By CNN's Tim Lister and Paul Cruickshank
The often fiercely political debate over who knew what - and when - about the September 11 assault on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi has taken another turn with the disclosure of a series of e-mails sent from the State Department on the night of the attack.
But the most explosive of the e-mails - which were released late Tuesday - may have been inaccurate, a "spot report" on a rapidly evolving and highly confusing situation.
The disclosure of the e-mail has given new life to the already fevered debate over when the Obama administration learned that the attack was more than a protest that turned deadly but was the work of terrorists.
The e-mail carried the subject line: "Update 2: Ansar al Sharia Claims Responsibility For Benghazi Attack." The message said: "Embassy Tripoli reports the group has claimed responsibility on Facebook and Twitter and has called for an attack on Embassy Tripoli."
That message was sent to a wide range of federal offices, including the FBI, from the State Department at 6:07 p.m. ET on September 11 - seven minutes into September 12 in Libya. At that time, the attack on the consulate was ongoing, and the subsequent assault on the annex building, in which two more Americans would be killed, had not begun.
Also: Some Bengazi attackers connected to al Qaeda in Iraq
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, and two other Republicans in the Senate wrote Wednesday to Obama, saying: "These emails make clear that your Administration knew within two hours of the attack that it was a terrorist act and that Ansar al-Sharia, a Libyan militant group with links to Al-Qaeda, had claimed responsibility for it."
However, an examination of the known Facebook and Twitter accounts of Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi reveals no such claim of responsibility. Aaron Zelin, a research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, tracks dozens of jihadist websites and archives much of what they say. He told CNN he was unaware of any such claim having been posted on the official Facebook page or Twitter feed of Ansar al-Sharia in Benghazi.
Zelin, who said his RSS feed sends him any new statement from the group, provided CNN with a copy of that feed. It shows no Facebook update between September 8 and September 12, when a posting late that afternoon first referenced the attack. Zelin notes that the posting referred to a news conference the group had held earlier that day in Benghazi in which it denied any role in the assault on the consulate, while sympathizing with the attackers.
Security Clearance: The latest on military, diplomacy and intelligence
Accompanying a posting of the news conference on YouTube, a commentary says that the attack on the consulate was "a wave of rage for Allah and his Prophet, it came from the Muslim youths."
The posting continues: "Ansar al-Sharia brigade did not officially participate as a military body, nor received any orders directed from the brigade."
The group's Twitter feed tells the same story. The account, @anssarelshariea, bears the group's logo and a tweet on September 8 - and then nothing until four days later. And at no point is there a claim of involvement in or responsibility for the attack on the U.S. Consulate compound.
Perhaps the person who reported the claim of responsibility - and the threat against the consulate - was viewing another Ansar al-Sharia site, or one supportive of the group.
In the hours following such incidents, it is not unusual for "spot reports" from agencies and overseas posts to pour in to the State Department. They typically include intercepts, what's picked up on social media, witness accounts and what's being said by local officials. They often contain raw, unfiltered information that is then analyzed for clues, patterns and contradictions.
In the case of the Benghazi attack, there were plenty of contradictions. Such situations are frequently chaotic, with claim and counter-claim by witnesses unsure of what happened when, according to U.S. officials. Building a complete picture without access to first-hand-accounts and little visual evidence can be a major challenge to government experts working from thousands of miles away.
So too have been the attempts to pin down who represents Ansar al-Shariah and their movements on the night of the attack.
Wings of Ansar al-Sharia, which means "partisans" or "supporters of Islamic law," are based not only in Benghazi but in the Libyan town of Derna, east of Benghazi. The group's leaders in Derna are thought to include Abu Sufyan bin Qumu, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee.
A different Ansar al-Sharia is affiliated with al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen, and budding franchises are said to exist in Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.
As Zelin wrote last month in Foreign Policy, the groups "lack a unified command structure or even a bandleader like the central al Qaeda command....They are fighting in different lands using different means."
Wherever they may be, members of Ansar al-Shariah are united by a shared outlook, one that is implacably anti-Western and in favor of the imposition of Shariah law across the Muslim world.
The description on the Ansar al-Sharia (Benghazi) Twitter feed proclaims: "The goals of Ansar al-Sharia brigade is to implement the laws of Allah on the land, and reject the human implemented laws and earthly made constitutions. