equivocations. I want massive spending on infrastructure, less spending on the military, free trade, climate-change policies, and renewable energy.
My views of Hillary Clinton have evolved over the years. I believe that President William Clinton was one of our great Presidents, and that he endured pathological hostility from the Republican bullies, incomprehension from "progressives," and perhaps indifference from the rest (i.e., nearly all of us).
(I also believe that President Obama has become one of our great Presidents, especially during the past two years, and also because of Obamacare and the modest stimulus in 2009.)
But I lot faith in Hillary after she voted for the Iraq war, which for me was the defining issue of the era. Ms. Dowd is right: She did it to appease the Republicans and to appear "tough." But she will never appease them, and the US has wasted monumental resources on its military interventions, making matters worse where we should not be at all.
Seeing Hillary at this committee hearing, however, reminded me of the relentless harassment and ugly bullying that she has had to endure for a lifetime from the hateful right-wing bigots, who know no decency but prattle on opportunistically about their warped "values."
i will vote for Hillary. but I do not like her hawkish tendencies or lawyerly equivocations. I want massive spending on infrastructure, less spending on the military, free trade, climate-change policies, and renewable energy.
6
If her husband humiliates her with a girlfriend in the Oval Office,
----------------------------
"If?" It's happening now, as Maureen well knows. The question is: will it continue when he is First Husband? Regardless, as George Will and his bowtie said when Hillary announced her candidacy, "The thought of Bill Clinton back in the corridors of power with too much time on his hands must give one pause."
----------------------------
"If?" It's happening now, as Maureen well knows. The question is: will it continue when he is First Husband? Regardless, as George Will and his bowtie said when Hillary announced her candidacy, "The thought of Bill Clinton back in the corridors of power with too much time on his hands must give one pause."
2
Ms. Dowd japes, "They must have been mistaking her for W., who always looked as if he wouldn’t know what to say if his notes blew away in the wind."
--------------------------
Not to mention Obama, known for his fetishization of the teleprompter. "Never elect a president who can't give a speech without a teleprompter!", Donald Trump told an adoring crowd of thousands on the Jacksonville waterfront on Saturday. (As his notes almost blew away in a spanking breeze off his quarter, I should add.) His remarks about Hillary were similarly trenchant. He not only looked vital, and supremely confident, he looked Presidential.
--------------------------
Not to mention Obama, known for his fetishization of the teleprompter. "Never elect a president who can't give a speech without a teleprompter!", Donald Trump told an adoring crowd of thousands on the Jacksonville waterfront on Saturday. (As his notes almost blew away in a spanking breeze off his quarter, I should add.) His remarks about Hillary were similarly trenchant. He not only looked vital, and supremely confident, he looked Presidential.
Ms. Dowd,
We get it. Hillary has some serious shortcomings that we need to be concerned about, but haven't you finished grinding that ax yet?
We get it. Hillary has some serious shortcomings that we need to be concerned about, but haven't you finished grinding that ax yet?
9
Just wondering... but given that the committee seemed "lame," and just about everyone agrees that it has not been constructive, why do you have to get your information from the Republicans? eg. "600 requests from J. Christopher Stevens’s team to upgrade security in Benghazi in 2012 and 20 attacks on the mission compound in the months before the Sept. 11 siege." Maybe its true, or maybe it is a partisan shading, but aren't we reading this column because you do the fact checking?
4
She stood next to the coffins of of the dead and lied to the families. Not to protect national security. Not ease their pain. She lied to protect her political career.
And some of you want this....creature....to be our next POTUS.
Yes, it's political. It was political from the moment Clinton and Obama realized that she would be forced to resign in disgrace and he would lose the 2012 election. They concocted this insane video story to protect themselves from the fallout.
Six weeks. That's all they needed to insure the election. The story didn't unravel until it was too late.
And some of you want this....creature....to be our next POTUS.
Yes, it's political. It was political from the moment Clinton and Obama realized that she would be forced to resign in disgrace and he would lose the 2012 election. They concocted this insane video story to protect themselves from the fallout.
Six weeks. That's all they needed to insure the election. The story didn't unravel until it was too late.
3
She didn't "play" anything. She stood up to bullies and clearly showed to the nation that she is not going to take it. That is character and that's the kind of character I like to she in my president.
Anyone watching her during those long hours had any doubts that she would run the country well? I would gladly vote for her if she would be the nominee and I hope she would be the one.
Anyone watching her during those long hours had any doubts that she would run the country well? I would gladly vote for her if she would be the nominee and I hope she would be the one.
10
Even Dowd agrees that when it came to the security of the embassy in Lybia and the safety if the ambassador, Hillary faiiled, and that is the crix of the issue. The House did get tot he real issue and it will eventually be agreed that there needs to be oversight of the person given oversight of the safety of our people. No one person or lone Secratary of State can be trusted with making the right decision when it comes to the safety of americans overseas. No one person should have the right to deny life liberty and the pursuit of happiness to an american citizen, including the secratary of state, and Hillary proved that and she also proved she is not fit to be comander in chief when she fails to accept responsibility for their safety and blames others.
4
What happened in Libya is unfortunate. But there have been embassy bomblings and loss of life before, but I don't recall the Congress establishing mulitple committees and holding 11 hour hearings to ferret out the details from the previous Secretaries of State. Therein lies the problems for the Republicans.
As for GOP's concern about Embassy security, this from the Washington Post's Dana Milbank on Oct 9, 2012: "For fiscal 2013, the GOP-controlled House proposed spending $1.934 billion for the State Department’s Worldwide Security Protection program — well below the $2.15 billion requested by the Obama administration. House Republicans cut the administration’s request for embassy security funding by $128 million in fiscal 2011 and $331 million in fiscal 2012. (Negotiations with the Democrat-controlled Senate restored about $88 million of the administration’s request.) Last year, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned that Republicans’ proposed cuts to her department would be 'detrimental to America’s national security' — a charge Republicans rejected."
The GOP's "concern" for embassy security is quite underwhelming.
As for GOP's concern about Embassy security, this from the Washington Post's Dana Milbank on Oct 9, 2012: "For fiscal 2013, the GOP-controlled House proposed spending $1.934 billion for the State Department’s Worldwide Security Protection program — well below the $2.15 billion requested by the Obama administration. House Republicans cut the administration’s request for embassy security funding by $128 million in fiscal 2011 and $331 million in fiscal 2012. (Negotiations with the Democrat-controlled Senate restored about $88 million of the administration’s request.) Last year, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned that Republicans’ proposed cuts to her department would be 'detrimental to America’s national security' — a charge Republicans rejected."
The GOP's "concern" for embassy security is quite underwhelming.
19
There is no escaping the fact she ignored over 600 pleas for help from the Benghazi compound in favor of her buddy Sid who was seeking to make money there. All the platitudes in the world given by the Leftist press will not erase the stain of blood on her hands of our Ambassador and those other three brave souls.
5
You must have been taking several breaks during these hearings and failed to ascertain what really happened in order to fit your long narrative about Hillary Clinton.
Please, don't try to lay the blame for Libya as a failed state at Clinton's doorstep. Libyans decided for themselves the path that has unfortunately devolved into chaos after having elected moderates after the overthrow of a dictator.
Hillary Clinton showed during these hearings her mastery of the job she was appointed to and her empathy for the 70,000 people who worked for her while she was Secretary of State. One could easily tell her respect and admiration for the career diplomats serving and sacrificing overseas.
By your character assassination of Hillary Clinton while admitting the same of House Republicans, you do this newspaper a disservice while also undermining your own credibility.
Please, don't try to lay the blame for Libya as a failed state at Clinton's doorstep. Libyans decided for themselves the path that has unfortunately devolved into chaos after having elected moderates after the overthrow of a dictator.
Hillary Clinton showed during these hearings her mastery of the job she was appointed to and her empathy for the 70,000 people who worked for her while she was Secretary of State. One could easily tell her respect and admiration for the career diplomats serving and sacrificing overseas.
By your character assassination of Hillary Clinton while admitting the same of House Republicans, you do this newspaper a disservice while also undermining your own credibility.
14
We notice that commentary which wanders too closely to Hillary's life-long craven service to herself, and to her Uber-Wealthy fellow tribalist plunderers of America's People, usually Never makes it into NYT comment threads. We will see.
3
Maureen Dowd claims that Hillary Clinton used "the sympathy engendered (by her husband's affair) to launch a political career." Pulleeze.
Ms. Clinton launched her political career upon the foundation of an excellent academic background (Wellesley, Yale Law), having been named one of the most powerful women attorneys in the country while at the Rose Law Firm, and with hard work, diligence, and an ear for the problems and concerns of the people of New York when she was elected, then re-elected, United States senator from that state. And then she served as a very effective secretary of state.
Ms. Clinton earned her place in American politics Enough with Maureen Dowd's cheap shots.
Ms. Clinton launched her political career upon the foundation of an excellent academic background (Wellesley, Yale Law), having been named one of the most powerful women attorneys in the country while at the Rose Law Firm, and with hard work, diligence, and an ear for the problems and concerns of the people of New York when she was elected, then re-elected, United States senator from that state. And then she served as a very effective secretary of state.
Ms. Clinton earned her place in American politics Enough with Maureen Dowd's cheap shots.
19
Working class men, particularly those in their teens and twenties, will have a very hard time adjusting to President Hillary. She will need to make husband Bill a permanent special ambassador to them.
2
What Hillary wishes she'd never said in 2007: "When you elect me, you get two of us for the price of one!" Yes, that's the problem. The Ozark Dynasty is back, with God knows how much baggage this go-round. "Why Not the Best?", Jimmy Carter titled his book. Well, why not, Democrats?
3
Her performance (and it was a performance) during the hearing neither helped or hindered her campaign. Except with the 8%-10% of undecided independents.
We shall have to look at the polling over then next few weeks to see what impact it had on that key demographic.
We shall have to look at the polling over then next few weeks to see what impact it had on that key demographic.
2
Teanderthals are the lest evolved of the CONservative Republicants.
2
Why don't you call it what it is Ms. Dowd?
An abuse of power by petty, bumbling unprepared faux nihilists who use their supposed hatred of government to hide their epic ineptitude and clear contempt for the American people they're elected to serve.
They don't hate government. They're unqualified hacks incapable of doing an honest day's work representing the public interest. They only know how to plot and scheme and hatch devious plans because they assume everyone else is as unethical and deceitful as they are.
Frankly, I'm a Bernie guy but Hillary Clinton was nothing short of magnificent during the marathon monkey trial conducted by a cabal of rank amateurs. She was poised, commanding and exposed the majority party as the clueless posers they really are.
Hillary Clinton crushed it Ms. Dowd. That's the story here.
An abuse of power by petty, bumbling unprepared faux nihilists who use their supposed hatred of government to hide their epic ineptitude and clear contempt for the American people they're elected to serve.
They don't hate government. They're unqualified hacks incapable of doing an honest day's work representing the public interest. They only know how to plot and scheme and hatch devious plans because they assume everyone else is as unethical and deceitful as they are.
Frankly, I'm a Bernie guy but Hillary Clinton was nothing short of magnificent during the marathon monkey trial conducted by a cabal of rank amateurs. She was poised, commanding and exposed the majority party as the clueless posers they really are.
Hillary Clinton crushed it Ms. Dowd. That's the story here.
24
Great lead photo. So much in one image...the wagons (semi-) circled...microscopes (& blow-torches) at the ready...and Hillary at the hub of it all, and with a Cheshire cat grin that says (cue rap beat) "You can't touch this"...she's absolutely in her element. And what is here "element"? Words and more words. And given the infinitely textured nature of language, and if you knew the answer to each question (from a bunch of rank amateurs) before they were asked, wouldn't you grin to the heavens and say "thank you"!
3
Why does Maureen Dowd hate Hilary Clinton so much? Seriously, this has been going on for decades now. On the surface this is a very supportive column, but it doesn't take much to read between the lines.
10
"Nobody plays the victim like Hillary."
I don't know what Dowd saw, but this is ridiculous. Clinton was calm under pressure, reasoned, respectful (in the face of attacks barely disguised as inane "questions"), unfazed by the partisan witch hunt presented as an investigation. I don't agree with some of her positions (I prefer Bernie), but I was impressed with how she handled herself.
Hillary is light years ahead of every Republican candidate. She is more than qualified to be president. And she will be ready to deal with the party of "No" when they inevitably try to undermine her and our government.
I don't know what Dowd saw, but this is ridiculous. Clinton was calm under pressure, reasoned, respectful (in the face of attacks barely disguised as inane "questions"), unfazed by the partisan witch hunt presented as an investigation. I don't agree with some of her positions (I prefer Bernie), but I was impressed with how she handled herself.
Hillary is light years ahead of every Republican candidate. She is more than qualified to be president. And she will be ready to deal with the party of "No" when they inevitably try to undermine her and our government.
22
Ms. Dowd seems to have harbored mixed motives when she was writing this column. Her antipathy toward Hillary is well-known. However, because the Republicans were both so obvious in their efforts to take down Hillary (as opposed to using the hearing to help diagnose the source of the security failure and determine the best way to prevent such incidents in the future), and failed so badly in their efforts to do so, Ms. Dowd had to at least genuflect toward the prevailing narrative that the Republicans badly over-reached.
Then, despite her criticism of the Republicans on the panel, she shows no hesitation in shifting direction and parroting their talking points, including the canard that Hillary must have been detached about Stevens because he didn't have her personal cell phone number. In addition to their other weighty tasks, the Secretary of State should be held responsible for security at our State Department outposts? I am assuming from this column that Ms. Dowd is not an expert in the operations of the State Department. And as her primary rival for the Democratic nominations so memorably said, enough about the damn emails.
In the end, Ms. Dowd obviously decided that the best of all worlds, at least in this case, was to assume the worst all parties.
Then, despite her criticism of the Republicans on the panel, she shows no hesitation in shifting direction and parroting their talking points, including the canard that Hillary must have been detached about Stevens because he didn't have her personal cell phone number. In addition to their other weighty tasks, the Secretary of State should be held responsible for security at our State Department outposts? I am assuming from this column that Ms. Dowd is not an expert in the operations of the State Department. And as her primary rival for the Democratic nominations so memorably said, enough about the damn emails.
In the end, Ms. Dowd obviously decided that the best of all worlds, at least in this case, was to assume the worst all parties.
10
Since the UN only recognises 195 countries, and the US 196, it would be interesting to know what were the other 75 countries whose US ambassadors Hillary Clinton thought she was the boss of?
3
Ms. Dowd, you have held Hillary Clinton accountable for the disaster she created in Libya and her culpability for the death of Ambassador Stevens in a few column inches, which the Republicans in their hysteria couldn't accomplish in years with multiple committees. This is long overdue, as is the frank talk about George Bush's culpability for 9/11, courtesy Donald Trump. (Next, Obama and Boston?) Politicians of both parties have presided over the disaster that is the Middle East, enacting the same policies over and over, with impunity. Nothing will ever change there until accountability of elite "experts" and the pols who keep listening to them takes precidence over party loyalty. THANK YOU!!
1
Maureen - if you and others really want to get to the bottom of this please ask the Committee why the CIA has not testified in over 18 months? Guess who was head of the CIA then? Yep Gen. Petraeus and we know how busy he was with his side piece. The Benghazi compound was a CIA outpost so why in heavens name the CIA has not yet testified? The credibility of this committee is zero, zilch, nada.
Sorry Maureen I suspect there were other things happening which Stevens was a part of that probably shouldn't come to light - you know like covert CIA operations?
Sorry Maureen I suspect there were other things happening which Stevens was a part of that probably shouldn't come to light - you know like covert CIA operations?
19
Snow White did well against the Republican dwarfs out to get her. Enough already with Benghazi. There is nothing new to report. The crunch will come with the FBI report on her emails. If it is sufficiently critical, she will crash. If not, she will be our next President,
4
I know Hillary must have had a pretty good day because Fox News, which had been rubbing its hands and smacking its lips for months in anticipation of this hearing, ended its coverage hours before the other cable networks. That was a beautiful thing.
24
"Nobody plays the victim like Hillary."
Hillary doesn't have to "play" the victim. She is and has been the victim of a right-wing conspiracy from the time she entered politics on the national level with her husband. The Clinton were accused of murder and drug running. Her husband victimized her with infidelity and shame. The Benghazi committee was just another example of how she has been victimized by every weapon Republicans can muster. And more is to come in the coming months.
Although Ms. Dowd rightly dumps on the infamous Gowdy committee, she repeats many of the same lame charges against Hillary leveled by its obnoxious members. It would be hard to measure whether the Republicans on the committee despise Hillary more than Dowd.
Hillary doesn't have to "play" the victim. She is and has been the victim of a right-wing conspiracy from the time she entered politics on the national level with her husband. The Clinton were accused of murder and drug running. Her husband victimized her with infidelity and shame. The Benghazi committee was just another example of how she has been victimized by every weapon Republicans can muster. And more is to come in the coming months.
Although Ms. Dowd rightly dumps on the infamous Gowdy committee, she repeats many of the same lame charges against Hillary leveled by its obnoxious members. It would be hard to measure whether the Republicans on the committee despise Hillary more than Dowd.
19
If it can be demonstrated that Hillary has lied to the committee than it should amplify Hillary's reputation for dishonesty. Now there is a sizable pool of sound bytes of Hillary lying and cackling like a witch in Macbeth. Michael Bay's Benghazi film will only make matters worse. The qualities of her performance are irrelevant if she has dug her hole deeper. Feminists are delusional if they think this was good for her...
1
It puzzles me why so many seem shocked, shocked that Ambassador Stevens did not have Secretary Clinton's personal email or cellphone number. He was her employee. He followed protocol by contacting the security officials within her administration. Why was it her fault if her employees in that security department didn't heed his requests? I used to run a fairly large company. My employees didn't have my personal contact information and followed the company protocol for requests/ideas projects. I don't think my organization was unusual in this - it's how companies/government/military organizations are run. Why would the State Department be any different?
547
Are Republicans really so stupid as to think this was going to anything but help Hillary? Maybe they'd prefer Hillary, the candidate who they know, while saying she'll reign in Wall Street, won't actually do so, over Bernie who actually will reign in Wall Street.
You really have to feel sad for the families of the people killed at Benghazi. There really are important issues about that tragedy that both Hillary and the GOP are making into a political football. Particularly odious is Hillary's "Victory Lap" including the huge amount of money her campaign raised based on her wonderful "performance".
You really have to feel sad for the families of the people killed at Benghazi. There really are important issues about that tragedy that both Hillary and the GOP are making into a political football. Particularly odious is Hillary's "Victory Lap" including the huge amount of money her campaign raised based on her wonderful "performance".
3
Fact is Mrs. Clinton dropped the ball in Libya. Yes, she handled the featherweight marvel Gowdy handily but she dropped the ball. Do we really want her as President of the United States? That is the pressing question in 2016.
7
Very good insights and writing. Grandstanding amateur Republicans wasting time and money. Hilary's mojo is back. Maureen has done what Gowdy and 11 hours did not - illuminate that there were 600 requests to upgrade security and 20 attacks - that is a top management function and what we should be evaluating in a possible President.
2
America is not post racial. It is post political.
3
If there are only 195 countries then how did she govern ambassadors in 270?
4
"She seemed oddly detached about Stevens, testifying that he didn’t have her personal email or cell number"
She is being criticized for using private server and now being criticized for not giving her private email address and phone purpose? For what purpose this would be used by Mr. Steven- official business?
She is being criticized for using private server and now being criticized for not giving her private email address and phone purpose? For what purpose this would be used by Mr. Steven- official business?
16
It speaks volumes of the sad state of the Republican party that a columnist in the hated liberal New York Times can make the case for Hillary's ineptness in Libya more effectively and succinctly than they can. The main reason I cannot bring myself to support Hillary is her atrocious record in foreign policy - reflexively hawkish and cynically political. I have no doubt that if (probably when) elected president, she'll march us into another war.
As far as the following passage is concerned:
"Republican Lilliputians, who were completely oblivious to the fact that Hillary is always at her most potent when some Teanderthal is trying to put her in her place."
They don't care. They, and their supporters, cannot fathom in their tiny minds that they helped Clinton immensely with their circus act. For them, what matters is the support and validation of conservative media and the yahoos who vote in primaries. They think that's what Real America is comprised of. The fact that Hillary came off sympathetic for the average not-political-junkie citizen (you know, the ones who make up the majority of the electorate) does not register with this bunch.
As far as the following passage is concerned:
"Republican Lilliputians, who were completely oblivious to the fact that Hillary is always at her most potent when some Teanderthal is trying to put her in her place."
They don't care. They, and their supporters, cannot fathom in their tiny minds that they helped Clinton immensely with their circus act. For them, what matters is the support and validation of conservative media and the yahoos who vote in primaries. They think that's what Real America is comprised of. The fact that Hillary came off sympathetic for the average not-political-junkie citizen (you know, the ones who make up the majority of the electorate) does not register with this bunch.
10
I had determined years ago not to vote for Hillary--in part because her Senate office was unable to solve a problem I had with the No Fly List. I then went to Senator Schumer's office, and my problem was solved in a day.
Flash forward to right now. Given the clownish, inept, ridiculous, and frightening (I'm talking about you, Senator Cruz) candidates the Republicans are offering, Hillary looks better every day.
Flash forward to right now. Given the clownish, inept, ridiculous, and frightening (I'm talking about you, Senator Cruz) candidates the Republicans are offering, Hillary looks better every day.
18
If sitting in a chair and answering accusatory questions for 10 hours in a calm, matter-of-fact matter is "playing the victim," then I guess Hillary guilty as charge. But, of course, it's not. Quite the opposite, actually.
Dowd seems to agree wholeheartedly with the "clowns" on the select committee. Her only problem with them is their ineptitude in trying to drive up HRC's negatives.
Does anyone really believe Ms. Dowd's notion that HRC was elected to the Senate in New York because voters felt sorry for her having to put up with Bill?
HRC has testified on Ben Ghazi before and a length. So far nothing earth shaking has been unearthed. She used a private email server, as others before her had and as she was allowed to do. She admits that she should not have in hindsight, but we have yet to see any real damage to security as a result. The attack was a terrorist attack which may or may not have been inflamed by a video. That's it.
Dowd seems to agree wholeheartedly with the "clowns" on the select committee. Her only problem with them is their ineptitude in trying to drive up HRC's negatives.
Does anyone really believe Ms. Dowd's notion that HRC was elected to the Senate in New York because voters felt sorry for her having to put up with Bill?
HRC has testified on Ben Ghazi before and a length. So far nothing earth shaking has been unearthed. She used a private email server, as others before her had and as she was allowed to do. She admits that she should not have in hindsight, but we have yet to see any real damage to security as a result. The attack was a terrorist attack which may or may not have been inflamed by a video. That's it.
53
Sometimes, Ms. Dowd, I think you and I are living in parallel universes. You saw someone "playing the victim", I saw a strong woman standing up to the traditional male bully; you saw someone seemingly indifferent to the fates of four Americans, I saw someone who was visibly moved when talking about them. Your columns are often interesting and witty but when you wander off into this miasma of hatred for all things Clinton, you really do lose your way. Of course, you were really spot on in your description of that Republican gang of fools so perhaps our universes do occasionally merge.
79
Your polished viciousness consistently makes your writing most enjoyable to read. Some conclusions:
In retrospect, cutting back on funding for embassy security was not a good idea.
The job of Secretary of State is getting to be too big for any one person to handle.
As a lawyer, Hillary Clinton's view of truthfulness and honesty is the letter of the law rather than its spirit.
In retrospect, cutting back on funding for embassy security was not a good idea.
The job of Secretary of State is getting to be too big for any one person to handle.
As a lawyer, Hillary Clinton's view of truthfulness and honesty is the letter of the law rather than its spirit.
8
> Hillary Clinton is never more alluring than when a bunch of pasty-faced, nasty-tongued white men bully her.
Sexism Maureen. When totally humorless Alabama Congresswoman Martha Roby asked her questions, the contrast between Hillary and the toads became brightest. Woman can make just as stupid and obnoxious Republicans as men, we have Martha to thank for that.
Sexism Maureen. When totally humorless Alabama Congresswoman Martha Roby asked her questions, the contrast between Hillary and the toads became brightest. Woman can make just as stupid and obnoxious Republicans as men, we have Martha to thank for that.
69
After 11 hours of testimony Hillary's defense could be summed as follows: "It's not my job." Warn Chris Stevens of significant danger - "not my job;" respond to over 100 requests for additional security - "not my job;" provide HRC's private email address to Stevens - "not my job;" and on and on.
How does she get away with this and applauded for a job - the only job she does which boils down to self-promotion - by raving fans. In their star blinded eyes not only has HRC sewed up the nomination she has already taken the presidency too. Had any executive in private industry used similar excuse for a major failure under their command they would have been pilloried.
This is sick - really sick.
How does she get away with this and applauded for a job - the only job she does which boils down to self-promotion - by raving fans. In their star blinded eyes not only has HRC sewed up the nomination she has already taken the presidency too. Had any executive in private industry used similar excuse for a major failure under their command they would have been pilloried.
This is sick - really sick.
13
Clearly, Hillary is not into management by exception. Libya was in chaos, and she never spoke directly with her appointment, Amb. Stevens after his May swearing in? Did she hold meetings with Libya on the agenda? When, how many and what actions did she directly take to monitor Libya?
She blames SOS second tier executives, for her security lapse. How did that happened, given Libya's high profile?
Thanks again Ms. Dowd for asking the right questions.
She blames SOS second tier executives, for her security lapse. How did that happened, given Libya's high profile?
Thanks again Ms. Dowd for asking the right questions.
14
Sorry, Clinton's performance, no matter how theatrical will come back to bite her.
Contrast 4 dead Americans, 250,000 dead Syrians, 4,000,000 or more Syrian refugees, a Christian and Yazidi genocide, women horrifically abused, to Clinton's cackle.
Her testimony, e-mails and Ben Rhodes's own word set the table. A video would used to cover up a broad policy failure. A failure amongst others of this administration that has led to the horrors listed above.
To blame Bush for the 2003 invasion and not blame Clinton and company for the horror show in the Middle East right now, is cognitive dissonance at its finest.
Contrast 4 dead Americans, 250,000 dead Syrians, 4,000,000 or more Syrian refugees, a Christian and Yazidi genocide, women horrifically abused, to Clinton's cackle.
Her testimony, e-mails and Ben Rhodes's own word set the table. A video would used to cover up a broad policy failure. A failure amongst others of this administration that has led to the horrors listed above.
To blame Bush for the 2003 invasion and not blame Clinton and company for the horror show in the Middle East right now, is cognitive dissonance at its finest.
16
I think you need to stay current, Ms. Dowd. The classified items found in Secretary Clinton's emails were classified *after* they were sent and received. That output of the Tea Party's Random Conspiracy Generator has been completely debunked.
40
'Teanderthals' That word - once read can never be unread. Hope it makes it into the Greater Oxford. Nice one MD -
21
Does Dowd know or would she even care if she knew that Blumenthal's name was mentioned 79 times that day, the same number of mentions Ambassador Stevens received, and the other three dead Americans, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were mentioned no more than eight times?
15
"Nobody plays the victim like Hillary".
No kidding!!
How about nobody in modern history has mastered the art of victimhood like Hillary
She plays it to perfection in 2000 to win the senate race in NY. Even though she never live one single year in NY. The Script went like this: a traumatized wife from a cheating husband, and an aggressive, rude Rick Laizo intruding on her space/domain trying to stop poor Hillary from getting her divine right to be senator for NY.
When Obama routed her in Iowa in 2008, she ran to New Hampshire and pulled off a masterful victimhood act: she cried about how her Dem male opponents piling up on her being the only woman in the race, and she is entitled to get nomination. She won the New Hampshire primary!
She is not to crying this time around. No need to
She stockpiled over 200 mil in cash in her very own personal account (claiming from her hard work giving speeches). She is financially super secure. It’s her turned. She is entitled to be president. The Dems establishment has made her the Anointed Queen. This time around, the nomination is in the bag.
No kidding!!
How about nobody in modern history has mastered the art of victimhood like Hillary
She plays it to perfection in 2000 to win the senate race in NY. Even though she never live one single year in NY. The Script went like this: a traumatized wife from a cheating husband, and an aggressive, rude Rick Laizo intruding on her space/domain trying to stop poor Hillary from getting her divine right to be senator for NY.
When Obama routed her in Iowa in 2008, she ran to New Hampshire and pulled off a masterful victimhood act: she cried about how her Dem male opponents piling up on her being the only woman in the race, and she is entitled to get nomination. She won the New Hampshire primary!
She is not to crying this time around. No need to
She stockpiled over 200 mil in cash in her very own personal account (claiming from her hard work giving speeches). She is financially super secure. It’s her turned. She is entitled to be president. The Dems establishment has made her the Anointed Queen. This time around, the nomination is in the bag.
74
or
how about we liked her policies.
how about we liked her policies.
You do women a disservice when you claim that Hillary played the victim. I saw a valiant, strong person (opponent) who refused to be cowed by disrespect, deliberate twisting of words and facts and smarmy condescension.
Your golden boy Biden got it wrong when he chided Hillary not so subtly in his speech about not having enemies. She has enemies. She was right.
We saw them and their representatives on display on Thursday as they attempted a high tech lynching.
Your golden boy Biden got it wrong when he chided Hillary not so subtly in his speech about not having enemies. She has enemies. She was right.
We saw them and their representatives on display on Thursday as they attempted a high tech lynching.
94
I am not a Clinton enthusiast. Her record on Libya is imperfect. But whose record is better? There are grounds for a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Clinton's political record and campaign strategy. However, Ms. Dowd's cynical dismissiveness is as much a broken record as the the various GOP witch hunts.
78
600 emails were sent by Christopher Steven regarding the poor security. Then the natural question is why he decided to go to Benghazi and stay there overnight knowing well about poor security. I think lot of the facts are being held back from public for information being classified and sensitive. The following description by Kathleen Parker in Washington post makes more sense " But the more probable truth concerning Benghazi is that the early story was a deception with a purpose, which was to buy time until the administration and the CIA could figure out how to manage the crisis without exposing the intelligence agency’s operation in the area."
Public still does not have full information for the same reasons and blaming Hillary with the half the facts available is like shooting in the dark.
Public still does not have full information for the same reasons and blaming Hillary with the half the facts available is like shooting in the dark.
32
Maureen, so aren't you the Empire striking back? After the republican strike failed?
41
I am ashamed to admit that I am in the same county with Congressman Jim Jordan. His local claim to fame is that he was a wrestler and won many awards. Aside from that, I don't know of any other awards he has won. He did get a law degree but I do not think he ever practiced law of if he did, it was not locally. It seemed he went from wrestler to a state representative. We rarely saw him in our city at any Memorial day , Fourth of July or any other event. Not that we missed him, but because our county is very Republican, he did not need to be anything other than a local boy to get elected. To my knowledge, he had no special gifts that should have ensured him being a good representative. After watching him on the Inquisition of Hilary Clinton, I was thoroughly ashamed that my neighbors had elected him. He was a disgrace. He had the manners of a back woods boy. I am sorry to say, he will be in Congress as long as the Republicans in my area send him back. He is a disgrace to our area and I apologize for his mean treatment of Mrs. Clinton. Not that she could'nt handle him.. I just think he was an embarrassment to our state.
83
Fox News in the NYT. Thanks, Ms. Dowd for keeping us up to date.
Oddly detached, indeed.
Oddly detached, indeed.
44
"But Libya was the country where she was the midwife to chaos. And she should have watched that baby like the Lady Hawk she is."
Maureen, what what you have done, send in an army battalion (300-800 soldiers)? Perhaps she and others were worried that a larger security force might have attracted more attention. This might have triggered a much larger terrorist attack.
It is so easy to look back with 20-20 hindsight and tear Hillary Clinton apart. Maureen, tell us when are you going to run for office, so we can criticize you...
Maureen, what what you have done, send in an army battalion (300-800 soldiers)? Perhaps she and others were worried that a larger security force might have attracted more attention. This might have triggered a much larger terrorist attack.
It is so easy to look back with 20-20 hindsight and tear Hillary Clinton apart. Maureen, tell us when are you going to run for office, so we can criticize you...
65
Maureen Dowd would have fit perfectly on the Bengahzi Committee, seated right next to the humorless and clueless Congresswoman from Alabama.
1) "If her husband humiliates her with a girlfriend in the Oval Office..." So Maureen thinks that the abusive and power-disparity relationship of boss-and-intern is one of a boyfriend-"girlfriend".
2) "And she should have watched that baby like the Lady Hawk she is." So Maureen thinks it is the job of the Secretary of State to babysit her ambassadors. Oooh, watch out Ambassador to France, don't eat too much foie gras, it's bad for your cholesterol...
1) "If her husband humiliates her with a girlfriend in the Oval Office..." So Maureen thinks that the abusive and power-disparity relationship of boss-and-intern is one of a boyfriend-"girlfriend".
2) "And she should have watched that baby like the Lady Hawk she is." So Maureen thinks it is the job of the Secretary of State to babysit her ambassadors. Oooh, watch out Ambassador to France, don't eat too much foie gras, it's bad for your cholesterol...
48
so many paragraphs to say "curses, she got away."
67
You got to hand it to the Republicans. First, they could the budget for the state department and for embassy security, then they spend 8 separate investigations about Bengazi and they never asked each other (who else cut the budget) and the limitations caused by cutting the security budget. They got gall!
45
The difference between Inquisitors Gowdy and Dowdy is that Hillary could immediately respond to Gowdy. If Trey is the fighter pilot taking heavy flak from his target, Maureen is the drone operator safe at her desk.
116
"But Libya was the country where she was the midwife to chaos. And she should have watched that baby like the Lady Hawk she is."
Those are two of the most coherent sentences I've read about Hillary's responsibility regarding both the policy and the mess that ensued in Libya. If the Republicans weren't so inept and scatterbrained and instead forcefully stuck to that framework in their line of questioning they may have actually scored some points against her. It is interesting that a Republican Party that was once known for people who were so circumspect in their presentations to the American public, after Implementation of their Southern strategy, now over the ensuing years have recruited new membership that seems straight out of He Haw.
Those are two of the most coherent sentences I've read about Hillary's responsibility regarding both the policy and the mess that ensued in Libya. If the Republicans weren't so inept and scatterbrained and instead forcefully stuck to that framework in their line of questioning they may have actually scored some points against her. It is interesting that a Republican Party that was once known for people who were so circumspect in their presentations to the American public, after Implementation of their Southern strategy, now over the ensuing years have recruited new membership that seems straight out of He Haw.
15
I am at a loss to understand the optimism about Hillary's chances at the Presidency. Her handling of Libya does not look good. If Rubio gets the Republican nom, she will lose the Hispanic vote. The country largely believes the right wing narrative that big government is behind all the problems of the world. The economic stagnation of everyone but the super rich is seen to be the result of too much regulation, instead of the product of the Reagan revolution which it is. (This is the grandest con ever perpetrated in our history).
People don't want the Bushes or the Clintons back, they want someone "new". It is hard to see all this as anything but insurmountable for Hillary. I see no particular "sympathy" for her on any side. I hope she can turn it around.
People don't want the Bushes or the Clintons back, they want someone "new". It is hard to see all this as anything but insurmountable for Hillary. I see no particular "sympathy" for her on any side. I hope she can turn it around.
7
As much as I enjoyed watching HRC mopping up the floor with the thuggish Repubs, I also, like Maureen, had to wonder how she could seem so self-righteous about not being on top of Ambassador Stevens' pleas for help.
9
Hillary is my hero. An unaccomplished political hack who cares only about her power and money. Hypocrite beyond all others. Able to trash a star struck little girl who was sexually harassed by HRC's husband (of course that all stopped with the semen stained dress). This woman is the embodiment of evil and it's amazing that the Democrats cannot come up with anything better. Hate to say it but I'd even vote for Trump over this lying evil woman.
11
The Republican failed, and so do you Madam.
48
Ms Dowd, IMHO Trey Gowdy, the Benghazi Committee chairman was the one playing the victim. Before the hearing, he kept complaining about how he & his committee were being viewed by his peers & the public after Kevin McCarthy's gaffe. Hillary Clinton was composed & prepared & anything but a victim.
52
The best part of the column was the "Teanderthal", and it was insulting to a whole species and a mediocre play of words.
18
To summarize: Hillary is a chronic and incorrigible liar. Ambassador Stevens was ignored to keep Obama's narrative algebra. "Al Qaeda is on the run. ". And because Hillary only cares about herself.
19
The ceiling picture is proof of the crony perspective.
Four Americans died in vain, they died for the democrat party, not the USA.
Four Americans died in vain, they died for the democrat party, not the USA.
8
17 attacks during Bush's time. And a cheap republican congress during Hillary's time not giving enough money to the state department to defend 270 ambassadors. I rest my case. And of course, we have to attack the national debt, you know. We can't tax anyone flying around in his own business jet.
1
Boy! Oh Boy! You sure have it in for Hillary Clinton. After the 11 hour inquisition, Hillary held her own giving those blithering tea-partiers and Teanderthals as good as she got and then some. She DID NOT play the damsel in distress or the victim card as you put it. Far, far from it. Yes, she was a wrecking ball alright, a power-packed wrecking ball at that. If those 11 hours could'nt convince you of her mettle, nothing will. Your criticism of her is as bad as those blithering, sweaty idiots. You bring up her stances on the Middle East. You should have joined the Inquisition Panel. At least that would lend some gravitas to the discussion and I'm sure Hillary would oblige another two hours to clarify. As for setting up her own server - she has admitted to being WRONG. What more do you want from her? 'Acting amused, barely masking her contempt' to the condescension and disrespect shown to her, it is amazing she did'nt lose her cool and taken a real swipe at those raving, nasty character assassins. Since you dislike Hillary so much, maybe you can come up with a stronger, non-compromised Candidate on either side of the aisle. I bet you will come up with the best person for the job - Hillary Clinton!
129
Bernie might be better ideologically. But I'll take either. I just wish Hillary would come down on Wall Street, tax the rich and maybe not kowtow to the Jewish lobby. The Israelis need to be protected with half the land, but the Palestinians need to be protected with half the land too.
1
There seems to be a particular animus that Ms. Dowd has for both Clintons. I would prefer Senator Sanders get the nomination, but I really don't understand why Ms. Dowd slips so easily into attack mode whenever the subject is either Clinton.
It's really not the immediate responsibility of the Secretary of State to attend to the security of the embassies, nor the President's either. There are professionals whose job it is to see to it that American ambassadors be kept safe. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Condoleezza Rice nor Henry Kissinger have the slightest idea how to secure a building, nor how many personnel are required in a given situation, and it's ludicrous to suggest otherwise. Yes, there was a failure, and yes, ultimately, it's the Secretary's responsibility, but it wasn't her failing that led to this disaster, any more than it was George W. Bush's that led to 9/11. I do not recall any Democrat calling for President Bush to face more than nine hours being cross-examined about intelligence failures after the towers fell. But the Republicans have no compunction about putting Hillary Clinton in the hot seat, because they want to score political points.
I hope this backfires spectacularly on the Grand Old Party.
It's really not the immediate responsibility of the Secretary of State to attend to the security of the embassies, nor the President's either. There are professionals whose job it is to see to it that American ambassadors be kept safe. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Condoleezza Rice nor Henry Kissinger have the slightest idea how to secure a building, nor how many personnel are required in a given situation, and it's ludicrous to suggest otherwise. Yes, there was a failure, and yes, ultimately, it's the Secretary's responsibility, but it wasn't her failing that led to this disaster, any more than it was George W. Bush's that led to 9/11. I do not recall any Democrat calling for President Bush to face more than nine hours being cross-examined about intelligence failures after the towers fell. But the Republicans have no compunction about putting Hillary Clinton in the hot seat, because they want to score political points.
I hope this backfires spectacularly on the Grand Old Party.
159
On the one hand Ms. Dowd describes the character of Ms. Clinton in less than complimentary terms, denoting her flip-flops and ultimately implying that "... the 'ol girl ain't got what it takes to be a leader," and look at what her leadership got her, and the US, into. On the other hand, she describes the Republicans as a bunch on ninny's who were trying to sort through the lies of both the WH and Ms. Clinton to determine why extra security was denied, resulting in four dead Americans under the employ of the State Department. Perhaps Ms. Dowd is uttering "What difference does it make?" out of only one side of her mouth.
11
This is the rip-off that American democracy has become. We're supposed to choose between Republicans for whom principle begins in ignorance & kool-aid, or a Democrat for whom professionalism trumps principle.
Like others, I have criticized Ms. Dowd for her Clinton obsession. But Clinton's militarism, and especially her indefensible vote for the Iraq disaster, are not just isolated mistakes; they are built into her political identity, based on triangulation & political expediency. She wants to represent a non-existent America that is equidistant from Fox news fantasy-land and reality. She's still happy to demagogue about Ed Snowden in the debates, or dismiss the lessons of Denmark with obfuscating clichés. And as president, I have no doubt that she will still be willing to wreak havoc on the world in order to appear moderate in a landscape where lunatics set the agenda. Unfortunately, the only alternatives are the real lunatics. She is as phony as Mr. Gowdy and as the broken system they both depend on.
Like others, I have criticized Ms. Dowd for her Clinton obsession. But Clinton's militarism, and especially her indefensible vote for the Iraq disaster, are not just isolated mistakes; they are built into her political identity, based on triangulation & political expediency. She wants to represent a non-existent America that is equidistant from Fox news fantasy-land and reality. She's still happy to demagogue about Ed Snowden in the debates, or dismiss the lessons of Denmark with obfuscating clichés. And as president, I have no doubt that she will still be willing to wreak havoc on the world in order to appear moderate in a landscape where lunatics set the agenda. Unfortunately, the only alternatives are the real lunatics. She is as phony as Mr. Gowdy and as the broken system they both depend on.
13
I'm confused, Ms. Dowd. Is it Hillary, the"victim," or Hillary the insensitive, negligent "Valkyrie"? I'm not a big Clinton fan, but I did watch the hearing and I clearly saw a different Hillary Clinton than you did. Secretary Clinton was the only engaged, calm adult in the room. It was a truly "teachable moment" of poise and persuasion under sustained pressure lasting four times longer than a typical Olympic marathon that augurs well for someone seeking the presidency. Yes, we can play the "blame game" and say the Secretary of State made a forceful case to President Obama for U.S. involvement in what turned out to be yet another ill-fated "regime change" in toppling Mummar Gaddafi. But, unlike the Bush-Cheney approach, the U.S. assisted the Libyan opposition and Europeans in a very reduced and restrained way by providing only logistical support. At that time everyone was carried away by the hopes of the Arab Spring to bring democracy to the region. Moreover, Secretary Clinton explained security was not part of her job description or responsibilities. If anything, as Mrs. Clinton noted in passing, the Republican Congress had failed on numerous occasions to provide the necessary funds to provide the security the State Department requested. Halloween may be upon us, but sorry Ms. Dowd this witch hunt is over.
144
Ms Dowd, we know that you despise the Clintons but really, Mrs Clinton held her own very well. She was regal and dignified when her opponents poked her. They also made it very clear that they intended to impeach her should she become president. They shouldn't be so hasty. Obama gave W a pass on his shenanigans. Americans should be mad at the Republicans for being obstructionists and do-nothings while wasting millions in taxpayer money on personal vendettas.
117
While Washington burns, the Republicans fiddle and try to vilify the former first lady and our next President. Mrs. Clinton may not be the perfect candidate, but she looks like Olympia next to the fifteen dwarfs running for the Republican nomination.
Those nasty hearings convinced me to donate 50 dollars online to her campaign, I certainly think she earned America's trust and will skyrocket in the polls.
Those nasty hearings convinced me to donate 50 dollars online to her campaign, I certainly think she earned America's trust and will skyrocket in the polls.
105
That woman is ridiculous; Maureen Dowd I'm talking about. She has such irrational hatred for and jealousy of Hillary Clinton that it would be funny if she weren't pursuing her personal vendetta in the pages of the newspaper of record. Dowd can't bring herself to give Secretary Clinton one iota of credit for facing down a Republican lynch mob for more than 11 hours, exhibiting nothing but dignity, intelligence, diplomacy and a Presidential demeanor throughout. If any other politician had been involved, Dowd may very well have taken out after Trey Gowdy, whose narrow cranium and weird haircut make him look like one of the poker players from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Instead, Ms. Dowd criticizes the Benghazi Bozos for failing to do a better hatchet job on their intended victim.
172
Just my theory, but as much as Maureen and I don't trust Hillary's character, I'm beginning to doubt that it matters. If Hillary is elected, she'll only be the titular head of Obama's third term. On 60 Minutes, it seemed he was telegraphing that the fix was in. Probably, his cronies, not hers, will be packed into her administration and at the DNC. That might have been the price she paid to avoid prosecution. She walked right into his hands with that stupid server.
5
"The enemy meant it for bad, but God used it for good."
"Where sin abounds, grace superabounds."
Sounds like Hillary has someone watching out for her.
"Where sin abounds, grace superabounds."
Sounds like Hillary has someone watching out for her.
9
I do realize how much you hate Hillary Clinton, Ms. Dowd, but boy, was she presidential during that inquisition, especially in her opening remarks, which seemed like they were coming from a President of the United States.
Ms. Dowd, why is it that you don't mention Hillary Clinton's stamina, courage, and intelligence as she stood up to the stupid, maniacal crowd?
Hillary Clinton wasn't playing the victim; she was playing the winner.
The Republican inquisitors were the victims here, unintentionally, of course.
They were victims of their own arrogance, mendacity and ignorance.
Ms. Dowd, why is it that you don't mention Hillary Clinton's stamina, courage, and intelligence as she stood up to the stupid, maniacal crowd?
Hillary Clinton wasn't playing the victim; she was playing the winner.
The Republican inquisitors were the victims here, unintentionally, of course.
They were victims of their own arrogance, mendacity and ignorance.
138
More a sign of republican competence than Clinton competence.
Maybe we are all a bit wiser now. Trying to fix the Middle East with force is like doing brain surgery with a chain saw. Even President Carter has implied that Obama's policies in Syria have been damaging:
"The needed concessions are not from the combatants in Syria, but from the proud nations that claim to want peace but refuse to cooperate with one another."
"The needed concessions are not from the combatants in Syria, but from the proud nations that claim to want peace but refuse to cooperate with one another."
12
Ms. Dowd should have ended the essay after assessing the small-mindedness of the Republican Benghazi Committee members. Her obvious personal animus for Ms. Clinton renders the latter half of her essay a mere screed.
70
No, the lesser of two lessers is always less. Doc the math.
I can appreciate the fun that Ms Dowd had in writing this, especially as I don't care for Hillary either. The facts may be debatable, but the feelings are right on.
5
No matter the words here. The NY Times photo shot from overhead has to be a Pulitzer! Thank you!
9
Photo is interesting also because it refutes Maureen's argument that Hillary was playing victim.
Instead of a victim, I see a woman in command in that picture. Maybe it's the photo editor's way of gently rebuking Maureen Dowd.
Instead of a victim, I see a woman in command in that picture. Maybe it's the photo editor's way of gently rebuking Maureen Dowd.
1
In response to Mo's column of last Sunday, I wrote something to the effect that "Ms. Dowd's column ostensibly pillories the Special Committee because it failed to pillory Hillary. In actuality, she decided to use the column to do what she thought the Special Committee should have done; i.e., pillory Hillary herself."
In response to Mo's column of this week, allow me to just say the same thing.
Of course, she is being a bit unfair to Trey "How's My Hair?" Gowdy. He's only had 17 months to try and bring Secretary Clinton down. Mo has been at it for two decades and still can't get it done.
In response to Mo's column of this week, allow me to just say the same thing.
Of course, she is being a bit unfair to Trey "How's My Hair?" Gowdy. He's only had 17 months to try and bring Secretary Clinton down. Mo has been at it for two decades and still can't get it done.
76
Hillary Clinton will never be elected President. Her favorability ratings are too low and too many young people are either ambivalent about her candidacy, or don't like her.
She is bought by Wall Street and a war hawk. She supported George Bush's invasion in Iraq. Bush was a fool for lying us into Iraq, so what does that make Clinton who supported him?
You can't win by just pointing out how awful the opposition will be. Remember George Bush, who was elected not once, but twice? There needs to be policies that excite young voters who were responsible for electing Obama. But she offers absolutely none. The young voters were left disappointed by Obama's lofty rhetoric that vanished after election day.
She is a survivor who should have left politics years ago. We need more than just a survivor who looks good when attacked by the Republican crazies. We need someone not beholden to the moneyed interests.
In a year, we can either decide to continue down the same old broken path, or try and go a different direction.
Clinton represents the past. Sanders the future.
She is bought by Wall Street and a war hawk. She supported George Bush's invasion in Iraq. Bush was a fool for lying us into Iraq, so what does that make Clinton who supported him?
You can't win by just pointing out how awful the opposition will be. Remember George Bush, who was elected not once, but twice? There needs to be policies that excite young voters who were responsible for electing Obama. But she offers absolutely none. The young voters were left disappointed by Obama's lofty rhetoric that vanished after election day.
She is a survivor who should have left politics years ago. We need more than just a survivor who looks good when attacked by the Republican crazies. We need someone not beholden to the moneyed interests.
In a year, we can either decide to continue down the same old broken path, or try and go a different direction.
Clinton represents the past. Sanders the future.
12
But he can't get elected. We need to win the country , not just some of it.
1
Scott, you live in a fantasy world, waiting for the dream candidate to come down from heaven to govern in a dream world where there is no congressional Republican caucus populated by idiots and lunatics.
Bernie Sanders is a good man with many good ideas, but he would be about as effective a president as Jimmie Carter, also honorable, decent, independent, and ineffective. Sanders' presence in the race is a good thing, (I sent him 50 bucks,) he will keep Hillary leaning leftward before and after the election. But we don't need a choirboy in the Oval Office. I for one want a tough, tenacious, battle-scarred veteran political warrior.
Clinton in '16.
Bernie Sanders is a good man with many good ideas, but he would be about as effective a president as Jimmie Carter, also honorable, decent, independent, and ineffective. Sanders' presence in the race is a good thing, (I sent him 50 bucks,) he will keep Hillary leaning leftward before and after the election. But we don't need a choirboy in the Oval Office. I for one want a tough, tenacious, battle-scarred veteran political warrior.
Clinton in '16.
3
People should realize that when they vote for a nostalgia candidate they are voting for a romantic vision, distorted by time from reality.
The entire election cycle this time is dominated by the distorted on both sides, including Bernie who thinks free college solves the employment problem.
Just another chicken in every pot promise.
The entire election cycle this time is dominated by the distorted on both sides, including Bernie who thinks free college solves the employment problem.
Just another chicken in every pot promise.
If Hillary discovered the cure for all cancers, Dowd would be on her case for not having done it sooner. She just doesn't like Hillary, so she ought to admit her bias and quit writing about her.
56
A tedious attempted takedown of Hillary from Ms. Dowd. No doubt the first of a few thousand.
47
She's baaaaccckkk! Maureen, that is.
I don't think I've ever read more "blame the victim" comments than in the first paragraph of this column. Hillary doesn't PLAY the victim; She IS the victim.
In Dowd- land Hillary encouraged Bill to cheat, winked for Lazio to come on over on the debate stage and demonstrated guile and cunning by deliberately placing a private email server in her home so the GOP would find it and persecute her for years over it. All to further her political career.
Putin better watch out if this woman is our next CinC.
As for the continued flogging of her Iraq war vote; if the intelligence was so flawed it fooled the President, Vice President, SecDef, SecState, NSA adviser and the CIA chief, then why is it so unusual to think it fooled a mere US Senator also?
Hillary was right to recommend toppling Khadaffi; democracy WAS taking root in Libya, until the terrorists took over. Why didn't we close the Benghazi embassy as Britain did? Why were 600 requests by Stevens' TEAM ignored?
The answer is so simple even a New York Time op-ed columnist can understand it:
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/world/middle-east/article24...
It is not what the AMBASSADOR wanted!
I don't think I've ever read more "blame the victim" comments than in the first paragraph of this column. Hillary doesn't PLAY the victim; She IS the victim.
In Dowd- land Hillary encouraged Bill to cheat, winked for Lazio to come on over on the debate stage and demonstrated guile and cunning by deliberately placing a private email server in her home so the GOP would find it and persecute her for years over it. All to further her political career.
Putin better watch out if this woman is our next CinC.
As for the continued flogging of her Iraq war vote; if the intelligence was so flawed it fooled the President, Vice President, SecDef, SecState, NSA adviser and the CIA chief, then why is it so unusual to think it fooled a mere US Senator also?
Hillary was right to recommend toppling Khadaffi; democracy WAS taking root in Libya, until the terrorists took over. Why didn't we close the Benghazi embassy as Britain did? Why were 600 requests by Stevens' TEAM ignored?
The answer is so simple even a New York Time op-ed columnist can understand it:
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/world/middle-east/article24...
It is not what the AMBASSADOR wanted!
34
All this should be a reminder to Ms. Clinton that only the most competent should be selected as advisors and appointed to positions of responsibility, especially with respect to managing security.
She obviously failed to do that or oversee the relevant appointments, and that has made her appear to be deficient in competence and less than stellar as an administrator.
If elected president, she needs to think carefully about the people with whom she brings on board to advance her goals. My recommendation to her is the same as what one of mentors told me when first employed in a management role: "You have a possibility of being successful if you hire people brighter and more competent than yourself."
She obviously failed to do that or oversee the relevant appointments, and that has made her appear to be deficient in competence and less than stellar as an administrator.
If elected president, she needs to think carefully about the people with whom she brings on board to advance her goals. My recommendation to her is the same as what one of mentors told me when first employed in a management role: "You have a possibility of being successful if you hire people brighter and more competent than yourself."
2
Everyone providing expertise to the Dems and Reps sans Trump and Carson are "old hands." These geniuses got this country in the mess it's in.
I agree you hire people brighter than yourself, but Shen your not smart yourself you just hire average.
I agree you hire people brighter than yourself, but Shen your not smart yourself you just hire average.
Partisan Maureen, I wouldn't expect anything less from you! The real problem with republicans is that they don't have ballz enough to really go after Hillary.
Any non-partisan who watched that hearing should have realized a couple facts. First, Hillary is a flat-out liar. She and Obama set forth the false narrative that the whole thing was the result of an internet video, while telling her family and world leaders that it was Al-Qaida.(The biggest scandal is that it was all done to get Obama elected and not one democrat cares especially those "hawks" in the MSM!) Second, her feigned outrage is sickening and obvious. Third, Hillary went to the same school as Obama did when it comes "taking responsibility" that is, both are held accountable by their party for NOTHING and both take responsibility for only things of unimportance.
The woman failed to heed the warnings and calls for assistance from Christopher Stevens. I've seen Jack McCoy on Law and Order prosecute a "perp" on lesser evidence for MURDER charges.
Immediately after the hearing was over, all of the MSM pundits had their stories straight, their "analysis" was exactly the same, no matter who the pundit was. You people are so disgusting that you are assuring a TRUMP Presidency. You just don't realize it yet!
Any non-partisan who watched that hearing should have realized a couple facts. First, Hillary is a flat-out liar. She and Obama set forth the false narrative that the whole thing was the result of an internet video, while telling her family and world leaders that it was Al-Qaida.(The biggest scandal is that it was all done to get Obama elected and not one democrat cares especially those "hawks" in the MSM!) Second, her feigned outrage is sickening and obvious. Third, Hillary went to the same school as Obama did when it comes "taking responsibility" that is, both are held accountable by their party for NOTHING and both take responsibility for only things of unimportance.
The woman failed to heed the warnings and calls for assistance from Christopher Stevens. I've seen Jack McCoy on Law and Order prosecute a "perp" on lesser evidence for MURDER charges.
Immediately after the hearing was over, all of the MSM pundits had their stories straight, their "analysis" was exactly the same, no matter who the pundit was. You people are so disgusting that you are assuring a TRUMP Presidency. You just don't realize it yet!
5
Thank you, Maureen. I sometimes find your writing too stylized to absorb comfortably. There are often too many sentences that seem so flamboyantly feminine. I feel the same way about excessively masculine writing, so my discomfort is equal-opportunity.
But you take Hillary to task for her specific failure as a strong woman. If she is to be a hawk, she needs to be a protective one as well. I take that as a statement that the gender iconography needs to be consistent to be fair.
Which in my book makes you an equal-opportunity feminist, a great and fair thing to be.
But you take Hillary to task for her specific failure as a strong woman. If she is to be a hawk, she needs to be a protective one as well. I take that as a statement that the gender iconography needs to be consistent to be fair.
Which in my book makes you an equal-opportunity feminist, a great and fair thing to be.
2
i have never seen hillary "play the victim," and i suspect it is her astounding strength where others would buckle that earns her so much animus. dowd will have to count herself as one of the lilliputians who can never land a blow.
35
She plays the victim because it distracts from her cynical lies.
So much, so wrong. Hillary never has been and never will be a victim. She doesn't need to play that card. She is too smart, too tough and too hard working. Far from perfect, but the vitriol in these comments is amazing. If she should be in jail for Benghazi, she should be next to the Republicans that were in charge when there were 14 terrorist attacks on U.S. Embassies and Consulates resulting in 100 deaths during W's presidency. And lets not forget the suicide bomber that killed 241 soldiers in Beirut in 1983 while Reagan was President.
But this was the best, "She was no doubt amazed at what an amateur job they were doing at character assassination."
And so was Maureen Dowd.
But this was the best, "She was no doubt amazed at what an amateur job they were doing at character assassination."
And so was Maureen Dowd.
33
Maureen you hit a triple here! You left out the part that would've made it a homer. That HRC is most likely a sociopath. That she and her husband actually think they are doing good for the world while they suck money and goodwill out of it for themselves. Besides all the dark, conniving, and illegal antics she seems to embrace, her basic judgement is really, really off. How would she NOT know that the war in Iraq was wrong. I knew it and I'm an idiot! Why would she put SO much thought into regime change in Libya when she just saw how horribly it went in Iraq? And finally, why would she even risk putting top secret, sensitive information on a private server when she knows how easy it is to hack these things?! Again, I'm an idiot and I know that! And then there's the politics to all the aforementioned, all of which were on the wrong side.
I was hoping her illegal practices concerning the private server would take her out of our lives forever, but Trey (was he the D.A. in Mayberry?) and his cronies may have just gotten her elected. People will confuse what the FBI will find with another 'Benghazi Committee' and let her have the Oval Office. Very sad.
I was hoping her illegal practices concerning the private server would take her out of our lives forever, but Trey (was he the D.A. in Mayberry?) and his cronies may have just gotten her elected. People will confuse what the FBI will find with another 'Benghazi Committee' and let her have the Oval Office. Very sad.
2
Reading the comments from the liberals in their blind support (and supplication ) to Hillary comes as no surprise.
As for Hillary's vaunted statesmanship, Hillary is to diplomacy as a Iman is to Sharia Law.
As for Hillary's vaunted statesmanship, Hillary is to diplomacy as a Iman is to Sharia Law.
1
Skip to Ms. Dowd's last 5 sentences to get her swift filet of HRC's cold detachment from her duties (with mortal consequences for 4 noble Americans): she called the rest of her piece in as a compulsory NYT knock on the GOP panel of interrogators, who wasted about 10 of their eleven hours.
With Biden apparently only available if HRC quits, Ms. Dowd might either turn her pen towards the likelihood of Loretta Lynch indicting this coldly ineffective, wholly self serving candidate for our highest office, or pick from among the GOP most likely to win the GOP nomination as a healthier choice if Lynch declines.
With Biden apparently only available if HRC quits, Ms. Dowd might either turn her pen towards the likelihood of Loretta Lynch indicting this coldly ineffective, wholly self serving candidate for our highest office, or pick from among the GOP most likely to win the GOP nomination as a healthier choice if Lynch declines.
2
And if the F.B.I. is as much of a pushover as House Republicans, Mrs. Clinton would seem to be within reach of her lifelong obsession, but don't count on it.
"Ignorance of the law excuses no one," or that's the theory, anyway. Although with the very lawyerly (and lawyered-up) Mrs. Clinton, "What did she know and when did she know it?" is always an open question, with enough ever-shifting answers on an ever-sliding scale to tie even the nimblest of investigative brains in knots.
If she does end up getting a free pass on the unauthorized use of an unsecured private email server to conduct classified State Department business, it'll be interesting to hear the reaction of David Petraeus, for one. "Equal justice under law," right? Well, at least that's what it says above the entrance to the Supreme Court.
Conventional wisdom is that career professionals at the Justice Department and the F.B.I. -- not to mention federal judges -- take their jobs seriously, so at least that much is encouraging. Stay tuned. ...
"Ignorance of the law excuses no one," or that's the theory, anyway. Although with the very lawyerly (and lawyered-up) Mrs. Clinton, "What did she know and when did she know it?" is always an open question, with enough ever-shifting answers on an ever-sliding scale to tie even the nimblest of investigative brains in knots.
If she does end up getting a free pass on the unauthorized use of an unsecured private email server to conduct classified State Department business, it'll be interesting to hear the reaction of David Petraeus, for one. "Equal justice under law," right? Well, at least that's what it says above the entrance to the Supreme Court.
Conventional wisdom is that career professionals at the Justice Department and the F.B.I. -- not to mention federal judges -- take their jobs seriously, so at least that much is encouraging. Stay tuned. ...
5
I doubt you'll see a federal judge regardless of party ordering her arrest and indictment on his own despite his power to do so. I doubt a local federal prosecutor regardless of party will do the same despite his power to
convene a federal grand jury to indict her. Not saying that Ms. Clinton isn't deserving - saying that no one wants to risk an exercise of power today, whether it's protecting an ambassador or standing for justice.
convene a federal grand jury to indict her. Not saying that Ms. Clinton isn't deserving - saying that no one wants to risk an exercise of power today, whether it's protecting an ambassador or standing for justice.
The fact is as Trey Gowdy proved: Hillary lied and ignored 600 requests for added security. You can pretend that Hillary won but the fact is the American people see right through her and that's why Hillary's trust factor with the American people is below 40%. You may be ignorant but the American people are not.
Miss Maureen, I can't understand why you keep throwing brickbats at Hillary Clinton! Your aim is great but it's the iggerodies and neanderthals in the Republican/Tea Party (not a single one electable or worthy of the Presidency twelvemonths from now) who deserve your vitriol. nota bene, MoDo, your using the words "wrecking ball" brings up that sexy little baggage, Miley Cyrus, not Hillary Clinton. You were only correct in saying that Hillary is never more alluring than when "pasty-faced, nasty-tongued white men bully her". Or redheads beat her up with the Gray Lady's besom. Giving you credit for colourful verbosity Ms Dowd, Hillary was a midwife to chaos in Libya. But doesn't that make George W. Bush and his cabal of heinous accoucheurs of chaos in Afghanistan and Iraq more reprehensible and brickbat-worthy than HRC?
19
I knew I could count on you, Maureen, to throw some badly needed cold water the post hearing Hillary love fest. As you point out, this is where she's at her best: in a hearing room, being bullied by a bunch of ill-prepared, less intelligent, white Republican men. The very situation makes her a victim, and she has become a master at standing up to them in a way that makes her seem sympathetic (not hard to do with such inept interlocutors). Her second most comfortable scenario is the political debate, where she has had more experience (and, no doubt, more high level coaching) than any other American politician.
Following these two performances (and that's what they were), increasing numbers of hitherto discerning people seem to be lining up to declare her Madame President, all because the woman is a convincing actor. Apparently forgetting her vote on Iraq, the fact that her four major contributors are Wall St banks, her lifestyle of hobnobbing with the 1%, her unwillingness to reinstate Glass-Segall, her flip-flops on gay marriage, Keystone and TPP, etc. Suddenly, none of these things is important, because she is a good actor, and gave a couple of good performances. People seem to want her because she can appear tough and presidential, forgetting that she would put those formidable skills to work for the 1%, not for them. You'd think the voters had been fooled enough by politicians who give pandering stump speeches and then, when elected, do the opposite.
Following these two performances (and that's what they were), increasing numbers of hitherto discerning people seem to be lining up to declare her Madame President, all because the woman is a convincing actor. Apparently forgetting her vote on Iraq, the fact that her four major contributors are Wall St banks, her lifestyle of hobnobbing with the 1%, her unwillingness to reinstate Glass-Segall, her flip-flops on gay marriage, Keystone and TPP, etc. Suddenly, none of these things is important, because she is a good actor, and gave a couple of good performances. People seem to want her because she can appear tough and presidential, forgetting that she would put those formidable skills to work for the 1%, not for them. You'd think the voters had been fooled enough by politicians who give pandering stump speeches and then, when elected, do the opposite.
196
Very well said, Robert. Thank you.
Who needs a female victim as president? And that is what she is. Playing on the sympathies of us. Poor little me. Look how they pick on me because I am a woman and they are men
Who needs a female victim as president? And that is what she is. Playing on the sympathies of us. Poor little me. Look how they pick on me because I am a woman and they are men
1
Substitute Reagan for Hillary in your comment: works equally well! To paraphrase her husband: it's the appearances, stupid. Like it or not, that's politics today.
1
Yea, she's been "acting" as a dedicated public servant for 40 years. That's a "performance" I can get behind! Everything you cite is seen through a biased lens and can be countered, but I have better things to do on Sunday.
2
Why do I get the feeling that Dowd would have happily volunteered to sit as a judge and juror for the Republican show trial … er … hearing?
30
Play the victim? Please. How much more evidence does Dowd need that there actually IS a vast rw conspiracy, as Hillary said years ago on CBS 60 Minutes ?
And it’s worse now. And it’s aided by pundits who exploit it to hype their columns, instead of tamping down the lies, sensationalism and exaggeration.
So what is Dowd constantly playing? Scandal to pull down the mighty is Dowd’s theme. Has Dowd ever said anything good about anybody in public life? Can't recall.
Of course she does have a certain talent ---she thought up the word Teaeanderthal.
Iraq? Ms. Dowd, what did you say when colleague Judy pushed the WMDs and the Times swallowed it? As did most. Did you buck the establishment then?
So now Dowd calls Hillary a Valkyrie? Is this a Wagner opera? Handy label for a women candidate in a backward USA, by scandal mongering columnists.
Dozens of countries have already had women heads of state starting generations ago. They are more sophisticated about such things. How about Thatcher and Merkel, 2 of the world’s most powerful? What names for them, Ms. Dowd?
And it’s worse now. And it’s aided by pundits who exploit it to hype their columns, instead of tamping down the lies, sensationalism and exaggeration.
So what is Dowd constantly playing? Scandal to pull down the mighty is Dowd’s theme. Has Dowd ever said anything good about anybody in public life? Can't recall.
Of course she does have a certain talent ---she thought up the word Teaeanderthal.
Iraq? Ms. Dowd, what did you say when colleague Judy pushed the WMDs and the Times swallowed it? As did most. Did you buck the establishment then?
So now Dowd calls Hillary a Valkyrie? Is this a Wagner opera? Handy label for a women candidate in a backward USA, by scandal mongering columnists.
Dozens of countries have already had women heads of state starting generations ago. They are more sophisticated about such things. How about Thatcher and Merkel, 2 of the world’s most powerful? What names for them, Ms. Dowd?
45
Hillary knocked it out of the park. She's smart, composed, and she performed flawlessly for hours under enormous pressure from hostile lawyers. All of this was done before a nationwide television audience with the vultures ready to pounce on the slightest slip up. You're a fine writer Maureen, but I've seen you on television (though not lately). I shudder to imagine your performance in a similar situation. Perhaps you'd be better served to write about someone other than Hillary.
706
The woman is a criminal...plain and simple. That nearly half of an ill-educated, under-achieving America, which gets its news from Yahoo doesn't "get it" is infinitely scarier than the thought that this liar could be the next President of the United States.
7
In order to label her as a criminal you have to tell us the crime she committed. Please do so. You seem frustrated by the fact your C team of Repubs couldn't land a punch.
I consider myself well educated. When it comes time to vote next Nov pushing the button for Clinton will make me pause (due to all the issues Dowd raises) but what does the GOP offer me? Common cause with teanderthals? Certainly not.
I consider myself well educated. When it comes time to vote next Nov pushing the button for Clinton will make me pause (due to all the issues Dowd raises) but what does the GOP offer me? Common cause with teanderthals? Certainly not.
1
The lens of this column is out of focus. It's not about victim hood concerning one tragic incident but rather accountability for overall policy.
At the time intervention was urged in Libya, a developing human rights catastrophe was developing that screamed "do something." Some sort of intervention was called for.
The larger question is whether American efforts in Libya after the death of Qaddafi were appropriate? A strong case can be made that the Bush administration's mistakes in Iraq were repeated by the Obama administration with the same predictable results--chaos.
The question was not whether the diplomatic compound that night was properly secured since the actual events confirm that it was not. The Republicans have been chasing their tails on this ever since the first Sunday talk shows.
The larger question was the adequacy of planning and execution by the Obama administration for what came after the regime's overthrow in Libya. Hillary Clinton was a senior member of that team. If you asked Ms Clinton about Libya then, possibly you might get some insight into her thinking on Syria now. That should be of interest to a lot of people.
Mostly when you look at the Republicans today you are reminded of the Casey Stengel quote: "Doesn't anyone here know how to play the game?"
At the time intervention was urged in Libya, a developing human rights catastrophe was developing that screamed "do something." Some sort of intervention was called for.
The larger question is whether American efforts in Libya after the death of Qaddafi were appropriate? A strong case can be made that the Bush administration's mistakes in Iraq were repeated by the Obama administration with the same predictable results--chaos.
The question was not whether the diplomatic compound that night was properly secured since the actual events confirm that it was not. The Republicans have been chasing their tails on this ever since the first Sunday talk shows.
The larger question was the adequacy of planning and execution by the Obama administration for what came after the regime's overthrow in Libya. Hillary Clinton was a senior member of that team. If you asked Ms Clinton about Libya then, possibly you might get some insight into her thinking on Syria now. That should be of interest to a lot of people.
Mostly when you look at the Republicans today you are reminded of the Casey Stengel quote: "Doesn't anyone here know how to play the game?"
2
Dowd: "It was a revealing display of hard-core conservatives in their parallel universe, where all their biases are validated by conservative media."
The adjective "conservative" in the so-called "conservative media" should be replaced with "Alice in Wonderland," since nothing of the "Party of Lincoln" is being preserved by the pundits that populate that media.
What we have, instead, is a preserving of the "Allce in Wonderland perspective: "Things are what I say they are."
The adjective "conservative" in the so-called "conservative media" should be replaced with "Alice in Wonderland," since nothing of the "Party of Lincoln" is being preserved by the pundits that populate that media.
What we have, instead, is a preserving of the "Allce in Wonderland perspective: "Things are what I say they are."
28
No new facts? She hadn't spoken to her ambassador since hiring him... months of him freelancing and she didn't care... didn't even try to contact him in his hour of need... NO RECORD OF HER EVER TALKING TO HIM AFTER HIRING HIM? There are all kinds of records of your drinking and partying with her girl pals... not much of a boss after all, is she? A privileged little elitist with a title but no responsibility really... she had plenty of time for Blumenthal's deluge of emails and conversations with him but not with her actual employees (the ambassador at the most dangerous post in the world... she could care less, yawn... another mimosa for the great white whale flying the big chair at the state department... caviar all around... but no money for security??? Can't find a money for a bodyguard??? The committee exposed her for the fraud she is... and that goes for partisan hacks like dowd too.
5
I have no malice nor great love toward Ms. Clinton. However, I do believe she has been maliciously hounded for many a fabricated scandal. I also believe that this is part of why she has evolved/devolved to the inauthentic person she seems to now be. That said, Maureen you have equally evolved/devolved in your writing and it's tone. I used to look forward to you commentary, but now there is nothing there of value. Even highlighting the VERY VALID point of Ms. Clinton's Iraq vote, just comes across as angry snark. Hillary and Maureen, examples of intelligent, positive, women, twisted by their chosen environment into much lesser forms.
18
Remember the song that Cartman sang about Stan's mom in the South Park movie "Bigger, Longer, Uncut?" Yeah, well that song was all about Maureen Dowd, the angriest, most bitter, and frustrated pundit this side of George Will.
39
Hillary's testimony was brilliant.She endured with no missteps.The 45% who like her will continue.The 48% who dislike will still vote against her.That leaves the remaining 7% who will decide if she becomes president.I'm in that 7%.I decided to not vote for her after watching the hearing.Why?I simply think she's not a leader.I don't trust her either.Why did she not call Panetta/Dempsey the night of the attack?Why did she not approve Stevens' requests?Too many managerial mistakes on her part.
8
Oh, I'm sure you watched the hearing with an open mind down there in Texas, where wingnut conspiracy theories abound and elected officials lost their collective mind over Jade Helm.
Again, one thing that is being overlooked is the fact that Congress cut back State Department security funding. So whether or not Stevens' requests reached Sec'y Clinton's desk, if there was no funding, then there was no additional security to be provided. The fault lies with Congress. Perhaps the dust storm they're trying to create with these hearings is designed to obscure this fact.
And there you will be, voting for Ted Cruz.....
3
Calling the long overdue and much needed investigation of the obviously mishandled and perhaps criminally negligent Benghazi incident a "witch hunt" by "pasty-faced" Republicans strains whatever credibility Dowd has left. When four Americans die due to State Department incompetence, the results to those responsible should be immediate and severe.
Thanks to the fawning and forgiving predictable party line reporting by Dowd and other mainstream media, government negligence continues unreported and therefore uncorrected. Do your constitutional duty to report the facts without regard to party politics.
Thanks to the fawning and forgiving predictable party line reporting by Dowd and other mainstream media, government negligence continues unreported and therefore uncorrected. Do your constitutional duty to report the facts without regard to party politics.
2
Well, here's a fact. The Republicans radically cut funds for embassy security.
Another fact: Reagan skated on 320+ deaths at embassies. Another fact--W got a memo--"Bin Laden determined to Strike in the United States"--and didn't interrupt his ranch vacation? Where are the outcries about those?
Another fact: Reagan skated on 320+ deaths at embassies. Another fact--W got a memo--"Bin Laden determined to Strike in the United States"--and didn't interrupt his ranch vacation? Where are the outcries about those?
Did you actually read the article or other comments? Dowd hardly fawned over Clinton.
"Plays the victim"? How about "is the adult". The adult telling the excitable and naive kids to settle down, boogie monsters - while entertaining - don't really exist.
My whole adult life, I've never seen conservatives as animated as when their skin and mouths purple up and spew out fictitious tales of Hillary the evil boogie monster. Worse, they waste years of time and millions of dollars trying to prove these fictions. From the vaguely plausible (White water - Rose Law firm) to tales so fantastic no one should have ever listened (her sexuality, killing enemies, complicity in Vince Foster's death, etc.) Totally baseless. None of them ever had hard facts to support them.
Crestfallen; their fantasies having fallen apart; they react as Ms. Dowd does. Saying that the lack of evidence only proves the ability of boogie monster Clinton to bamboozle.
From Donald Trump to the Tea Party, a huge swath of Americans seem to value citizenship as a chance to entertain themselves by getting back at folks they don't like, rather than as a sober duty to preserve our good nation. It's troubling.
My whole adult life, I've never seen conservatives as animated as when their skin and mouths purple up and spew out fictitious tales of Hillary the evil boogie monster. Worse, they waste years of time and millions of dollars trying to prove these fictions. From the vaguely plausible (White water - Rose Law firm) to tales so fantastic no one should have ever listened (her sexuality, killing enemies, complicity in Vince Foster's death, etc.) Totally baseless. None of them ever had hard facts to support them.
Crestfallen; their fantasies having fallen apart; they react as Ms. Dowd does. Saying that the lack of evidence only proves the ability of boogie monster Clinton to bamboozle.
From Donald Trump to the Tea Party, a huge swath of Americans seem to value citizenship as a chance to entertain themselves by getting back at folks they don't like, rather than as a sober duty to preserve our good nation. It's troubling.
37
The fact is as Trey Gowdy proved: Hillary lied and ignored 600 requests for added security. You can pretend that Hillary won but the fact is the American people see right through her and that's why Hillary's trust factor with the American people is below 40%. You may be ignorant but the American people are not.
I watched the entire hearing. Hillary amazed me with her cool composure, mastery of facts, extensive knowledge of the Middle East and world affairs, and stunning stamina. Her description of the night of the attack was riveting. Her poised, prepared testimony showed the world she's ready to be Madame President. I was so proud of and happy for her. Before Thursday, I was an undecided voter, but now, I'm 100% behind Hillary. Thank you, Republicans, for greatly helping to make my decision an easily confident one.
894
It is too bad that you forget that she lied to the relatives of the victims of the Benghazi attack. She lies often when it suits her needs at the moment like protections Obsma's presidential re election !!!
1
While I agree that the Republican committee members were ineffective, I completely disagree that "no new evidence" was presented, and I wonder what planet Ms. Dowd was watching from. Emails from Ms. Clinton to her family and to foreign leaders showed that she was certain the attack on our embassy was not the result of a video, but, rather, an organized terrorist assault. She lied to the American people, ardently pushing the "offensive video" narrative. I remember Susan Rice, several days after the attack, appearing on Meet The Press and pushing the "offensive video" narrative. Quite clearly, Ms. Clinton knew Ms. Rice was lying, and pushed the same narrative herself. To now state that "the facts were confusing" is wildly disingenous. Rather than cracking jokes about George Bush, Ms. Dowd should hedge her bets, given the performance of President Obama (who I voted for). To argue that Clinton-Obama foreign policy is successful is to disregard a wealth of facts. Moreover, Clinton's mugging and smirking at serious questions was a tell if I've ever seen one. After every smirk, she told a whopper.
7
The Republicans would not know how to conduct a genuine investigation even if its subject were a manifestly corrupt politician playing secretary of state, who used a charity front to launder bribes from foreign countries through her husband, who demonstrably fibbed about a foreign policy fiasco for which she was totally unprepared and which caused the lives of her own ambassador and others, and who helped deliver the country in which that happened to terrorists by helping to depose and kill a dictator whom we had tamed. These Republicans are just amazing!
2
What is hard to understand in reading Maureen's column and the various comments supporting Hillary is the colossal failure of her efforts and this Administration. How could any manager in any Dept. of our Government allow their people, on the anniversary of 911, to travel into a lawless Islamic country. The comments from all her supporters denigrating the Republicans when only last March it discovered she had her own unsecure server and she vetted which emails they could see. The bar is set low to lead the Democratic Party!
3
W: 9/11. The memo. Reagan: 320 deaths. Not more than one investigation of both.
The hypocrisy, it burns.
The hypocrisy, it burns.
Ice Land just threw all their bankers in jail, told the Imf and UN to beat it...we need to do the same, throw all bankers in jail, and the politicians that allowed this in the first place.Hillary needs to be behind bars for many criminal actions, but mainly for treason.
3
Well, don't stop there! Please round up and incarcerate all of the folks responsible for lying us into the Iraq war, who then mishandled its aftermath, thereby sowing fertile ground for Isil and all the other terrorist organizations now running rampant over the Middle East!
As you suggested in an earlier piece and with the help of her feckless interrogators, Hillary clearly “shook off her bad juju.”
1
Hillary blaming a video for the nurse of her ambassador is about as low as it gets! Shame on her for lying to us! we should expect more out of our Presidential candidates!
4
Ms. Dowd's persistence is admirable, in pointing out that Secretary Clinton co-caused the the chaos in Libya, by advocating overthrow and killing of Muammar Ghaddafi. This came a decade after she participated in causing the current chaos and bloodshed in Iraq, by voting for the Iraq invasion as Senator. If she had wanted to learn, she'd had time.
ISIS emerged as a result of the Iraq invasion. As a result of the overthrow of Ghaddafi, Ambassador Stevens, and tens of thousands of Libyans died, plus Al Qaeda in the Maghreb exploded with ripple effects southward all the way to Boko Haram.
All the participants in these US exercises in "empire building" must be held accountable, Republicans and Democrats alike. They share one personality trait: indifference to the sight of others' blood. Since they have no internal moral mechanism to restrain them, we have to stop them from the outside.
Naming their actions is the first step. Thank you, Ms. Dowd.
ISIS emerged as a result of the Iraq invasion. As a result of the overthrow of Ghaddafi, Ambassador Stevens, and tens of thousands of Libyans died, plus Al Qaeda in the Maghreb exploded with ripple effects southward all the way to Boko Haram.
All the participants in these US exercises in "empire building" must be held accountable, Republicans and Democrats alike. They share one personality trait: indifference to the sight of others' blood. Since they have no internal moral mechanism to restrain them, we have to stop them from the outside.
Naming their actions is the first step. Thank you, Ms. Dowd.
2
The chaos was well underway in Libya when the U.S. stepped in, not a moment too soon. Qaddafi's forces were tightening the noose around civilians in Misrati and other cities, and a convoy was on its way to retake Benghazi. Without the U.S. stepping in at that point along with France, Britain, and a coalition of Arab countries, a massacre of hundreds if not thousands was inevitable in a matter of days. So it's a myth born of hindsight to imagine that somehow U.S. policy was the cause of the chaos there. We only leveled the playing field a little bit, pushing back against Qaddafi to buy time for the youth-led rebellion to win.
That said, Chris Stevens was our point man in Libya both during the rebellion and after, and it was his job to manage the chaos as tribal and Islamist militias competed for power with the more civic-minded, democratic majority. All reports at the time indicated that he was a well-loved figure who desired minimal security in order to keep in contact with the people. It's true that by September 2012, it was possible to see that the early idealism of the Arab Spring had devolved into something much messier and uglier, in pretty much every nation except Tunisia. But Ambassador Stevens embodied that idealism, which is what made him a special, unique ambassador. Ms. Dowd is right to expect that Secretary Clinton should have kept watch over Libya like a mother hawk, but to call her the midwife of chaos is to ascribe powers to her that no American had.
That said, Chris Stevens was our point man in Libya both during the rebellion and after, and it was his job to manage the chaos as tribal and Islamist militias competed for power with the more civic-minded, democratic majority. All reports at the time indicated that he was a well-loved figure who desired minimal security in order to keep in contact with the people. It's true that by September 2012, it was possible to see that the early idealism of the Arab Spring had devolved into something much messier and uglier, in pretty much every nation except Tunisia. But Ambassador Stevens embodied that idealism, which is what made him a special, unique ambassador. Ms. Dowd is right to expect that Secretary Clinton should have kept watch over Libya like a mother hawk, but to call her the midwife of chaos is to ascribe powers to her that no American had.
23
"Trey Gowdy it" should become a colloquialism for plowing into a situation that will almost certainly fail and backfire on you, but because the prize is so high, you attempt it anyway, you fail and it backfires.
To "Bush it" should already be a colloquialism for bombing a nation filled with Sunni extremists and al-Qaeda, for the express purpose of removing a strongman leader and creating a vacuum.
How in the world Hilary thought bombing Libya was a good idea should be the entire purpose of the analysis, and Democrats should be leading the charge, especially Bernie Sanders. By taking the focus off the neocon policy implemented in Libya, under the banner of the Democratic Party, does a great disservice to all involved.
To "Bush it" should already be a colloquialism for bombing a nation filled with Sunni extremists and al-Qaeda, for the express purpose of removing a strongman leader and creating a vacuum.
How in the world Hilary thought bombing Libya was a good idea should be the entire purpose of the analysis, and Democrats should be leading the charge, especially Bernie Sanders. By taking the focus off the neocon policy implemented in Libya, under the banner of the Democratic Party, does a great disservice to all involved.
3
.
RE: "Democrats should be leading the charge, especially Bernie Sanders"
Pretty much all of these bombing missions against regimes our Government happens to dislike on a given day are unworthy of our founding creeds and the promise our nation supposedly holds out to the people of the planet. I'm delighted when anyone comes out with a book or a leaked document showing how falsified the excuses sometimes are for such missions. Even though I have long known that the Tonkin Gulf Resolution (50 years ago) was based on a lie about a naval attack, it's still great when more evidence comes out showing who knew it was a lie, or when they knew it. The Government lied about what happened to Pat Tillman, it lied about what happened to Jessica Lynch, and it lied about Abu Ghraib.
But I differ with the above-quoted language. Democrats in Congress are in a perilous position. Simple, necessary domestic laws -- authorizations to raise the debt ceiling or to repair aging infrastructure -- have become huge hurdles. Basic rights of privacy are under constant attack, and reactionaries occupy many of our federal appellate judgeships. The crimes that have been perpetrated against the peoples of other nations in our names are horrible, yes. But not everything merits the monetary and political costs of a Congressional investigation (unless the impeachment power is under consideration).
As for Senator Sanders, I'm certain he has done whatever his foreign policy expertise dictates that he do.
RE: "Democrats should be leading the charge, especially Bernie Sanders"
Pretty much all of these bombing missions against regimes our Government happens to dislike on a given day are unworthy of our founding creeds and the promise our nation supposedly holds out to the people of the planet. I'm delighted when anyone comes out with a book or a leaked document showing how falsified the excuses sometimes are for such missions. Even though I have long known that the Tonkin Gulf Resolution (50 years ago) was based on a lie about a naval attack, it's still great when more evidence comes out showing who knew it was a lie, or when they knew it. The Government lied about what happened to Pat Tillman, it lied about what happened to Jessica Lynch, and it lied about Abu Ghraib.
But I differ with the above-quoted language. Democrats in Congress are in a perilous position. Simple, necessary domestic laws -- authorizations to raise the debt ceiling or to repair aging infrastructure -- have become huge hurdles. Basic rights of privacy are under constant attack, and reactionaries occupy many of our federal appellate judgeships. The crimes that have been perpetrated against the peoples of other nations in our names are horrible, yes. But not everything merits the monetary and political costs of a Congressional investigation (unless the impeachment power is under consideration).
As for Senator Sanders, I'm certain he has done whatever his foreign policy expertise dictates that he do.
And
"bill it" would be to sexually harass an intern that would have the CEO of any corporation in the US fired, sued and then hounded by the media but not convicted by a democrat senate.
And
"Hillary it" waiting until the 3:00 a.m. call comes and not answering, sorry Chris can you go to voicemail
"bill it" would be to sexually harass an intern that would have the CEO of any corporation in the US fired, sued and then hounded by the media but not convicted by a democrat senate.
And
"Hillary it" waiting until the 3:00 a.m. call comes and not answering, sorry Chris can you go to voicemail
"She was no doubt amazed at what an amateur job they were doing at character assassination. The Republicans came across as even more conspiratorial than their other target, Sidney Blumenthal, and his nickname is "G.K.," for grassy knoll."
And the insinuation and unsubstantiated claim coming from Ms. Dowd is Secretary Clinton's own adeptness at character assassination.
Kind of like the adeptness of Character Assassin for the Rebels, Maureen, who whines that Darth Hillary only got elected to the senate because people pitied her over her travails during the Monica Lewinsky affair and only won the seat, because of the intemperate behavior of her opponent during one the the debates.
Any way to rain on Hillary's parade is Rebel Commander Dowd's other mission with could of's and should of's and misses the inconvenient truth that people are human and therefore fallible. Seventy percent of the American people got our Iraq invasion wrong and our motives to institute a no fly zone in Libya was to avert a massacre in Benghazi.
With remembrances of Rwandan genocide and our inaction, Samantha Powers, Susan Rice, and Hillary Clinton had ample reason to push for our involvement. These public servants should be praised for their courage instead of being sniped at.
Hillary showed poise and steadfastness during her eleven hours of testimony and reassured a distracted and confused public she is up to the arduous task of becoming our next president of the United States.
And the insinuation and unsubstantiated claim coming from Ms. Dowd is Secretary Clinton's own adeptness at character assassination.
Kind of like the adeptness of Character Assassin for the Rebels, Maureen, who whines that Darth Hillary only got elected to the senate because people pitied her over her travails during the Monica Lewinsky affair and only won the seat, because of the intemperate behavior of her opponent during one the the debates.
Any way to rain on Hillary's parade is Rebel Commander Dowd's other mission with could of's and should of's and misses the inconvenient truth that people are human and therefore fallible. Seventy percent of the American people got our Iraq invasion wrong and our motives to institute a no fly zone in Libya was to avert a massacre in Benghazi.
With remembrances of Rwandan genocide and our inaction, Samantha Powers, Susan Rice, and Hillary Clinton had ample reason to push for our involvement. These public servants should be praised for their courage instead of being sniped at.
Hillary showed poise and steadfastness during her eleven hours of testimony and reassured a distracted and confused public she is up to the arduous task of becoming our next president of the United States.
711
"600 requests from J. Christopher Stevens's team to upgrade security" sounds like a lie to me....if the Republican Committee wasn't lying, why didn't they bring copies of those 600 requests to the hearing.....?
27
We now know that Hillary knew it was a pre-planned terrorist attack. She and Obama concocted the video excuse for political reasons. Politicians lie all the time, but what is particularly disturbing about this episode, is that when Hillary met the grieving families of the dead Americans, she stuck with the lie, and said the guy that made the video would be put in prison. That was cold.
3
The question is how long after the facts came out did she know? Obviously, no one knew about it beforehand. Most everyone, including the news outlets and Fox, believed that the attacks were the result of the inflammatory anti Muslim YouTube video, which incidentally, caused a stir in Cairo, among many other places. Why do folks forget that? The inconvenient truth, I guess.
Is Ms. Dowd serious ? She mentions that four State Dept. employees were "criticised" for ignoring Stevens' requests for increased security. That's it? Six hundred requests (600 !!) and four unnamed bureaucrats were "criticised" ---not fired or prosecuted for negligence. Isn't it obvious? They were merely criticized so that they wouldn't be tempted to break ranks and tell the truth. The truth being that Hillary knew all about Stevens" requests and ordered them to be ignored. Six hundred ( 600!!) requests and we're supposed to believe that Hillary knew nothing about them.
107
You'll never see those emails even though they are in the hands of the "Select" Committee. When you back out the mail Forwards, Reply to All's and both to big distribution lists, you'll see a much smaller number. Dare I say one?
1
Everyone in the State Department knows that Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy, the senior State official to which the Diplomatic Security Bureau reports directly to, is the person most responsible for Benghazi security. He is a very skilled Foreign Service Officer, a bureaucratic ninja. He knows where the bodies are buried for all of the political appointees of Hillaryland who traipsed through State.
Well, now, this is interesting ... you *know* that the Secretary of State gets to see every security request from every Embassy.
So, tell me, please - what was Condi Rice's position on the height of the barricades in Somalia? How did Colin Powell feel about the number of local contractors hired to guard the consulates in Kazakhastan?
And then we can discuss why Hillary Clinton may not have stopped everything and assembled her top staff to discuss the pressing question of whether stamped concrete was adequate for interior security or not.
Since, you know, these are the kinds of questions that security people have, and Secretaries of State should know the answers.
So, tell me, please - what was Condi Rice's position on the height of the barricades in Somalia? How did Colin Powell feel about the number of local contractors hired to guard the consulates in Kazakhastan?
And then we can discuss why Hillary Clinton may not have stopped everything and assembled her top staff to discuss the pressing question of whether stamped concrete was adequate for interior security or not.
Since, you know, these are the kinds of questions that security people have, and Secretaries of State should know the answers.
3
So easy for one to judge a person who has worked so diligently for the nation. Always easy, for those who have never held a position with such great responsibility to criticize. Hillary Clinton has many flaws, but only journalists with an agenda can attack a credible presidential candidate.
Thanks for helping the incompetent Republican Party in its forward march to election day!
Thanks for helping the incompetent Republican Party in its forward march to election day!
27
Now, does anyone else think that Maureen should have published this column LAST Sunday, when it could have served a useful purpose to guide Trey Gowdy’s hit men? It’s about ten times as effective in legitimate points about the disaster that Hillary’s involvement with Libya represented than anything THOSE yahoos were able to concoct over so many hours. If she had, the many hours for those of us who bothered looking in may have been vastly more entertaining.
The one thing that may have damaged Hillary was her repeated insistence that security, among other things, was the responsibility of the “professionals” – so, by implication, she needn’t bother with inconvenient small-picture stuff herself. Not only does this attitude seek to excuse her from management oversight of an important operational responsibility, it says gobs about her as a natural executive. “Gobs” in this instance means tons of bad stuff.
As to the server, she plainly still doesn’t get why it’s so naughty to want to be able to communicate with aides and others off the public record and away from prying eyes that wish her nothing but harm. That vast, right-wing conspiracy, you know. But she should have had that second phone for the emails about contributions to the foundation and kept the bulk of her traffic on the official one. If she had, just as Nixon never would have had a problem if he’d only trained Rose Mary Woods to change the tapes, nobody would have twigged to the server other than the Chinese.
The one thing that may have damaged Hillary was her repeated insistence that security, among other things, was the responsibility of the “professionals” – so, by implication, she needn’t bother with inconvenient small-picture stuff herself. Not only does this attitude seek to excuse her from management oversight of an important operational responsibility, it says gobs about her as a natural executive. “Gobs” in this instance means tons of bad stuff.
As to the server, she plainly still doesn’t get why it’s so naughty to want to be able to communicate with aides and others off the public record and away from prying eyes that wish her nothing but harm. That vast, right-wing conspiracy, you know. But she should have had that second phone for the emails about contributions to the foundation and kept the bulk of her traffic on the official one. If she had, just as Nixon never would have had a problem if he’d only trained Rose Mary Woods to change the tapes, nobody would have twigged to the server other than the Chinese.
3
Okay, okay, Maureen: ya got me. I did it! It was me!! I personally ordered the hit on Stevens because he used to refer to me as 'Mrs. Clinton' instead of 'Mrs. Rodham Clinton.' I was tired of being disrespected, see? So I had some of my people dress up as Islamic extremist film critics and take out the Ambassador. Ya happy, now, Maureen? I did it and I'll do it again. Want to know what I've got planned for YOU and for all of the other haters? Just you wait for the White House Correspondents' Dinner of 2017 and see who gets pilloried by Hillary. By the time I'm finished with you, you'll be reporting from Tripoli for al-Jazeera!
36
Hilarious and utterly delicious comment. Love it!
1
Mrs. Clinton, an escape artist in a class with Houdini, is able to consistently avoid accountability across the board because she's so practiced at shamelessness that it enables her to have any given issue both ways. She wears the label of a detail person, a wonk, except when those details are attached to inconvenient truths. Slippery, or some might say slick, to a fault.
She says she was "the boss of ambassadors in 270 countries," even though the United Nations lists only 193 members, dismissively implying that threats to our diplomats were indistinguishable from one another. That certainly wasn't the case in Iraq and Afghanistan, for instance, but at least the Americans there had the benefit of fortresses and military protection.
In Libya, though, a flash point for the Obama/Clinton/Rice/Power brand of foreign policy and one of the most dangerous places on earth, Chris Stevens was working out of a woefully vulnerable facility. Yet the secretary of state never talked with -- or even corresponded with -- the man. Not once. Lacked a political upside, no doubt.
The comic strip "Family Circus" has an invisible gremlin that knowingly looks on whenever the children predictably seek to avoid any household blame and exclaim, "Not me! Not me!!" In the real world, nobody does that better than Mrs. Clinton. Just the kind of president we need.
Still, she has shown herself to be more skilled than her Republican tormentors. A very low bar indeed.
She says she was "the boss of ambassadors in 270 countries," even though the United Nations lists only 193 members, dismissively implying that threats to our diplomats were indistinguishable from one another. That certainly wasn't the case in Iraq and Afghanistan, for instance, but at least the Americans there had the benefit of fortresses and military protection.
In Libya, though, a flash point for the Obama/Clinton/Rice/Power brand of foreign policy and one of the most dangerous places on earth, Chris Stevens was working out of a woefully vulnerable facility. Yet the secretary of state never talked with -- or even corresponded with -- the man. Not once. Lacked a political upside, no doubt.
The comic strip "Family Circus" has an invisible gremlin that knowingly looks on whenever the children predictably seek to avoid any household blame and exclaim, "Not me! Not me!!" In the real world, nobody does that better than Mrs. Clinton. Just the kind of president we need.
Still, she has shown herself to be more skilled than her Republican tormentors. A very low bar indeed.
3
No one is in class with Houdini.
Ms. Dowd, as is your way with the Madame Secretary, you give with one hand and yank back with the other. And you're quite dishonest to pillory her as "midwifing the chaos" in the Middle East. W. and Richard Cheney own that terrible distinction. HRC years ago admitted that her vote for war and invasion was a mistake. Why not let it go? Today it proves nothing. W. and Cheney have said they'd do it again. Jeb!, his colors just about washed out, said last summer, that his brother was right even as he backed away from his comments (it is the way with the Bush clan to use English in a way that it cannot be understood). You also conveniently forget that "a bunch of pasty-faced, nasty-tongued white men" in Congress refused the Obama administration's request for additional money for the additional security that may have saved four American lives. Ms. Dowd, you can't, in one breath, admire HRC's performance before the 11-hour marathon that would have shamed Larry, Curly and Moe and in the next, suspend her in the strappado or encase her in the iron maiden. Finally, you mention a "Valkyrie;" do you know your Wagner? If the music escapes you, read the text. At the end of Götterdämmerung, Brünnhilde vindicated, even as the world came to an end.
43
It's very fair to examine the overall policy, but Clinton also said that
Stevens had many different ways to contact her and as Ambassador Michael Faul said, he never contacted Clinton via email. The Secretary, like every other executive, delegates responsibility for actions to subordinates. This isn't different.
Diplomacy is hard, especially when you're trying to support the aspirations of an oppressed people and by all accounts, there was a moderate voice in Libya looking for something other than Qaddafi. The United States has gotten it wrong many times, but I don't think it's wrong to support those seeking freedom. We have the same argument going on now regarding Ukraine and there are clearly those in Syria who'd prefer someone else than Assad. I don't think perfection is ever going to be possible, but we can demand that seeking peace should be the first option.
Stevens had many different ways to contact her and as Ambassador Michael Faul said, he never contacted Clinton via email. The Secretary, like every other executive, delegates responsibility for actions to subordinates. This isn't different.
Diplomacy is hard, especially when you're trying to support the aspirations of an oppressed people and by all accounts, there was a moderate voice in Libya looking for something other than Qaddafi. The United States has gotten it wrong many times, but I don't think it's wrong to support those seeking freedom. We have the same argument going on now regarding Ukraine and there are clearly those in Syria who'd prefer someone else than Assad. I don't think perfection is ever going to be possible, but we can demand that seeking peace should be the first option.
294
Diplomacy IS hard and especially in countries that have no rule of law. And THAT is the very reason why Stevens should have had Hillary's speed dial number on his phone and SHE should have responded. It's not like she was delegating responsibility (like every other executive) to the Ambassadors of Canada. She knew it was a dangerous place and as Secretary of State, she IS responsible for the welfare of her Ambassadors. It is a sorry state if she does not know what is happening in those countries. Why does she even have ambassadors if she is unaware of what they are doing and experiencing???
If President, will she know what is going on in the country and the world? Or will she delegate that also. The President has advisors who are supposed to keep him/her appraised of what is happening not make decisions for him/her.
As a life long Democrat, I will NOT vote for Hillary.
If President, will she know what is going on in the country and the world? Or will she delegate that also. The President has advisors who are supposed to keep him/her appraised of what is happening not make decisions for him/her.
As a life long Democrat, I will NOT vote for Hillary.
Thanks, Maureen. Finally. an honest opinion on the Benghazi debate.
End result...a masterful performance in deceit. Learning about Hillary's out and out lying to the families of the 4 murdered Americans was totally disgusting and immoral. She is not a "Lady hawk" as you described, but the "wicked witch" of the democrats and of all politics.
End result...a masterful performance in deceit. Learning about Hillary's out and out lying to the families of the 4 murdered Americans was totally disgusting and immoral. She is not a "Lady hawk" as you described, but the "wicked witch" of the democrats and of all politics.
4
Maureen Dowd is a very well-trained attack dog. She must have been raised in the finest kennel in the world, perhaps even in a kennel intended to train dogs for use in combat. A combination of killer and aged, doey-eyed puppy.
If Ms. Dowd should retire from creating columns for the sole purpose of promoting the equally aged Mrs. Clinton surely the latter's army of sycophants will wander off to Bernie Sanders' camp or perhaps just relax, put aside their constant outrage and lead normal lives.
If Ms. Dowd should retire from creating columns for the sole purpose of promoting the equally aged Mrs. Clinton surely the latter's army of sycophants will wander off to Bernie Sanders' camp or perhaps just relax, put aside their constant outrage and lead normal lives.
5
Nice try Mo-- you just can't win this one. Hillary did great-- she had stamina, guts and the facts. NEVER in any other embassy killing has the opposition party gone to such extremes to destroy the people in charge at the time of the tragedy. I cannot imagine the democratic leadership going after George Schultz in this fashion, and if George had any guts, he could speak out in Hillary's defense. Heck, he would endorse her for president!
50
I would rather have a real leader than a victim as POTUS.
3
to the astute observer, hilary's testimony was full of lies, obfuscation and non-answers in the guise of filibustering -- the problem is: most people just heard the select committee in full partisan display, the GOP foaming at the mouth and the Dems dutifully kow-towing to hilary. the salient facts were buried beneath the muck:
1) libya is a mess and it is a mess because the administration had no strategy for what to do after gaddafi was overthrown and killed;
2) the "facility" in benghazi was clearly involved in some off the books ops and was not sufficiently defended: hilary can say that is the responsibility of her underlings, but she buck should stop with her;
3) the emphasis from the administration in tying the attack to a video is odious, disgusting and represents the worst of optics/politics -- hilary was knee deep if not the instigator;
4) her private server email setup is so completely ridiculous, it is surprising "normal" people aren't more offended at the story posited by hilary: she neither sent nor received any classified emails... how could that even be possible, she was the Secretary of State -- virtually everything rising to her level was sensitive and therefore needed to be protected. I sincerely hope the FBI sends DOJ indictment-worthy evidence; and
5) hilary's demeanor during the hearing could not mask the fact that she does not care one bit about all of this: she is hell bent on her coronation as the first female president -- GOD save us all
1) libya is a mess and it is a mess because the administration had no strategy for what to do after gaddafi was overthrown and killed;
2) the "facility" in benghazi was clearly involved in some off the books ops and was not sufficiently defended: hilary can say that is the responsibility of her underlings, but she buck should stop with her;
3) the emphasis from the administration in tying the attack to a video is odious, disgusting and represents the worst of optics/politics -- hilary was knee deep if not the instigator;
4) her private server email setup is so completely ridiculous, it is surprising "normal" people aren't more offended at the story posited by hilary: she neither sent nor received any classified emails... how could that even be possible, she was the Secretary of State -- virtually everything rising to her level was sensitive and therefore needed to be protected. I sincerely hope the FBI sends DOJ indictment-worthy evidence; and
5) hilary's demeanor during the hearing could not mask the fact that she does not care one bit about all of this: she is hell bent on her coronation as the first female president -- GOD save us all
5
Woman not strong. Woman must look strong to govern primates!
3
Ms. Dowd, with your superb writing skills and masterful use of language, I wish you would tackle other things going on in our nation and around the world. How about discussing climate change, the huge influx of migrants into Europe, the changes proposed by Pope Francis in the Catholic church.
There are innumerable things you could discuss absent Hillary, please turn your insightful mind to those. The down with Hillary syndrome is really becoming tiresome.
There are innumerable things you could discuss absent Hillary, please turn your insightful mind to those. The down with Hillary syndrome is really becoming tiresome.
109
"Tiresome" to who? Not to me, not at all. Keep the hammer handy Maureen, we're going to need it if this harpy's ever to have her wings properly cut so she can crawl back home.
Her turf is politics.
While it's possible and even probable that Hillary made some mistakes around Libya, it's worth noting that 19 countries intervened in that country during the civil war. To lay the responsibility for that military action on Hillary, Amanda Power and Susan Rice, as if the were the three witches of Macbeth were egging on Obama and the Pentagon, seems like a stretch.
Hillary is the sort of politician that people project all sorts of stuff onto. While Hillary is far from perfect, it gets a little weird when Republicans and some people in the press, assume that there is something nefarious or wicked about her, as if her intentions weren't good.
The problem I have with Maureen's take on these events and others, is that she has difficulty seeing Hillary or even Obama who couldn't be more different from her, in anything other than a negative light. Whatever one thinks of Hillary, her fortitude in the face of sometimes abusive questioning was astounding. I didn't see a victim at all. Yes, she may have come across sometimes as barely tolerating the questions but for the most part they were inane at best, vicious at worst. If that had been me forced to endure an 11 hour committee hearing, I would have had a steady supply of martinis waiting for me in the break room and by 5:00p I would have been passed out on the floor.
I think Maureen thinks that she can't change her mind or soften her opinions about anyone. Once they get that black mark next to their name, that person is kaput.
Hillary is the sort of politician that people project all sorts of stuff onto. While Hillary is far from perfect, it gets a little weird when Republicans and some people in the press, assume that there is something nefarious or wicked about her, as if her intentions weren't good.
The problem I have with Maureen's take on these events and others, is that she has difficulty seeing Hillary or even Obama who couldn't be more different from her, in anything other than a negative light. Whatever one thinks of Hillary, her fortitude in the face of sometimes abusive questioning was astounding. I didn't see a victim at all. Yes, she may have come across sometimes as barely tolerating the questions but for the most part they were inane at best, vicious at worst. If that had been me forced to endure an 11 hour committee hearing, I would have had a steady supply of martinis waiting for me in the break room and by 5:00p I would have been passed out on the floor.
I think Maureen thinks that she can't change her mind or soften her opinions about anyone. Once they get that black mark next to their name, that person is kaput.
79
Notwithstanding Maureen's bad girl persona, with respect to your first point, the US was a necessary and major component to the military action on Libya and should have planned for and ensured that the vacuum we created be filled. Instead, we walked away from the mess, not having learned the lesson of Iraq. Whether that's on Hillary or on Obama, I don't know, but it is a stain on their administration.
As somebody below pointed out, Hillary Clinton didn't play the victim on Thursday. I'm guessing Maureen Dowd had kind of a tough week. Webb and Chafee call it quits, Biden decides not to run, and Hillary Clinton ends up getting campaign donations from many people who had previously harbored serious misgivings about her. With Biden out, I guess Dowd's great Irish hope now is fellow Catholic University graduate Martin O'Malley--but his campaign is heading nowhere fast.
56
Ms. Dowd seems to have never gotten over the Ms. Clinton she couldn't stand 20 years ago. In her view, there's no room for the maturity, introspection and empathy that can grow within a person over decades if they work at it and that I see in Hillary today and I'm a Bernie Sanders supporter.
This will never happen, pure fantasy, but if Hillary Clinton ended child poverty, Maureen Dowd would probably find a reason she didn't deserve any credit for such an accomplishment, some character flaw that only she could discern.
I think it's time for Ms. Dowd to get over Ms. Clinton. Time to move on to someone like Paul Ryan, our soon-to-be House Speaker whose draconian, Ayn Randian budget proposals, will diminish the middle class and further impoverish the already poor.
His 2012-2013 budget took over $300 million dollars (estimates of reductions range from $300 to $500 million) out of the State Department's budget, surely limiting their ability to protect our foreign service facilities in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, especially remote outposts which have been grossly underfunded for years.
This will never happen, pure fantasy, but if Hillary Clinton ended child poverty, Maureen Dowd would probably find a reason she didn't deserve any credit for such an accomplishment, some character flaw that only she could discern.
I think it's time for Ms. Dowd to get over Ms. Clinton. Time to move on to someone like Paul Ryan, our soon-to-be House Speaker whose draconian, Ayn Randian budget proposals, will diminish the middle class and further impoverish the already poor.
His 2012-2013 budget took over $300 million dollars (estimates of reductions range from $300 to $500 million) out of the State Department's budget, surely limiting their ability to protect our foreign service facilities in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, especially remote outposts which have been grossly underfunded for years.
400
Hillary accumulated those frequent flier miles while racking up money for her Foundation & her speeches. She used her time, power, & position to feather her own nest, completely neglecting her duties at the State Department.
That's why the State Department lapsed into such a deplorable mess. There was nobody at the helm. The Ship of State was rudderless.
Now, the world's on fire.
All of the crisis & conflicts presently going on in the world can be laid at Hillary's doorstep. Her job was to create policies & measures to avoid those things. But apparently she had other things to do, like preparing for her 2016 run for President.
Doing nothing & doing no harm are not the same things. There was much that needed to be done to avoid all the evolving disasters & perils, but those things were either beyond her abilities & comprehensions or her 2016 Presidential run & future wealth were more important to her.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-clintons-have-deep-fundraising-ties-to-b...
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/tracking-the-clinton...
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/bill-clinton-speech-congo-north-korea/2...
That's why the State Department lapsed into such a deplorable mess. There was nobody at the helm. The Ship of State was rudderless.
Now, the world's on fire.
All of the crisis & conflicts presently going on in the world can be laid at Hillary's doorstep. Her job was to create policies & measures to avoid those things. But apparently she had other things to do, like preparing for her 2016 run for President.
Doing nothing & doing no harm are not the same things. There was much that needed to be done to avoid all the evolving disasters & perils, but those things were either beyond her abilities & comprehensions or her 2016 Presidential run & future wealth were more important to her.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-clintons-have-deep-fundraising-ties-to-b...
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/tracking-the-clinton...
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/bill-clinton-speech-congo-north-korea/2...
1
Hillary was a liar 20 yrs ago too
1
The degree of knee-jerk Hillary-hatred shown here goes far beyond the bounds of fact, sense, reason, or decency. Why?!! I wonder if it's the result of years of hate from the radical right -- LImbaugh, Beck, Fox "News", and their ilk.
I expect those haters will get a President Clinton (whom I don't support, by the way) who will be a far better president than they want or deserve. And they will scream at her every move, good or bad. Facts will make no impression on them, no more than now.
I expect those haters will get a President Clinton (whom I don't support, by the way) who will be a far better president than they want or deserve. And they will scream at her every move, good or bad. Facts will make no impression on them, no more than now.
361
They hate her because she is a woman. It is a simple and as complicated as that.
Pretty mild stuff from Maureen Dowd, a woman who is undoubtedly right up there with Trey Gowdy or Peter Roskam in the category of Despising Hillary Clinton and has been at it for a lot longer than either of them. It is true that Libya turned into an appalling disaster after Qaddafi's ouster in 2011. What's also true is that Tea Party Republican politicians don't give a damn about Libya and what has happened there.
475
It was plainly proven that the disaster now in Libya was entirely created by policies invented and implemented by Clinton and that her "plan" did not consider the historical problem of removing a dictator without considering the chaos to follow. She had half a plan and Obama supported it, then wanted the credit that she sought for herself.
2
As a life-long CA democrat who's 'seen the light', you are incomprehenseably incapable of seeing what other Americans outside of your tribe think or feel! As an ecucator ot here in Cali, I've had hundreds of immigrant kids forb students, (along with their parents), and they fully understand that my old political enemie, indeed, care far more for the People of Iraq/Syria/Libya/Egytp/Iran/Jordan/Yeman/etc, yes, far more than does Hillary and her self-serving company Of insider plunderers of America.
The best and the worst of Hillary Clinton were on display during the Benghazi hearings.
On the one hand, Clinton was composed, in command of the facts, and showed stamina and a keen intelligence.
On the other hand, she distanced herself from the security problems faced by Ambassador Stevens in Benghazi and came very close to blaming the ambassador for failing to contact her directly to express his concerns. This is very far from the "Buck Stops Here" ethic that would be desirable in a commander in chief. And the hearings revealed that Clinton knew on the night of the attacks that the perpetrator was "an Al-Qaeda-like group," not a spontaneous mob, as her public statement suggested.
Thus, the hearings highlighted Clinton's character shortfalls, just as they revealed her considerable strengths. I will vote for Clinton if she is the Democratic nominee, but I consider her a highly flawed candidate.
For the moment, I am far more impressed with the directness and candor of Bernie Sanders.
On the one hand, Clinton was composed, in command of the facts, and showed stamina and a keen intelligence.
On the other hand, she distanced herself from the security problems faced by Ambassador Stevens in Benghazi and came very close to blaming the ambassador for failing to contact her directly to express his concerns. This is very far from the "Buck Stops Here" ethic that would be desirable in a commander in chief. And the hearings revealed that Clinton knew on the night of the attacks that the perpetrator was "an Al-Qaeda-like group," not a spontaneous mob, as her public statement suggested.
Thus, the hearings highlighted Clinton's character shortfalls, just as they revealed her considerable strengths. I will vote for Clinton if she is the Democratic nominee, but I consider her a highly flawed candidate.
For the moment, I am far more impressed with the directness and candor of Bernie Sanders.
60
Bernie is my candidate, too.
I think you might be interested in reading the ARB report on Benghazi. It explains why Ambassador Stevens and his team probably did not see his trip as unusually precarious - intelligence failures were so incredible they're almost unbelievable. Had the intelligence community done their job, this tragedy would probably have been averted.
Plenty of blame to go around, from the Secretary right on down the line but I found the CIA (nothing new there) to be particularly deficient.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/202446.pdf
I think you might be interested in reading the ARB report on Benghazi. It explains why Ambassador Stevens and his team probably did not see his trip as unusually precarious - intelligence failures were so incredible they're almost unbelievable. Had the intelligence community done their job, this tragedy would probably have been averted.
Plenty of blame to go around, from the Secretary right on down the line but I found the CIA (nothing new there) to be particularly deficient.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/202446.pdf
13
Yes, Netliner, I like Bernie, too. But the GOP would savage him in the Midwest as the second coming of Marx, Lenin, and Stalin. So for Dems like me who see the need to win, given replacements on SCOTUS, the census in 2020 and redistricting implications and such labor attacks as expanding right-to-work, along with an expanding income inequality, the practical answer is Hillary. A Republican in the White House with a Republican House and Senate would be an unmitigated disaster. So, Hillary, yes, Bernie, sadly no.
I agree with you on the knowledge, stamina and intelligence that Mrs. Clinton displayed. I was also impressed by the hearing as a chance to learn that Terry Jones anti-Muslim film had precipitated riots in Cairo, Tunis, Indonesia and many other spots around the world that ultimately caused around 50 deaths. While Republicans have tried to focus our attention exclusively on Benghazi, it is clear that Sec. Clinton and her staff were trying to deal with reports from many other countries that night. It is also clear that the CIA staff, who prepared Susan Rice's public statement, was not certain of the origin of the Benghazi attack until several days later.
http://www.mintpressnews.com/migrant-crisis-syria-war-fueled-by-competin... This mint press piece points out why we are attacked.
Besides what I've written in my other postings here, we should consider that the budget for security for the state department had been cut by Republicans. But more importantly, under Bush there were plenty of attacks and many deaths.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/may/12/john-gara...
Besides what I've written in my other postings here, we should consider that the budget for security for the state department had been cut by Republicans. But more importantly, under Bush there were plenty of attacks and many deaths.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/may/12/john-gara...
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Yet it was the State Department that continued to allocate its security budget to put large Marine contingents in safe bit high profile embassies. Instead of dedicating that money to high risk locations.
It has been reported, even here in the NYT, that the administration chose to keep a very low security profile in the mideast as a demonstration of our trust and faith in the peaceful nature of Muslim populations. In some cases, Marines report being denied ammunition while on duty, "guarding" embassies with empty rifles and magazines under lockdown in the armory.
Of course US interests were attacked under Bush. No one has ever denied it. But none of those attacks were surrounded by the insane security restrictions or subsequent coverup attempt that we see in the Benghazi attack.
It has been reported, even here in the NYT, that the administration chose to keep a very low security profile in the mideast as a demonstration of our trust and faith in the peaceful nature of Muslim populations. In some cases, Marines report being denied ammunition while on duty, "guarding" embassies with empty rifles and magazines under lockdown in the armory.
Of course US interests were attacked under Bush. No one has ever denied it. But none of those attacks were surrounded by the insane security restrictions or subsequent coverup attempt that we see in the Benghazi attack.
A group of some 20 heavily armed contractors were pulled out of Bengazi much to their extreme dismay .This happened during the year before the attack and before the weapons shipments arrived. So a lot of things were getting approved by higher up defense operations and possibly from the executive level.At least ,if Ambassador Stevens could speak he may have revealed some interesting facts concerning this apparently very secret operation. Surely Iran Contra and the attacks of 9/11 have great meaning here,especially when folks behind the scene are re arranging the furnishings.
1
I keep reading how Republicans are at fault for cutting the State Dept security budget. They cut the budget REQUEST. For the same reason Democrats cut the State Department budget $142 million in fiscal year 2010 (when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress).
Because it's only cutting what the president’s proposed budget wanted for the State Dept et al (not just embassy security) which in any administration a pie-in-the-sky document to begin with.
It's not how much money is requested, it's how much is finally allocated;
The reality is that funding for embassy *security* has increased in recent years.
“The Department of State’s base requests for security funding have increased by 38 percent since Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, and base budget appropriations have increased by 27 percent in the same time period,” said the bipartisan Senate Homeland Security Committee report on the Benghazi attack.
Oct 10, 2012
QUESTION: It has been suggested that budget cuts were responsible for a lack of security in Benghazi. And I'd like to ask Ms. Lamb, you made this decision personally. Was there any budget consideration and lack of budget which led you not to increase the number of people in the security force there?
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Charlene Lamb - No, sir
In any case, in light of gov't spending, cutting a couple hundred million out of a 2 BILLION dollar annual security budget means some wall won't get rebuilt/reinforced somewhere.
Because it's only cutting what the president’s proposed budget wanted for the State Dept et al (not just embassy security) which in any administration a pie-in-the-sky document to begin with.
It's not how much money is requested, it's how much is finally allocated;
The reality is that funding for embassy *security* has increased in recent years.
“The Department of State’s base requests for security funding have increased by 38 percent since Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, and base budget appropriations have increased by 27 percent in the same time period,” said the bipartisan Senate Homeland Security Committee report on the Benghazi attack.
Oct 10, 2012
QUESTION: It has been suggested that budget cuts were responsible for a lack of security in Benghazi. And I'd like to ask Ms. Lamb, you made this decision personally. Was there any budget consideration and lack of budget which led you not to increase the number of people in the security force there?
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Charlene Lamb - No, sir
In any case, in light of gov't spending, cutting a couple hundred million out of a 2 BILLION dollar annual security budget means some wall won't get rebuilt/reinforced somewhere.
There are legitimate questions about Hillary Clinton's foreign policy and her ideas of what she would do would she become president.
But, your relentless snarky sarcasm and obvious vitriol towards her, ironically turns her into a victim in your very own column, Maureen. And, as you point out in this column, that will make her more alluring to your readers when a haughty, snarky, mean girl bullies her week after week in print.
But, your relentless snarky sarcasm and obvious vitriol towards her, ironically turns her into a victim in your very own column, Maureen. And, as you point out in this column, that will make her more alluring to your readers when a haughty, snarky, mean girl bullies her week after week in print.
940
She bullied W. for eight years, too, so we should probably start getting used to it. No one wants to read how much Maureen loves Hillary.
"figuring out when Libya had deteriorated into such a caldron of jihadis that our ambassador should either be pulled out or backed up"
That Annex was closely associated with the much larger CIA project nearby, which was dealing with those jihadis to buy in weapons, and to send weapons and volunteers to fight in Syria. It was a covert project to transfer the Libyan fighting to Syria, for more of the same as in Libya. That too was a Hillary project.
It was not just a deteriorating cauldron of jihadis. We were playing a central role in that cauldron, providing money and encouraging more fighting.
THAT is the context in which the part time Annex was used by just four guys alone.
The Republicans are too incompetent to understand a real issue right in front of them. Total Bozos.
That Annex was closely associated with the much larger CIA project nearby, which was dealing with those jihadis to buy in weapons, and to send weapons and volunteers to fight in Syria. It was a covert project to transfer the Libyan fighting to Syria, for more of the same as in Libya. That too was a Hillary project.
It was not just a deteriorating cauldron of jihadis. We were playing a central role in that cauldron, providing money and encouraging more fighting.
THAT is the context in which the part time Annex was used by just four guys alone.
The Republicans are too incompetent to understand a real issue right in front of them. Total Bozos.
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Jonathan -- No. I did not say or mean to imply that we supplied the weapons used in this attack.
Libya was and remains awash in weapons. That was something Gaddafi did. He just kept buying and buying, piling the stuff up beyond all reason.
The CIA was there to buy that stuff, not to supply it. It is perfect for the purpose in Syria. It is cheap, it is completely untraceable and deniable. It is well suited to the purpose. Getting it out of Libya could only help.
The CIA was also sending people out of Libya, to Syria.
It was the ones they were buying from and trying to recruit who did this. We had gone to the very heart of the problem, sat down there with money, and tried to deal with all of the worst of them, buying weapons from them and trying to hire them.
In the middle of that, four guys alone went to a part-time building with no proper security, including someone very high profile.
Libya was and remains awash in weapons. That was something Gaddafi did. He just kept buying and buying, piling the stuff up beyond all reason.
The CIA was there to buy that stuff, not to supply it. It is perfect for the purpose in Syria. It is cheap, it is completely untraceable and deniable. It is well suited to the purpose. Getting it out of Libya could only help.
The CIA was also sending people out of Libya, to Syria.
It was the ones they were buying from and trying to recruit who did this. We had gone to the very heart of the problem, sat down there with money, and tried to deal with all of the worst of them, buying weapons from them and trying to hire them.
In the middle of that, four guys alone went to a part-time building with no proper security, including someone very high profile.
16
The failure was that their government refused to assist them when they were attacked regardless of what they were doing.
Presicely!
Obama played an important role in what happened in Libya , tragic attack took place so close to election. he would find many more videos and do anything as not to jeopardize his re-election.
4 Americans lives mean nothing to either him or HRC. Nothing!
This had been a cover up of the highest proportions by this administration and treasonous Media.
70 hostages had been rescued by our military forces a day ago but they couldn't save 4 Americans including an Ambassador in 2012?
Obama played an important role in what happened in Libya , tragic attack took place so close to election. he would find many more videos and do anything as not to jeopardize his re-election.
4 Americans lives mean nothing to either him or HRC. Nothing!
This had been a cover up of the highest proportions by this administration and treasonous Media.
70 hostages had been rescued by our military forces a day ago but they couldn't save 4 Americans including an Ambassador in 2012?
The value in all of the commotion about Benghazi is to inflame the already unhinged Republican Right, and watch them froth at the mouth on television. It's difficult for us readers or even journalists to know whether Hillary was made personally aware of the security arrangements in Benghazi. If not, there is more blame to be assigned to the Republicans, who cut funding for Embassy security.
The outcome so far has been to strengthen Hillary's candidacy, since even if she knew, and made an error in judgment, staging a show trial on television in order to discredit her has taken the Republican presidential freak show to another level.
Many of us like myself are indifferent for another reason: Like whoever the Republicans nominate, Hillary will support war, TPP, Pharma, fossil fuels, and Wall Street. Bernie Sanders, on the other hand, speaks for everybody else, including me.
Maureen, you know where the power brokers hang out in DC, and who they work for (hint: it ain't us). Please address the slimy money behind all of the candidates except Sanders, and tell us where you stand. Mad Hatter Republicans and prevaricating corporate Democrats are little different in policies.
If we keep our American Bourbons in power, everything will unravel, "tough" Hillary and all. Maybe the American people could use a place at the table, and in the White House.
The outcome so far has been to strengthen Hillary's candidacy, since even if she knew, and made an error in judgment, staging a show trial on television in order to discredit her has taken the Republican presidential freak show to another level.
Many of us like myself are indifferent for another reason: Like whoever the Republicans nominate, Hillary will support war, TPP, Pharma, fossil fuels, and Wall Street. Bernie Sanders, on the other hand, speaks for everybody else, including me.
Maureen, you know where the power brokers hang out in DC, and who they work for (hint: it ain't us). Please address the slimy money behind all of the candidates except Sanders, and tell us where you stand. Mad Hatter Republicans and prevaricating corporate Democrats are little different in policies.
If we keep our American Bourbons in power, everything will unravel, "tough" Hillary and all. Maybe the American people could use a place at the table, and in the White House.
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"It's difficult for us readers or even journalists to know whether Hillary was made personally aware of the security arrangements in Benghazi."
Apparently, according to Hillary Clinton herself, despite some 600 emails concerning the degrading situation and requests for addtl security otherwise she claimed in the hearing she never knew there was a problem. Seriously?
"If not, there is more blame to be assigned to the Republicans, who cut funding for Embassy security."
You REALLY need to vet your talking point. In the first place, Republicans cut the budget REQUEST for the same reason Democrats cut the State Department budget $142 million in fiscal year 2010 (when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress). Because it's only cutting what the president’s proposed budget wanted for the State Dept et al (not just embassy security) which in any administration a pie-in-the-sky document to begin with. It's not what is requested that is important. It's what is actually allocated in the end.
The reality is that funding for embassy *security* has increased in recent years. In any case, it was irrelevant;
Oct 10, 2012
QUESTION: It has been suggested that budget cuts were responsible for a lack of security in Benghazi. And I'd like to ask Ms. Lamb, you made this decision personally. Was there any budget consideration and lack of budget which led you not to increase the number of people in the security force there?
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Charlene Lamb - No, sir
Apparently, according to Hillary Clinton herself, despite some 600 emails concerning the degrading situation and requests for addtl security otherwise she claimed in the hearing she never knew there was a problem. Seriously?
"If not, there is more blame to be assigned to the Republicans, who cut funding for Embassy security."
You REALLY need to vet your talking point. In the first place, Republicans cut the budget REQUEST for the same reason Democrats cut the State Department budget $142 million in fiscal year 2010 (when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress). Because it's only cutting what the president’s proposed budget wanted for the State Dept et al (not just embassy security) which in any administration a pie-in-the-sky document to begin with. It's not what is requested that is important. It's what is actually allocated in the end.
The reality is that funding for embassy *security* has increased in recent years. In any case, it was irrelevant;
Oct 10, 2012
QUESTION: It has been suggested that budget cuts were responsible for a lack of security in Benghazi. And I'd like to ask Ms. Lamb, you made this decision personally. Was there any budget consideration and lack of budget which led you not to increase the number of people in the security force there?
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Charlene Lamb - No, sir
Teanderthal! Awesome.
The eminent columnist might look at another masterpiece for help in analyzing the marathon hearing. "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll provides a template for the hearing and maybe the Hon. Trey Gowdy consulted it prior to the hearing. I refer to the trial regarding the theft of tarts, where the Queen of Hearts provided her concept of due process: "Sentence first, and then the verdict."
This hearing was conducted as if the verdict was already in and the only purpose was to shame the perpetrator while trying to trap her into some admission that corroborated a Fantasyland narrative.
I'm not sure why else to bother with the time and expense of an investigation when you know the answers beforehand.
To the extent that there remains real questions after 8 Congressional investigations, this Committee is not interested in finding answers. The lack of progress is not because the Committee didn't have all of the e-mails. It is because the Committee has no intention of coming up with anything productive while there is the slightest chance that Sec. Clinton might be the nominee.
What the hearing displayed was a disgusting abuse of power by the Committee.
PS. Voicing personal opinions to family and even world leaders is far different than making a statement of official policy. Had she made an official policy statement without clearing it with her boss, the President, would have been a serious breach of protocol.
The eminent columnist might look at another masterpiece for help in analyzing the marathon hearing. "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll provides a template for the hearing and maybe the Hon. Trey Gowdy consulted it prior to the hearing. I refer to the trial regarding the theft of tarts, where the Queen of Hearts provided her concept of due process: "Sentence first, and then the verdict."
This hearing was conducted as if the verdict was already in and the only purpose was to shame the perpetrator while trying to trap her into some admission that corroborated a Fantasyland narrative.
I'm not sure why else to bother with the time and expense of an investigation when you know the answers beforehand.
To the extent that there remains real questions after 8 Congressional investigations, this Committee is not interested in finding answers. The lack of progress is not because the Committee didn't have all of the e-mails. It is because the Committee has no intention of coming up with anything productive while there is the slightest chance that Sec. Clinton might be the nominee.
What the hearing displayed was a disgusting abuse of power by the Committee.
PS. Voicing personal opinions to family and even world leaders is far different than making a statement of official policy. Had she made an official policy statement without clearing it with her boss, the President, would have been a serious breach of protocol.
185
The fact that Republicans were horrendous doesn't negate the fact that Dowd is right...She is. Hillary is culpulable for Benghazi, just like George Bush is for 9/11 and Obama is for Boston. Until we hold politicians of both parties and their experts/general accountable for their disasters, we will continue to live in foreign policy hell...and more of our children will die needlessly.
http://www.mintpressnews.com/migrant-crisis-syria-war-fueled-by-competin...
http://www.democracynow.org/2007/3/2/gen_wesley_clark_weighs_presidentia...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RC1Mepk_Sw
This go around with Hiliary Clinton and Lybia is the tip of the iceberg of all our troubles. We are a mess. We need to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Let the banks lend for solar, fusion and tidal power. Let's spend on setting ourselves up for a new era, instead being entertained by the farce in congress over Hillary Clinton and the tragedy of our diplomatic team in Benghazi. Maybe the Republicans should not have cut so much money from the state department so the Benghazi would have had more money for security. I am tired of looking at Secretary Clinton's contemptuous expressions and the fury of those that want to drag her down. Let's PLEASE face HONESTLY what is truly going on, and have a real dialogue to solve our problems to bring about peace!
http://www.democracynow.org/2007/3/2/gen_wesley_clark_weighs_presidentia...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RC1Mepk_Sw
This go around with Hiliary Clinton and Lybia is the tip of the iceberg of all our troubles. We are a mess. We need to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Let the banks lend for solar, fusion and tidal power. Let's spend on setting ourselves up for a new era, instead being entertained by the farce in congress over Hillary Clinton and the tragedy of our diplomatic team in Benghazi. Maybe the Republicans should not have cut so much money from the state department so the Benghazi would have had more money for security. I am tired of looking at Secretary Clinton's contemptuous expressions and the fury of those that want to drag her down. Let's PLEASE face HONESTLY what is truly going on, and have a real dialogue to solve our problems to bring about peace!
37
I wish it was just fossil fuels. I think that money is dwarfed by the weapons being sold there... and at home.
1
Hmmm. "Honesty" might include acknowledging that Secretary Clinton had both the funds and authority to increase security for Ambassador Stevens. She didn't need additional funds from Republicans to do that. In a word, she got caught with her pantsuit down and people died.
The Republicans have shown themselves to be inept in their efforts to malign Secretary Clinton. What they have failed to realize is that no one other than Republicans care about Secretary Clinton's mendacity and poor judgment. This is particularly true, it seems, of the New York Times' readership. Winning is all that matters to the Democratic partisans here.
I look forward to more entertaining outrage as Ms. Dowd continues her annoying recitation of troubling Clintonian facts.
The Republicans have shown themselves to be inept in their efforts to malign Secretary Clinton. What they have failed to realize is that no one other than Republicans care about Secretary Clinton's mendacity and poor judgment. This is particularly true, it seems, of the New York Times' readership. Winning is all that matters to the Democratic partisans here.
I look forward to more entertaining outrage as Ms. Dowd continues her annoying recitation of troubling Clintonian facts.
1
Great writing Maureen. I think that you've written a conclusion to this affair. In fact, the Benghazi Committee should have put together the same conclusion. To assuage uncritical Hillary supporters, Hillary does go on to the nomination, but this eventuality doesn't obviate rational thought.
Paired with the real diplomatic issues was the inadequacy of the committee that you well describe. I got home late that night, and, in surfing the cable channels, I was flabbergasted to see the committee still in session, with the little "live" message on the C-SPAN screen. If they weren't going to expose Clinton with their brilliance, they were going to sweat her out under the lights. "Vee haff vays off makink you talk."
Ya knows, Donald Trump should be impressed. He's the deal maker under adversity. Now here comes Hillary, besting the Right Wing cream of the crop. After this inquisition she can easily confront *any* world leader.
Paired with the real diplomatic issues was the inadequacy of the committee that you well describe. I got home late that night, and, in surfing the cable channels, I was flabbergasted to see the committee still in session, with the little "live" message on the C-SPAN screen. If they weren't going to expose Clinton with their brilliance, they were going to sweat her out under the lights. "Vee haff vays off makink you talk."
Ya knows, Donald Trump should be impressed. He's the deal maker under adversity. Now here comes Hillary, besting the Right Wing cream of the crop. After this inquisition she can easily confront *any* world leader.
47
It also doesn't obviate Dowd's irrational thoughts about Hillary.
Amazing that all the progressives dismiss the massive amount of documentary evidence that Hillary lied to the face of the parents of the brave men that gave their lives for their country in Benghazi, Libya for the reason that she totally failed in her responsibility provide security for the brave Americans that died there.
There are Elephants who might forget
But never Ms Dowd you can bet
Her spleen's everlasting
No good deeds or fasting
Can make Ms Dowd her darts regret.
But never Ms Dowd you can bet
Her spleen's everlasting
No good deeds or fasting
Can make Ms Dowd her darts regret.
424
"She was no doubt amazed at what an amateur job they were doing"
That was the most important thing on display.
We now know exactly where the Clown Bus came from. These guys are all like that. It defines them.
That was the most important thing on display.
We now know exactly where the Clown Bus came from. These guys are all like that. It defines them.
340
Mark
Can you comment on the FBI investigation? Is that a partisan investigation? Which clowns are in charge? Since you're a "lawyer" can you tell me is she guilty of withholding information? Can you factually prove to me her server had firewalls at the same level of the State Department? Isn't she guilty of obstructing an ongoing investigation when she refused to turn over her server? What about these new servers?
Did her subordinates who went through the emails have the proper security clearance? Did David Kendall have the proper security clearance to be in possession of the thumb drive? How credible is she when she said she never sent or received confidential emails and they have over 400? If she's so transparent why scrub her server?
Clown car is as old as you are. Try being original. Finally I have cousin whose a clown with Ringling Bros. He could improve you looks for sure
Can you comment on the FBI investigation? Is that a partisan investigation? Which clowns are in charge? Since you're a "lawyer" can you tell me is she guilty of withholding information? Can you factually prove to me her server had firewalls at the same level of the State Department? Isn't she guilty of obstructing an ongoing investigation when she refused to turn over her server? What about these new servers?
Did her subordinates who went through the emails have the proper security clearance? Did David Kendall have the proper security clearance to be in possession of the thumb drive? How credible is she when she said she never sent or received confidential emails and they have over 400? If she's so transparent why scrub her server?
Clown car is as old as you are. Try being original. Finally I have cousin whose a clown with Ringling Bros. He could improve you looks for sure
If it's the Sunday Review, it's a Maureen Dowd hitjob on Hillary. Or Obama. Or anyone else she envies.
Tired of it.
Tired of it.
1756
oh well, it doesn't matter does it? who or what would you prefer Ms. Dowd to write about?
Yes, first thing I read every Sunday - and I love Obama! Still gotta have my dose of MoDo snark.
1
I am also tired of the obviously envious Maureen Dowd . She is always all over Hillary - She's just a writer - Throw her in a hot spot in a high political position and see how she would do - she's all talk
3
So far, it has been demonstrated that everything Hillary has claimed is untrue:
1. She said she didn't start using her personal email server until March 2009, but then emails from January and February were discovered.
2. She claimed that she never emailed classified information through her personal server, but then it was found that she had actually given the real name of a CIA source in one email.
3. She claimed she only deleted 'personal' emails, but then it was found that she had deleted a number of emails from Sid Blumenthal concerning Libya.
4. She claimed that the emails from Blumenthal were unsolicited and unwanted, but she forwarded them to a number of people in the State Deparrtment, and asked Blumenthal to continue sending the emails.
5. An email clearly indicates Clinton understood that the attack on Stevens was a terrorist attack by al-Qaeda as soon as the attack occurred, but for nearly a week she continued to claim publicly it was the result of a demonstration occasioned by a video.
That she is still a viable Presidential candidate shows either the gullibility or the desperation of the Democrats. Will they say anything if she is indicted? "It's an evil Republican plot"!
1. She said she didn't start using her personal email server until March 2009, but then emails from January and February were discovered.
2. She claimed that she never emailed classified information through her personal server, but then it was found that she had actually given the real name of a CIA source in one email.
3. She claimed she only deleted 'personal' emails, but then it was found that she had deleted a number of emails from Sid Blumenthal concerning Libya.
4. She claimed that the emails from Blumenthal were unsolicited and unwanted, but she forwarded them to a number of people in the State Deparrtment, and asked Blumenthal to continue sending the emails.
5. An email clearly indicates Clinton understood that the attack on Stevens was a terrorist attack by al-Qaeda as soon as the attack occurred, but for nearly a week she continued to claim publicly it was the result of a demonstration occasioned by a video.
That she is still a viable Presidential candidate shows either the gullibility or the desperation of the Democrats. Will they say anything if she is indicted? "It's an evil Republican plot"!
106
"The desperation of the Democrats" is that this Republican Party can offer no palatable alternative.
17
You meant to say everything YOU say is untrue, right?
3
the minute i learned she had done nothing illegal, improper or unprecedented, i lost interest in the story. like benghazi, the email affair has the press frantically running in circles like a gerbil on a wheel, geiing nowhere.
4
Sorry to see the lame wit inquisitors did not come through for Ms Dowd when the accused spinning circles around the accusers. But face it, HRC was schooling the anti-government congressional delegates in such a resounding way that it is a sight to behold.
People are sick of hearing about the email server when hacking into the government network has become such a routine. Mrs. Clinton's successor, Sec John Kerry has pointed out that some of his communiques were likely being compromised. And how about the 4 million records on the OPM network. Really, most of Wikileak stuff didn't come from Mrs. Clinton's server. That doesn't excuse Mrs. Clinton's action but it is utterly irrelevant if the starve-the-beast crowd keep withholding funding.
This statement "Then she urged President Obama to help topple Muammar el-Qaddafi without heeding the painful lesson of Iraq" is downright erroneous. If memory serves, the U.S. did not fire a single shot when Qaddafi was toppled. But she had to go in to fill the void after Arab Spring. Did the "Furies" underestimate the level of commitment? Or they were restricted by the political attitude of the time? There will be plenty of PhD dissertations written on the subject but certainly the columnist is over-simplifying the moment in time to suit her purpose, namely, it is Mrs. Clinton's fault. But is it really? Well, she was the Sec. of State, so she will share the responsibility with others. But in the scheme of things, she is no neocons.
People are sick of hearing about the email server when hacking into the government network has become such a routine. Mrs. Clinton's successor, Sec John Kerry has pointed out that some of his communiques were likely being compromised. And how about the 4 million records on the OPM network. Really, most of Wikileak stuff didn't come from Mrs. Clinton's server. That doesn't excuse Mrs. Clinton's action but it is utterly irrelevant if the starve-the-beast crowd keep withholding funding.
This statement "Then she urged President Obama to help topple Muammar el-Qaddafi without heeding the painful lesson of Iraq" is downright erroneous. If memory serves, the U.S. did not fire a single shot when Qaddafi was toppled. But she had to go in to fill the void after Arab Spring. Did the "Furies" underestimate the level of commitment? Or they were restricted by the political attitude of the time? There will be plenty of PhD dissertations written on the subject but certainly the columnist is over-simplifying the moment in time to suit her purpose, namely, it is Mrs. Clinton's fault. But is it really? Well, she was the Sec. of State, so she will share the responsibility with others. But in the scheme of things, she is no neocons.
318
By the way, I did not see any playing victim at the hearing. If there were any victims, it would be the audience. The journalists like Jonathan Karl seem to be upset though because they got no Hilary takedown so they desperately try to keep this charade alive. Hey, take a minute, is this what Ms. Dowd is doing here? My bet is that some journalists might still want to talk about all the old stuff like White Water, Tammy Wynette or Iraq. But seriously folks, those were the days, my friends. Compare to the neocons who made up WMD charges, the then Sen Clinton's vote for Iraq is minor even though it was more a case of political expedient in hindsight
207
No way is the war in Iraq, or those who voted for it, minor. It resulted in the death (murder) of thousands of American troops and hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis, at the very least. And it was all to raise the price of a barrel of oil.
If memory serves France militarily helped the people toppling Qaddafi and the US helped France. Just for the record.
3
The hearing established a number of items:
1. Hillary Clinton is not a leader.
2. Hillary Clinton established that Embassy Security wasn't her job - yet no one on her team of security professionals was held accountable / fired over the 4 dead Americans. Leaders hold themselves and their team accountable.
3. Hillary Clinton's team ignored over 600 requests for increased security by the Benghazi Embassy staff.
4. Hillary Clinton knew and reported to her family and world leaders the attack had nothing to do with a movie.
5. Hillary Clinton knowingly spread the false story the attack was caused by a reaction to an anti-muslim video to the American people and the family's of the 4 dead Americans - despite knowing otherwise.
6. Hillary Clinton took large amounts of intelligence via email from a non-state department political hack Sidney Blumenthal, yet never corresponded via email with Ambassador Stevens.
Maureen Dowd is right on in referencing "The Empire Strikes Back" wherein the "Empire" referenced (in both the movie and her op-ed) is inherently evil - but good eventually won out.
1. Hillary Clinton is not a leader.
2. Hillary Clinton established that Embassy Security wasn't her job - yet no one on her team of security professionals was held accountable / fired over the 4 dead Americans. Leaders hold themselves and their team accountable.
3. Hillary Clinton's team ignored over 600 requests for increased security by the Benghazi Embassy staff.
4. Hillary Clinton knew and reported to her family and world leaders the attack had nothing to do with a movie.
5. Hillary Clinton knowingly spread the false story the attack was caused by a reaction to an anti-muslim video to the American people and the family's of the 4 dead Americans - despite knowing otherwise.
6. Hillary Clinton took large amounts of intelligence via email from a non-state department political hack Sidney Blumenthal, yet never corresponded via email with Ambassador Stevens.
Maureen Dowd is right on in referencing "The Empire Strikes Back" wherein the "Empire" referenced (in both the movie and her op-ed) is inherently evil - but good eventually won out.
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1. Clinton originated the false narrative about a YouTube video protest
2. Clinton avoided responsibility for Stevens' death
3. Clinton likely never spoke to Stevens
4. Stevens didn't have Clinton's email address
5. Clinton said she "knew and admired" Chris Stevens, but called him "Chris Smith" on night of his death
6. Clinton knew "nothing" about Stevens’ meeting with al-Qaida affiliate
7. Sidney Blumenthal had direct access to Clinton; Stevens did not
8. Blumenthal was Clinton's "most prolific emailer on Libya"
9. President Barack Obama's White House didn't know Blumenthal was emailing Clinton
10. Blumenthal's emails weren't entirely unsolicited
11. Clinton says she didn't know where Blumenthal's intel was coming from
12. The committee doesn't have all of Stevens' emails
13. Clinton suggested Stevens was joking about security
14. Chris Stevens sent 600 messages expressing his concerns of the lack of SECURITY and BEGGING for SECURITY.
2. Clinton avoided responsibility for Stevens' death
3. Clinton likely never spoke to Stevens
4. Stevens didn't have Clinton's email address
5. Clinton said she "knew and admired" Chris Stevens, but called him "Chris Smith" on night of his death
6. Clinton knew "nothing" about Stevens’ meeting with al-Qaida affiliate
7. Sidney Blumenthal had direct access to Clinton; Stevens did not
8. Blumenthal was Clinton's "most prolific emailer on Libya"
9. President Barack Obama's White House didn't know Blumenthal was emailing Clinton
10. Blumenthal's emails weren't entirely unsolicited
11. Clinton says she didn't know where Blumenthal's intel was coming from
12. The committee doesn't have all of Stevens' emails
13. Clinton suggested Stevens was joking about security
14. Chris Stevens sent 600 messages expressing his concerns of the lack of SECURITY and BEGGING for SECURITY.
4
Will Hillary be our generation's Sen. Palpatine that the Jar Jars with their smartphones can't wait to give ultimate Power to?
Here's the key fact: Hillary Clinton knowingly lied about the video, to the faces of the parents of the dead at the Air Force base, to try & keep power 8 weeks before the Presidential election. She is completely without character and unfit to be President. No spin Maureen Dowd puts on the hearing, changes that fact.
4
Careful, Maureen, your hatred is showing.
Victim? Seriously? I'm afraid I totally disagree with you about her playing any kind of victim card on Thursday. Never have I seen a more prepared, combative Clinton. No, not combative in the sense of fighting back, but combative in her soul. No shrinking vine, she blew them away because she never faltered, never stopped, and never let them see her sweat (if indeed she was).
The only time she showed weakness was when she started coughing--but far from her to accept even a minute or two of break time. "Bring it on," she seemed to be saying.
Victims don't do this--they snigger and look plaintive, and seem to be begginf for mercy. They don't roll their eyes, or answered in a tone that underneath drips with contempt. The angrier they got, the more she held her ground. The more they badgered, the more she badgered back. Count the number of
"As I've told you,...." as they futilely tried to trip her up.
I'm sorry I don't see victim. I saw the image of every woman who has ever been humiliated by a man would like to have answered when being browbeaten: forcefully, in command, and extremely professional.
I'm sorry you took the occasion of what was a really good day for females everywhere to call Clinton out a bad performance in Libya, that compared to Iraq, seemed like a heck of a good job. Let's face it: not every foreign policy decision turns out the way the decider hopes it will. But only Dems get investigated.
Victim? Seriously? I'm afraid I totally disagree with you about her playing any kind of victim card on Thursday. Never have I seen a more prepared, combative Clinton. No, not combative in the sense of fighting back, but combative in her soul. No shrinking vine, she blew them away because she never faltered, never stopped, and never let them see her sweat (if indeed she was).
The only time she showed weakness was when she started coughing--but far from her to accept even a minute or two of break time. "Bring it on," she seemed to be saying.
Victims don't do this--they snigger and look plaintive, and seem to be begginf for mercy. They don't roll their eyes, or answered in a tone that underneath drips with contempt. The angrier they got, the more she held her ground. The more they badgered, the more she badgered back. Count the number of
"As I've told you,...." as they futilely tried to trip her up.
I'm sorry I don't see victim. I saw the image of every woman who has ever been humiliated by a man would like to have answered when being browbeaten: forcefully, in command, and extremely professional.
I'm sorry you took the occasion of what was a really good day for females everywhere to call Clinton out a bad performance in Libya, that compared to Iraq, seemed like a heck of a good job. Let's face it: not every foreign policy decision turns out the way the decider hopes it will. But only Dems get investigated.
1788
I saw the image of every woman who has ever gotten a group of good, brave Americans killed and then lied like a dog about it for as lonmg as she deemed absolutelym politically, necessary.
So we're sort of - almost the same here.
So we're sort of - almost the same here.
4
There is a reason she is "playing" the victim -- she knows she has the upper hand in these situations. Hilary is intelligent, highly politically savvy, and a scrapper. If you actually listen to the rhetoric coming from her and her campaign satellites, she is UNDOUBTEDLY playing the victim. What she is doing with her mien is doing it UNABASHEDLY. Like Dowd points out, the message of a "demographically significant" candidate resisting the white male (as so cannily conveyed by Clinton's acidic demeanor) proves to continue to resonate as strongly with the left's electorate as in the last presidential cycle.
I'm sure a lot of her distaste for the fumblings of the committee is real, but it's also a highly scrutinized, calculated position. Her attempts at humanizing herself through other channels have proven to be transparent and stuck firmly at the cusp of the uncanny valley, but with her "combativeness" she has found a way to appeal to the modern socio-political climate. Politically it's a very strong move, but it remains a shame that nobody on the Hamfist Committee is really asking the right questions.
I'm sure a lot of her distaste for the fumblings of the committee is real, but it's also a highly scrutinized, calculated position. Her attempts at humanizing herself through other channels have proven to be transparent and stuck firmly at the cusp of the uncanny valley, but with her "combativeness" she has found a way to appeal to the modern socio-political climate. Politically it's a very strong move, but it remains a shame that nobody on the Hamfist Committee is really asking the right questions.
1
Careful, Christine, your blind supplication to Hillary is showing. A skilled liar, which Hillary is, will take care to prepare herself prior to any such hearing - which obviously she did.
As for her coughing, she wasn't coughing due to a dry throat or any sort of malady, she was gagging on her own virulent lies.
As for her coughing, she wasn't coughing due to a dry throat or any sort of malady, she was gagging on her own virulent lies.
3
The Clintons own the FBI, they can lie like the best of the best. Then the media does nothing but butress and support them. So defacto next POTUS! Oh well all great nations must succumb to the stupipity of the masses and the enemy within!
70
This is the kind of paranoiac twaddle that passes for thought in the GOP.
4
would be nice if the guy decrying "stupipity" could spell it correctly.
3
It's so rare that one sees wingnuts commenting in the Times ... Yes, we are a nation and we have succumbed to stupidity ... does the George W. Bush ring a bell? How about Dick Nixon? Ronny Reagan?
2
Ms. Dowd, this is the one, two punch: the "Pillory Hillary" column was the title of your last week's column, but this week's column is the real 'pillory Hillary' effort. You hope to accomplish in 20 minutes what hours and hours of sweaty Trey Gowdy questions could not do, which is to establish Hillary's guilt regarding the death of Ambassador Stevens. If you are a political umpire, then the title of this column should be "The Umpire Strikes Back". You are crying "Foul!", but there is no clear-cut violation of the rules of conduct for Secretaries of State in Ms. Clinton's behavior regarding security precautions at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. If there were no call logs between she and Ambassador Stevens, nothing will stick to her. And the email server issue is not directly relevant to any of these discussions. Based on this tragic situation alone, I see nothing that disqualifies her from becoming our next President.
482
There is no such thing as a disqualification for becoming the next president. Or a Senator or a representative or a governor.
"I see nothing that disqualifies her from becoming our next President." That says a lot about you! If lying to the American people including grieving family members about the cause of death of 4 brave Americans because it might cost you the slightest political capital and because somebody might discover your indifference about the Libyan mess you helped create isn't considered disqualifying on both competency and ethical grounds - what would? I suppose you wouldn't have disqualified Nixon either?
Agree. The optics alone of rude Repubs on the "Select" Committee could bring Hillary the throne. She shone.
But, I have to say your analysis of what the core of the scandal was is the clearest I've read. Those with Benghazi derangement syndrome always veer off into video-land and take us on wacky detours. If they had been as focused on the fact that Madame Secretary did indeed leave the Libyan Ambassador in the lurch, it would have been a very different take away.
But, I have to say your analysis of what the core of the scandal was is the clearest I've read. Those with Benghazi derangement syndrome always veer off into video-land and take us on wacky detours. If they had been as focused on the fact that Madame Secretary did indeed leave the Libyan Ambassador in the lurch, it would have been a very different take away.
51
Veer off into video-land? The one Hillary, Barak, and Susan discovered? That land?
Sadly Ambassador Stevens made a decision to travel to a compound with compromised security. What he did NOT know was that the militias he had worked with in the past had evolved, that information was not shared by the CIA which was NOT under Mrs. Clinton's direction. This was determined by former Ambassador Pickering and Admiral Michael Mullen through their Accountability Review Board who also noted: The Ambassador decides in country travel and does not need Washington approval. No one abandoned Ambassador Stevens in Benghazi, and certainly Hillary didn't. What happened was a tragic death of four Americans who understood that in their service to their country they could possibly be in in dangerous places. What Maureen has written is full of hazy fuzzy logic as she often does when she writes about Mrs. Clinton. Maureen loses her usual insightful precision and regresses to some kind of mean high school bullyish kind of mentality. It's embarrassing and getting old. There was nothing clear about Maureen's analysis except her hatred of Mrs. Clinton got the better of her.... yet again.
1
Is sharing sensitive email with your daughter legal? What is her daughters security clearance? Thirty plus years in the government taught us different.
52
Dowd and her fellow travelers are so blinded by prejudice that this undoubtedly never even occurred to her. Ms. Clinton did exactly what she pleased at all times. As a President, she will run rampant.
2
Chelsea is undoubtedly being prepared already, as the heir apparent sometime in the 2030s.
Jim McNulty:
She was sharing with her daughter an opinion of what happened. And what happened was on the news. Since when is an opinion classified? Since when does it require a security clearance?
She was sharing with her daughter an opinion of what happened. And what happened was on the news. Since when is an opinion classified? Since when does it require a security clearance?
2
Agree. The optics alone of the rude Repubs on the Benghazi Committee could gain Hillary the throne. She was a level above them all.
But, I have to say, your column gave the clearest analysis of why the Secretary of State's actions were so scandalous. Those with Benghazi derangement syndrome always veer off into video-land and other detours which cloud the true tragedy. That in fact Madame Hillary willfully left the Libyan Ambassador in the lurch. If they had been as focused, it would be a very different take away.
But, I have to say, your column gave the clearest analysis of why the Secretary of State's actions were so scandalous. Those with Benghazi derangement syndrome always veer off into video-land and other detours which cloud the true tragedy. That in fact Madame Hillary willfully left the Libyan Ambassador in the lurch. If they had been as focused, it would be a very different take away.
15
Ms. Levine,
Interesting choice of words: "could gain Hillary the throne." I wasn't aware that we had kowtowed enough to the Clintons to appoint them as rulers for life and all future generations. Do we also have to address her as Your Majesty?
Interesting choice of words: "could gain Hillary the throne." I wasn't aware that we had kowtowed enough to the Clintons to appoint them as rulers for life and all future generations. Do we also have to address her as Your Majesty?
That you're not a fan of Secretary Clinton is clear by your dismissive language; i.e., "Madame Hillary." While I do not understand your need to demean Ms. Clinton suchly, we all, in the end, favor one candidate over another. So be it.
However, not favoring a particular candidate and then "willfully" posting fiction as fact about her is not a "so be it" matter. Instead, it demonstrates much of what is wrong with political discourse in our time and further demonstrates why it is so easy to dismiss so many right-wing attacks on those with whom they disagree.
You state as "fact" that "Madame Hillary willfully left the Libyan ambassador in the lurch." Yet there is absolutely no evidence that such was the case. There is no evidence that the Secretary, upon hearing of the attack, did not do all she could to provide support for the ambassador and other Americans in the area. And this has been agreed to by the Joint Chiefs, the CIA and seven previous congressional investigations.
Ms. Clinton did not leave her ambassador "in the lurch." And to say that she did so "willfully" qualifies as a character assault lacking any basis in fact.
However, not favoring a particular candidate and then "willfully" posting fiction as fact about her is not a "so be it" matter. Instead, it demonstrates much of what is wrong with political discourse in our time and further demonstrates why it is so easy to dismiss so many right-wing attacks on those with whom they disagree.
You state as "fact" that "Madame Hillary willfully left the Libyan ambassador in the lurch." Yet there is absolutely no evidence that such was the case. There is no evidence that the Secretary, upon hearing of the attack, did not do all she could to provide support for the ambassador and other Americans in the area. And this has been agreed to by the Joint Chiefs, the CIA and seven previous congressional investigations.
Ms. Clinton did not leave her ambassador "in the lurch." And to say that she did so "willfully" qualifies as a character assault lacking any basis in fact.
1
She left him to die. Why are you supportive of such a monster?
Maureen Dowd world: "She still doesn’t believe that setting up her own server was so wrong."
Real world: "But in retrospect, as I look back at it now, even though it was allowed, I should have used two accounts. One for personal, one for work-related emails. That was a mistake. I’m sorry about that. I take responsibility.”
- Hillary Clinton
Maureen Dowd world: "She seemed oddly detached about Stevens, testifying that he didn’t have her personal email or cell number, “but he had the 24-hour number of the State Operations in the State Department that can reach me 24/7.”
Real world: "There is a simple reason why an ambassador would not have the secretary of state's private e-mail address. It's called the chain of command. With nearly 200 ambassadors in the field, it would invite chaos if each could directly write the secretary of state. Instead, ambassadors and other diplomats send reporting cables, which in turn are examined and processed by various levels of the State Department."
- Washington Post fact checker
Okay, NYT, we get it. You and Maureen Dowd hate Hillary. Even in a column ostensibly criticizing the ridiculous Benghazi hearings.
Real world: "But in retrospect, as I look back at it now, even though it was allowed, I should have used two accounts. One for personal, one for work-related emails. That was a mistake. I’m sorry about that. I take responsibility.”
- Hillary Clinton
Maureen Dowd world: "She seemed oddly detached about Stevens, testifying that he didn’t have her personal email or cell number, “but he had the 24-hour number of the State Operations in the State Department that can reach me 24/7.”
Real world: "There is a simple reason why an ambassador would not have the secretary of state's private e-mail address. It's called the chain of command. With nearly 200 ambassadors in the field, it would invite chaos if each could directly write the secretary of state. Instead, ambassadors and other diplomats send reporting cables, which in turn are examined and processed by various levels of the State Department."
- Washington Post fact checker
Okay, NYT, we get it. You and Maureen Dowd hate Hillary. Even in a column ostensibly criticizing the ridiculous Benghazi hearings.
1426
@J: You are losing touch with fact when you accuse the Times of hating Hillary. Dowd is no more the Times than is Krugman, or Brooks, or Douthat, or Mark Bittman.
5
J, I hope you are wrong about the NYT hating “Hillary Clinton”. This is the news source I depend on. The Times may try to be too “balanced”. confusing facts with fiction, trying to be politically correct, including columns that express opinions that are a bit far-fetched I mostly skip Maureen Dowd’s columns because I don’t trust her judgment
3
If that's "hate" I shudder to think what their "love" looks like!
1
Of course she wasn't slammed by the committee. The ruling class, republican, democrat, are two sides of the same coin. Look for more support to thwart those non-establishment candidates. And all of you that support the same tired, incestuous players can be fooled again.
21
Did we watch the same hearing? If that wasn't "slamming", in your parlance, what is? The rack?
1
Dan you hit the bulls eye.
You watched that show-trial and came away with the impression those Republicans were not busy slamming her? Granted, they were the reborn "Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight," but they were definitely out to get her. The GOP is about as good at running investigative congressional panels as they are at foreign policy. Or economic policy. Or pretty much anything, really.
3
Well, Maureen seems in a "take no prisoners" mode today. Nobody escaped unscarred. However, she is often right, in a leftist sort of way, that the Republicans missed their chance, and Hillary played the "Don't you dare hit the girl," and "I'm the victim here!:" cards perfectly. At the bottom, the hearing was a revelation of the obvious: her corruption and incompetence are coated in diamond=studded teflon; the Republicans lost their nerve; and the nation sinks further into the slough of cynicism.
30
So Bob, Hillary is guilty till proven innocent.
5
You must have watched a different tribunal.
The republicans were totally inept, incompetent, foaming at the mouth but not very smart. There was nothing "don't hit the girl"about Hillary. She was cool, calm and collected, her intelligent came through in every answer and was a stark contrast to lack of intelligence of her inquisitors.
The republicans were totally inept, incompetent, foaming at the mouth but not very smart. There was nothing "don't hit the girl"about Hillary. She was cool, calm and collected, her intelligent came through in every answer and was a stark contrast to lack of intelligence of her inquisitors.
Let me try to follow you here - the Republicans lost their nerve, and then went ahead with a 10+ hour national TV show so they could pull their punches and let HRC look presidential? Wow, that's mind-bending. No thought by the Republicans, having lost their nerve, of cancelling the hearing, or ending it at lunchtime?
2
Who do you want picking the next Supreme, or two, Ms. Dowd?
Either of the Viet Nam draft dodgers, Captain Bone Spur or Dr. Demento?
A rabidly failed CEO who hallucinates video on demand?
The brother who corrupted the 2000 election so his brother could fail the country disastrously?
The mope who shut down the busiest bridge in the country for revenge?
The one who lied about his parents fleeing Castro?
The Canadian refugee immigrant who is anti-immigrant?
Hillary is more qualified than all of the republicans running, combined.
I prefer Bernie, but Hillary will do.
Either of the Viet Nam draft dodgers, Captain Bone Spur or Dr. Demento?
A rabidly failed CEO who hallucinates video on demand?
The brother who corrupted the 2000 election so his brother could fail the country disastrously?
The mope who shut down the busiest bridge in the country for revenge?
The one who lied about his parents fleeing Castro?
The Canadian refugee immigrant who is anti-immigrant?
Hillary is more qualified than all of the republicans running, combined.
I prefer Bernie, but Hillary will do.
1453
@craig geary: It's not enough to recommend this comment; I have to state that you wrote it for me. Thanks.
31
No. She is not. The Republicans have an amazing depth and breadth of field, diverse philosophically and demographically. Female businessmen, acclaimed Black brain surgeon, two children of Hispanic immigrants, an Indian governor of the South, a famous business and television person, along with a full slate of traditional and extraordinarily experienced governors from the heartland. Open your eyes and your mind.
3
I would prefer someone who did not send her attack team after Gennifer Flowers, Monica Lewinsky, Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones, Juanita Broaddrick, et al. And you think she is looking after women's interests. What a joke.
7
The Benghazi Committee interrogation of Hillary established four things.
1. Hillary Clinton has stamina.
2. Hillary Clinton knew, and reported to her family and world leaders on the day of the Benghazi attack, that the attack had nothing to do with a movie.
3. Hillary Clinton knowingly spread the false story that the attack was spontaneous and caused by crowd reaction to a movie. She encouraged others to spread this lie to help the President get re-elected.
4. Nobody cares.
1. Hillary Clinton has stamina.
2. Hillary Clinton knew, and reported to her family and world leaders on the day of the Benghazi attack, that the attack had nothing to do with a movie.
3. Hillary Clinton knowingly spread the false story that the attack was spontaneous and caused by crowd reaction to a movie. She encouraged others to spread this lie to help the President get re-elected.
4. Nobody cares.
70
Larry: I care!!!
22
Did you watch the hearings? because it doesn't sound like it from your comments.
5
Larry from Fresno has nailed the disconnect on this issue.
The GOP and the families of the Benghazi victims see incompetence and calculated fraud in the handling of a terror attack. Democrats see the same thing but "don't care." One important thing I would add is that many believe "she did the right thing, therefore its not an issue," which, of course, falls under the heading of "don't care."
Another note, and I think an important one: Hillary's sifting victimhood for sympathy to whip into strength shines a light on just how far the feminist movement has gone off the rails.
The GOP and the families of the Benghazi victims see incompetence and calculated fraud in the handling of a terror attack. Democrats see the same thing but "don't care." One important thing I would add is that many believe "she did the right thing, therefore its not an issue," which, of course, falls under the heading of "don't care."
Another note, and I think an important one: Hillary's sifting victimhood for sympathy to whip into strength shines a light on just how far the feminist movement has gone off the rails.
3
From a Rudyard Kipling poem --
Man, a bear in most relations—worm and savage otherwise,—
Man propounds negotiations, Man accepts the compromise.
Very rarely will he squarely push the logic of a fact
To its ultimate conclusion in unmitigated act.
Fear, or foolishness, impels him, ere he lay the wicked low,
To concede some form of trial even to his fiercest foe.
Mirth obscene diverts his anger—Doubt and Pity oft perplex
Him in dealing with an issue—to the scandal of The Sex!
But the Woman that God gave him, every fibre of her frame
Proves her launched for one sole issue, armed and engined for the same;
And to serve that single issue, lest the generations fail,
The female of the species must be deadlier than the male.
To add to Kipling, the female is strong so she can bear children. She can also use that strength in other ways, as Hillary did.
Man, a bear in most relations—worm and savage otherwise,—
Man propounds negotiations, Man accepts the compromise.
Very rarely will he squarely push the logic of a fact
To its ultimate conclusion in unmitigated act.
Fear, or foolishness, impels him, ere he lay the wicked low,
To concede some form of trial even to his fiercest foe.
Mirth obscene diverts his anger—Doubt and Pity oft perplex
Him in dealing with an issue—to the scandal of The Sex!
But the Woman that God gave him, every fibre of her frame
Proves her launched for one sole issue, armed and engined for the same;
And to serve that single issue, lest the generations fail,
The female of the species must be deadlier than the male.
To add to Kipling, the female is strong so she can bear children. She can also use that strength in other ways, as Hillary did.
21
Hillary's womanly "strength" let four good Americans die in order to perpetuate the false narrative that Obama was winning the War on Terror with al Qaeda on the run. I
If a rescue mission had been launched there would have been hundreds of bad guys killed laying bare Obama's lie that we're winning. With that he would have lost in 2012 and Hillary would have little chance of defeating an encumbered Romney in 2016.
That's why Hillary let 4 good Americans die.
If a rescue mission had been launched there would have been hundreds of bad guys killed laying bare Obama's lie that we're winning. With that he would have lost in 2012 and Hillary would have little chance of defeating an encumbered Romney in 2016.
That's why Hillary let 4 good Americans die.
31
My goodness. Your calumny is astonishing.
I admit, Hillary didn't have herself flown in from Washington so she could arrive in Benghazi, guns blazing, to personally rescue our people.
Bad, bad Hillary!
Of course she would have been several hours late anyway but who's quibbling?
I guess if she were actually Superwoman, things might have worked out better.
I also guess that you're unaware of the GOP budget cuts specifically targeting State Dept. security, you're unaware of the many upgrades that were made to the Benghazi compound, that the CIA compound isn't Hillary's problem in the first place; that Ambassador Stevens had refused a larger security detail so he could be closer to the people, that it's typically the host country's responsibility to provide security to diplomats outside the embassy, and these outposts, in a hot zone, were not the Embassy despite prevarications to the contrary.
I am getting really tired of all these lies.
Maybe the Democrats should have investigated Reagan for "letting" dozens of Americans, hundreds in fact, die in Beirut.
Since he's dead, let's get Bush and Cheney up on the hot seat.
I'm sure you remember the Twin Towers and Afghanistan and Iraq and the ongoing violence they unleashed?
Now THAT merits an investigation.
I admit, Hillary didn't have herself flown in from Washington so she could arrive in Benghazi, guns blazing, to personally rescue our people.
Bad, bad Hillary!
Of course she would have been several hours late anyway but who's quibbling?
I guess if she were actually Superwoman, things might have worked out better.
I also guess that you're unaware of the GOP budget cuts specifically targeting State Dept. security, you're unaware of the many upgrades that were made to the Benghazi compound, that the CIA compound isn't Hillary's problem in the first place; that Ambassador Stevens had refused a larger security detail so he could be closer to the people, that it's typically the host country's responsibility to provide security to diplomats outside the embassy, and these outposts, in a hot zone, were not the Embassy despite prevarications to the contrary.
I am getting really tired of all these lies.
Maybe the Democrats should have investigated Reagan for "letting" dozens of Americans, hundreds in fact, die in Beirut.
Since he's dead, let's get Bush and Cheney up on the hot seat.
I'm sure you remember the Twin Towers and Afghanistan and Iraq and the ongoing violence they unleashed?
Now THAT merits an investigation.
20
Hillary IS the War on Women. Bill Cosby's accusers were featured on a major network, even though NONE of them came forward EVER. They popped a few pills and had sex with a big star in the hopes of establishing a connection.
Bill Clinton's 30 or so accusers did come forward. They were assaulted. Aided and abetted by Gloria Steinem, Hillary defamed these women and derided them as trailer trash. The press cooperated, and now has an amazing degree of amnesia.
Bill Clinton's 30 or so accusers did come forward. They were assaulted. Aided and abetted by Gloria Steinem, Hillary defamed these women and derided them as trailer trash. The press cooperated, and now has an amazing degree of amnesia.
2
Of course nothing was marked "Classified". They either say, Confidential, Secret or Top Secret. Her excuse is like saying, "They weren't marked "Only the elites can have a peek at this one'. "
But liberals don't know any better.
Aside from that, it's the Content of the email, when generated by the State Department or other departments or government contractors, that makes it classified "at birth"- when it is written. No one in government waits for some bureaucrat to come along with a big red rubber stamp and magically change it from something anyone can read to something confidential.
But liberals don't know that either.
But liberals don't know any better.
Aside from that, it's the Content of the email, when generated by the State Department or other departments or government contractors, that makes it classified "at birth"- when it is written. No one in government waits for some bureaucrat to come along with a big red rubber stamp and magically change it from something anyone can read to something confidential.
But liberals don't know that either.
42
It seems to be "e pluribus unum" who doesn't know anything about anything. Its assertions about what is secret and how that is determined are complete bull.
1
So are you saying lots of these secret messages were leaked or hacked? Where's your evidence?
2
Every government worker at every level who comes in contact with classified information is trained to recognize what is classified. Hillary had a private training session.
She is simply truth challenged.
She is simply truth challenged.
I would have done the ''his'' about Sid Vicious in the seventh paragraph in all caps.
You never know where Maureen will land on a news story
You never know where Maureen will land on a news story
3
Ms. Dowd has noted Hillary’s dark side. (Big surprise.)
I’m a Bernie supporter, because I believe the government needs a re-boot. But Hillary showed such command of herself at the Congressional witch hunt that I have to give her some respect.
Hillary has her flaws, and she’s subject to the usual temptations and failings that beset all politicians. She plays the game better than most because she’s smarter than most, although she sometimes leaves herself open to unnecessary criticism when she forgets that she’s under constant scrutiny, and that flip-flops, dubious associations and high speaking fees are not easily overlooked.
But her performance in the Republican show-trial was like a survival stunt, akin to David Blaine being buried alive for a week. He could sneak a bit of oxygen every now and then, but Hillary had no place to hide. The thing that saved her was her extraordinary poise, preparation and intelligence, and the fact that the Republicans were handicapped by their malevolent intentions. Had they been truly interested in getting at the Truth, both they and Hillary would have benefitted from the exercise. As it is, only Hillary prevailed.
There is no Republican worthy to touch the hem of her garment. They’re a gaggle of hyper-partisan gun-loving homophobic fundamentalist misanthropes. They’ve poisoned the government they now want to nurse back to health.
Hillary will ensure that they won’t get the chance.
I’m a Bernie supporter, because I believe the government needs a re-boot. But Hillary showed such command of herself at the Congressional witch hunt that I have to give her some respect.
Hillary has her flaws, and she’s subject to the usual temptations and failings that beset all politicians. She plays the game better than most because she’s smarter than most, although she sometimes leaves herself open to unnecessary criticism when she forgets that she’s under constant scrutiny, and that flip-flops, dubious associations and high speaking fees are not easily overlooked.
But her performance in the Republican show-trial was like a survival stunt, akin to David Blaine being buried alive for a week. He could sneak a bit of oxygen every now and then, but Hillary had no place to hide. The thing that saved her was her extraordinary poise, preparation and intelligence, and the fact that the Republicans were handicapped by their malevolent intentions. Had they been truly interested in getting at the Truth, both they and Hillary would have benefitted from the exercise. As it is, only Hillary prevailed.
There is no Republican worthy to touch the hem of her garment. They’re a gaggle of hyper-partisan gun-loving homophobic fundamentalist misanthropes. They’ve poisoned the government they now want to nurse back to health.
Hillary will ensure that they won’t get the chance.
1016
TommyD, the road to serfdom is what we are on now, as the modern day robber barons shamelessly buy elections and politicians, and reboot the government to do their every bidding - a silent coup d'état.
57
Well put, gemli, but you forgot the other Republicans' handicap: stupidity. It's not abuse; they do act stupid.
25
Dear Tommy D6of11, of course we read Orwell.
That's what we think of, exactly that, when we tune in FOX "News" with their big lies.
That's what we think of, exactly that, when we tune in FOX "News" with their big lies.
21
The power of the liberal media to absolve Mrs. Clinton of what should be a career-ending tenure at State is amazing. The FACT that she sent her daughter an email pinpointing terror from the group that her boss labeled as defeated as responsible then later meeting those coffins at Andrews promising loved-ones of the fallen that she'd bring the video producer to justice should be it. It would be curtains for any Republican. Next up is editorializing away her choice to conduct all State business on a private basement server which either indicates she violated the law by mishandling sensitive materials or didn't actually do her job and just pretended to be SecState. Clearly she didn't want her role of fundraiser in chief for the Clinton Crime Family archived by the government where it could later be demonstrated that she was working the very potentates she dealt with on behalf of the people. It has to be one or the other so leftist "journalists," you'd better get busy. The fact that she behaved this way in both instances is proof positive that the left knows no bounds as there really is no one they're worried about...the lame Republicans...the compliant complicit media or least of all fellow Democrats. Had Nixon been a Democrat he'd have served out his term.
55
"Had Nixon been a Democrat he'd have served out his term."
Perfect. How true.
Had Obama and Hillary been Republicans, they'd both be in prison.
Perfect. How true.
Had Obama and Hillary been Republicans, they'd both be in prison.
28
And thus we slouch toward Bethlehem, Hillary at the head of the file, your Democrat neighbors falling in like bleating sheep.
2
Isn't it a prosecutable offense to send sensitive information to your daughter?
3
Ms. Clinton looked the parents of a dead soldier in the eye who was in his coffin a few feet away and she lied to them while previously telling her own daughter the truth. This is how much she cares for your children and mine.
65
There have been a number of comments here and in the media generally concerning Secretary Clinton's "lying" about the role of the video in the attack after stating privately that an "Al Queda-like" group committed the attrocity. The evidence, as developed by the exhaustive New York Times investigation, as well as other government-sponsored investigations, is that the video apparently served as a prime motivation for the band of rag-tag terrorists that committed the attack, and as incitement to later rioters who burned and pillaged the embassy. I am not sure the evidence for Mrs. Clinton intentionally lying about this issue is nearly so strong as her passionate detractors have persuaded themselves it is, and it may well be that her public and private statements are not necessarily inconsistent, and that what inconsistencies there are may result from the necessities of keeping certain information relatively confidential, at least in the first instance.
162
Nonsense, you can try and spin your revisionist history any way you want her own email prove beyond any doubt both she and Susan Rice both intentionally lied , PERIOD!
3
The NY Times also did an "exhaustive investigation" of the 2000 Election and concluded that President Bush did in fact win.
2
This entire farce is more proof that there is no longer any rule of law in this country. The Committee is completely inept like the rest of the Republican Party and Hillary proves to us that she is a Presidential by being a successful lying sociopath. We get the Government that we deserve.
68
The Republicans performed like inspector Clousou in the Pink Panther...that was expected. Another interesting observation from Woodward and Bernstein of Watergate fame..."Hillary Clinton has a real aversion to the truth". Scary that our Presidential choices seem to be between the dishonest and the profane.
26
God dang, brilliant Maureen!
15
To praise Dowd, Maureen,
one must always blaspheme,
Say Muktada al Sadr
and Seattle Alwadr.
one must always blaspheme,
Say Muktada al Sadr
and Seattle Alwadr.
1
Ambassador Stevens...and all the others murdered that night - what of them? Where is their justice? Their families? Cast aside..stepped over in this horrible woman's eternal quest for power. Thanks Joe Biden, you could have stopped this.
35
Where was all your outrage over the 4,000 -plus dead in Iraq? Why did you not say at the time, " Thanks, Darth Cheney, you could have stopped this."
15
Not for one second did Hillary come across as a victim. She was prepared, composed and gave a remarkable degree of latiude to questioners with limited knowledge of state department policies and practices. The true victim of his own making is Gowdy who was unable to articulate one new idea after chairing a meeting lasting over 10 hours. I was never a real fan of hers but looking at the present choices for president ....Hillary gets my vote hands down.
590
We have amazing choices this election.
The one time I saw Hillary Clinton look like she was going to completely fall apart was when she greeted the bodies of Ambassador Stevens and the other three men killed in Benghazi at Andrews Air Force Base. So please do not insinuate that she was indifferent to his tragedy. You are a one-note pianist when it comes to Hillary, so predictable, Ms. Dowd.
1215
Barbara,
If Hillary had truly cared, she would have responded to their 600 pleas for more security after 20 attacks on our Benghazi consulate.
If Hillary had truly cared, she would have responded to their 600 pleas for more security after 20 attacks on our Benghazi consulate.
16
Tommy, your favorite party (I assume; I hope I'm wrong) CUT THE SECURITY BUDGET for State by a sizable amount for the fiscal year that the Benghazi attack took place in. Great move, that.
I also assume you knew where the next attack on U.S. diplomatic sites and personnel would take place. Too bad you didn't tell State in time to be of use.
I also assume you knew where the next attack on U.S. diplomatic sites and personnel would take place. Too bad you didn't tell State in time to be of use.
54
No she just stood there and lied to them to their faces. That's really some good sympathy., isn't it?
2
I can't agree with you more about what a poor showing the Members of the Committee made last Thursday. They were an embarrassment to our country. I also agree that the former secretary of state remained masterful in her testimony. However, we part ways when it comes to the vote of the then senator in support of the president's request to go to war. Many of us, in the government or military, supported the request based on the evidence presented, classified and unclassified. We were wrong, and I believe that the senator has since agreed that we were all wrong. Bad on us. But time to give it a rest in your pieces. Water under the bridge. She is a brilliant person, capable manager, and she shows us how strong she can be under pressure. The assistant secretary and director of diplomatic security and their professional staff had to decide how to use limited funding. Sadly, it resulted in the death of the ambassador and three others. Lesson learned. Now, let's move forward.
628
Lt_Col-retired: You forgot to tell the readers explicitly that Congress (controlled by Republicans) REDUCED the State Department's security budget. Most anti-Hillarians seem to be ignorant of that.
74
Sorry, I cannot support a person who willfully lied to the American people who were covering up for a gun smuggling operation selling guns to Al Queda and it got 4 people killed. And you want that person to be allowed to be your Commander in Chief?
2
Excellent rebuttal. I salute Rep. Cumming's suggestion that the $20 million aggregate cost in staff time, document production, etc. is money that would go far in dealing with the Real problem for our embassies - safety.
17
It may well be legitimate to examine HRC's record in the Middle East. But it's up to voters to conduct the examination, as opposed to a partisan Congressional hit squad whose only aim is to tarnish her politically.
She didn't "play the victim." She was restrained and appropriately deferential, even to the idiot Congresswoman who claimed she didn't get the joke.
Above all, Ms. Clinton showed how tough she is--which is, I suspect, what really bothers Maureen Dowd.
She didn't "play the victim." She was restrained and appropriately deferential, even to the idiot Congresswoman who claimed she didn't get the joke.
Above all, Ms. Clinton showed how tough she is--which is, I suspect, what really bothers Maureen Dowd.
752
RA,
And how exactly are voters to learn about HRC's record? She we just take it from her press agent?
And how exactly are voters to learn about HRC's record? She we just take it from her press agent?
5
TommyD6of11, the voters may get the facts from the facts, not your amazing prejudice.
32
Some members of the GOP want to start an impeachment hearing before the election. It seems that the swearing in ceremony will be an impeachable offense. The GOP rather obviously thinks HRC will win the election.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/24/us-usa-election-clinton-impeac...
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/24/us-usa-election-clinton-impeac...
48
One never know, do one?
1
If they haven't impeached Obama, they won't impeach the secretive perpetual liar either.
This column is almost exactly as enlightening as an early 2010 floor speech by Sen. McCain about the President. More analysis and insight, less rehashing of issues that 90% of readers are familiar with.
"I'm sorry the facts do not agree with your narrative, Ms. Dowd."
"I'm sorry the facts do not agree with your narrative, Ms. Dowd."
308
David....curious....what do you mean..... Plz rewrite. McCain speech, more insight..?
1
Ms. Dowd says nothing new was provided at the hearing is quite revealing. Did you know that Hillary sent an email to her kid indicating it was terrorism and called Morsi to say it was terrorism? Because, I can tell you Ms Dowd, the people I know and I know many, never heard of this until the hearing. What we heard from her powdered lips it was the VIDEO same for the prevaricator in chief; face to face with the family members she lied to them like it was just a walk in the park, yawn yawn...politics is useless and dangerous when people like Hillary do not speak TRUTH, she goes home while her "friend" and those serving are being killed. OH, where was the our leader? Outside having a smoke or fundraiser? Like my Italian mother would say,"it all comes out in the wash."
32
What liberal voters have to admit to themselves is that for all the ''score-settling'' in their vote for Hillary, they must realize that there is no reason to think she wil ever tell any soirt of inconvenient truth.
Presidents are supposed to lie to protect secrets and agents in dangerous places. FDR never talked about how all trans-Atlantic phone calls were monitored during the war.
BUT Hillary lies for political advantage! and, we have seen that she doesn't even take steps to protect people overseas in harm's way. Are we really ready for the most unqualified female candidate of this century?
Presidents are supposed to lie to protect secrets and agents in dangerous places. FDR never talked about how all trans-Atlantic phone calls were monitored during the war.
BUT Hillary lies for political advantage! and, we have seen that she doesn't even take steps to protect people overseas in harm's way. Are we really ready for the most unqualified female candidate of this century?
24
I already like Marcia's mom.
1
So you think a mob violently reacting to a stupid video that blasphemed their prophet by setting fires and shooting off guns and explosives at the US embassy was not terrorism? What would you call it? Just a protest parade?
7
HRC was lucky you weren't advising the GOPers that day. Not sure the country was, though.
12
I actually watched "The Hearing", thinking like most, it would provide some noteworthy drama. However, all I got out of it was one burning question: Will Madonna pay Hillary in the musical?
14
Definitely OPERA material.
Oh, now. H was not "playing the victim," she WAS The victim here. Since when does being on a select committee mean that its members are given full freedom to use all the various ways to be rude that they learned in middle school? Whatever else the Benghazi committee was about, rudeness, condescension and bullying by Capraesque dunderheaded male pols and their Dickensian fright-wigged mols were the only thing "regular" people could see.
That, and the sight of a paraffin-faced chairman actually melting in his chair before our eyes.
Also, thanks for the "girlfriend in the Oval Office" mention. Not as good as Sheamus on top of the car, but a nice try.
That, and the sight of a paraffin-faced chairman actually melting in his chair before our eyes.
Also, thanks for the "girlfriend in the Oval Office" mention. Not as good as Sheamus on top of the car, but a nice try.
309
I must say you certainly can turn a phrase. In the end you are still stuck defending a liar.
11
"Seamus on the roof" was Gail Collins' shtick.
Dowd's meme is "Barry" and to damn Hillary any way she can.
Dowd's meme is "Barry" and to damn Hillary any way she can.
64
I am fascinated, really, after years of Clinton watching, how effortless her lying is. How she could look straight into the eyes of grieving families and lie about an inciting video knowing, almost immediately, it was a terrorist attack...all to advance Obama's (and her) narrative of having al Qaida on the run. Readers may dislike my description, but it is no longer in question.
Truly masterful.
Truly masterful.
51
Oh I think Ted Cruz Is a better liar by far.
65
Dr. J, you are so knowledgeable! Were you equally knowledgeable in the days after the Benghazi attack, when the Administration really didn't know who had attacked or what caused it?
34
Dr. J,
How do you *know* she is lying? Why haven't the 8 hearings, 6 of those by Republicans, found her "lying," as you state. Perhaps you are lying instead?
How do you *know* she is lying? Why haven't the 8 hearings, 6 of those by Republicans, found her "lying," as you state. Perhaps you are lying instead?
40
Continuing the Democrat media drumbeat of "nothing to see here." No new revelations? You mean we knew that she emailed Chelsea and called two foreign officials and told them it was a terrorist attack, before claiming to the family members and condoning the administration line it was about a video? If she was a Republican the press would be all over her about these contradictions.
37
Mitch, you have a short memory? The press gave Boy George Bush's lies about Iraq a free ride. Thanks, press and George and Dick and Donald R. and so on, for ISIS.
61
we had a president who stated as fact in a state of the union address that iraq was buying yellow cake uranium. did that bother you?
33
She certainly looked commanding and presidential as she lied to Congress.
She looked about as good as any liar I've seen yet.
She looked about as good as any liar I've seen yet.
44
Puhleese. Were you not around when George, Dick and Donnie lied about WMD in Iraq? If lying was an Olympic event, they would have taken the gold, silver and bronze. But, it's okay if you're republican - right?
30
Ms Dowd fails to mention that Hillary on three occasions she stated that the attack was a planned attack. All three of these occasions preceded her statement that the attack was the results of a video. This was new information to me and many other Americans.
Once again she refused to accept any responsibility for the security failures which led to the deaths. She refuses to acknowledge that under the law, as established by another committee, she was required to sign a waiver authorizing the facility be used.
The blood of the two men killed at the consulate is directly on her hands and is her responsibility and hers alone.
Once again she refused to accept any responsibility for the security failures which led to the deaths. She refuses to acknowledge that under the law, as established by another committee, she was required to sign a waiver authorizing the facility be used.
The blood of the two men killed at the consulate is directly on her hands and is her responsibility and hers alone.
34
Many Americans think you are wrong. Most of that blood was due to Bush and Cheney.
21
This is a fair assessment of the hearings and of Hillary. First, as to the Libyan policy, the case for intervention was to prevent genocide. It may or may not have happened, but it was happening in Syria, and the intervention, for all the chaos it caused, averted a human catastrophe. As to Hillary being more solicitous, to Stevens's requests for security, I don't think that was ever a viable option, and Steven's knew it. The real question was should Steven's have been there in the first place, knowing the fragility of the devolving situation. And that was a profound misjudgment, both on the part of Hillary, and Stevens himself. Again, we need to view this against the backdrop of history, where events like these happen with some frequency. and that is the nature of the "business we have chosen." But the broader issue you raise is Hillary's composure under pressure, But there, you must realize that anyone's judgement, put to the test and examined in the context of history might not be much better and is, for the most part, much worse. The hearings themselves did more damage to Republicans than to Hillary. The inquisitors were ghoulish, unyielding, and misogynous. In the end, Hillary did show she could stand up to the pressure, of contradictions, misjudgments, and incongruities, precisely the character trait needed to be president of the United States. And aside from Joe Biden, there isn't one other candidate who vaguely approaches it. And everyone knows it.
162
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RC1Mepk_Sw
http://www.mintpressnews.com/migrant-crisis-syria-war-fueled-by-competin...
http://www.mintpressnews.com/migrant-crisis-syria-war-fueled-by-competin...
1
Abin Sur.... thanks for thoughtful, even handed comment taking context and history into account. A complicated issue.
How about a few paragraphs to make reading less of a chore. Hit enter a few times.
How about a few paragraphs to make reading less of a chore. Hit enter a few times.
5
And many typos as well; written from my iPad, but also tho boxed text is hard to edit. Sorry, I felt embarrassed on the re-read.
You ask better questions and make better points than the lead "prosecutor" did!
10
"I am the boss of ambassadors in 270 countries?"
Shouldn't the Secretary of State know how many countries there are (203)?
Shouldn't the Secretary of State know how many countries there are (203)?
23
"Five nations don't have U.S. ambassadorial exchanges: Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and the Republic of China (Taiwan).There are currently 27 vacant ambassador posts."
http://mentalfloss.com/article/31504/25-quick-numbers-facts-about-us-amb...
http://mentalfloss.com/article/31504/25-quick-numbers-facts-about-us-amb...
4
Wrong. There are ambassadors to countries, ambassadors at large, and ambassadors to international organizations. All report to the Secretary of State. Good snark, though.
22
Maureen, you are grasping at straws to continue trash-talking Hillary, your long-favorite theme. To address your specious conclusions:
Hillary Clinton became a Senator because a majority of NYS residents had more confidence in her than in Rick Lazio. Monica Lewinsky did not win that election for her. And she did not act victimized; she held her head up and faced the world, which is what untold numbers of citizens do facing the pain of infidelity.
As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was not going to cross her boss, President Obama, by speaking or acting against his judgment. This was true for Libya, the Trans-Pacific deal and others.
Hillary Clinton had acknowledged that it was a mistake to have authorized the President to launch war. But it would have happened without her support. Do you needle John Kerry, Joe Biden, or anyone else for the same vote, Maureen?
The Benghazi Inquisition was not an imagined right-wing conspiracy; it is what passes for Republican leadership now. Congressional GOP figures are hellbent on creating the illusion of scandal, where there is none. Hillary Clinton is up to the task of taking on their apparatus.
Count me among the Americans sick of hearing about Hillary's damned emails - or any of the cliched Dowd diatribes against Mrs. Clinton!
Hillary Clinton became a Senator because a majority of NYS residents had more confidence in her than in Rick Lazio. Monica Lewinsky did not win that election for her. And she did not act victimized; she held her head up and faced the world, which is what untold numbers of citizens do facing the pain of infidelity.
As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was not going to cross her boss, President Obama, by speaking or acting against his judgment. This was true for Libya, the Trans-Pacific deal and others.
Hillary Clinton had acknowledged that it was a mistake to have authorized the President to launch war. But it would have happened without her support. Do you needle John Kerry, Joe Biden, or anyone else for the same vote, Maureen?
The Benghazi Inquisition was not an imagined right-wing conspiracy; it is what passes for Republican leadership now. Congressional GOP figures are hellbent on creating the illusion of scandal, where there is none. Hillary Clinton is up to the task of taking on their apparatus.
Count me among the Americans sick of hearing about Hillary's damned emails - or any of the cliched Dowd diatribes against Mrs. Clinton!
1197
While we wait for more details about the new batch of classified emails, this is a good time to cite the statute that must be keeping Team Clinton up at night. 18 U.S.C. Section 793(f) provides:
Whoever, being entrusted with or having lawful possession or control of any document. . .relating to the national defense, (1) through gross negligence permits the same to be removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone in violation of his trust, or to be lost, stolen, abstracted, or destroyed, or (2) having knowledge that the same has been illegally removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone in violation of its trust, or lost, or stolen, abstracted, or destroyed, and fails to make prompt report of such loss, theft, abstraction, or destruction to his superior officer, Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
Clinton's server was illegal. She concealed all the emails for six years. She had no authority to delete any emails on the server. She did not relinquish the emails voluntarily she was compelled to do so by a request from the State Department.
Whoever, being entrusted with or having lawful possession or control of any document. . .relating to the national defense, (1) through gross negligence permits the same to be removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone in violation of his trust, or to be lost, stolen, abstracted, or destroyed, or (2) having knowledge that the same has been illegally removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone in violation of its trust, or lost, or stolen, abstracted, or destroyed, and fails to make prompt report of such loss, theft, abstraction, or destruction to his superior officer, Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
Clinton's server was illegal. She concealed all the emails for six years. She had no authority to delete any emails on the server. She did not relinquish the emails voluntarily she was compelled to do so by a request from the State Department.
7
How come the choice was between her and Rick Lazio? Isn't there something wrong with that picture? The whole thing stinks.
Maureen,
I am no more ready for Hillary than you are. I can't remember the last time I paid her a compliment.
Hillary Clinton was a victim of the plot of a group of bungling, hateful, and unprincipled men and women of the Republican party. They manufactured a crisis out of the tragic death of American civil servants and, even as it became clear the jig was up on their treacherous and ignominious plot, they pressed on with one last 11-hour jab. For what?
They could have legitimately gone after her for running government mail off-site but didn't. Why? Because too many among their ranks engaged in the same behavior, including Jeb! As Bernie Sanders points out in his CNN interview with Chris Cuomo, it's now up to the FBI. (See http://tinyurl.com/qh72g4y)
Hillary was no midwife to chaos in Libya. The entire administration, including President Obama, bear responsibility for essentially doing the same thing Dubya did: go in and act without having an exit strategy. It's terrible that after we went into Iraq and did what we did there, exited the place and left it far worse than it was, that we can look at Libya and say the same. Both nations were left in virtual chaos, ripe for ISIS' pickings.
But I blame the GOP (John McCain equally as muc as Hillary) for these thoughtless imperialist forays into other nations and the administration for so easily giving into the pressure to intervene knowing full well there would be no support for what comes next. Policy done the hawk way...
I am no more ready for Hillary than you are. I can't remember the last time I paid her a compliment.
Hillary Clinton was a victim of the plot of a group of bungling, hateful, and unprincipled men and women of the Republican party. They manufactured a crisis out of the tragic death of American civil servants and, even as it became clear the jig was up on their treacherous and ignominious plot, they pressed on with one last 11-hour jab. For what?
They could have legitimately gone after her for running government mail off-site but didn't. Why? Because too many among their ranks engaged in the same behavior, including Jeb! As Bernie Sanders points out in his CNN interview with Chris Cuomo, it's now up to the FBI. (See http://tinyurl.com/qh72g4y)
Hillary was no midwife to chaos in Libya. The entire administration, including President Obama, bear responsibility for essentially doing the same thing Dubya did: go in and act without having an exit strategy. It's terrible that after we went into Iraq and did what we did there, exited the place and left it far worse than it was, that we can look at Libya and say the same. Both nations were left in virtual chaos, ripe for ISIS' pickings.
But I blame the GOP (John McCain equally as muc as Hillary) for these thoughtless imperialist forays into other nations and the administration for so easily giving into the pressure to intervene knowing full well there would be no support for what comes next. Policy done the hawk way...
182
Can I ask a question? I have heard people speak of this before, but I really want to know. What does Jeb! have to do with Hillary having a personal email account used for government email. Jeb! was a governor & had no state secrets to put at risk. At least Florida has no secrets that are of national secrecy that I can think of. On the other hand, Secretary of State...eh...
I do agree with you about John McCain. He, HIllary, Lindsay Graham & others love making war. And, believe me, for whatever reason, Hillary, Susan Rice, & Samantha Powers want to go to war. They may call it humanitarian but war is not humanitarian. And, that is something the left dearly needs to consider about her. I do & would consider it about the warmongers on the right.
I do agree with you about John McCain. He, HIllary, Lindsay Graham & others love making war. And, believe me, for whatever reason, Hillary, Susan Rice, & Samantha Powers want to go to war. They may call it humanitarian but war is not humanitarian. And, that is something the left dearly needs to consider about her. I do & would consider it about the warmongers on the right.
4
Considering Gowdy didn't even show up when the survivors of the Benghazi attack testified, nor when our security chiefs testified---none of which was much reported--it was clear truth wasn't their goal.
But important and revealing for the nation to see in real time what these zealots look and sound like in their rantings.
It's stunning to think they are serving in our House, but we now know who wants to shut the gov't down over PP, or really any reason.
The GOP's anti-intellectual, anti-gov't wing is rabid and vapid and actively trying to bring this country down. Attention must be paid.
Write about that. Something of consequence for us all.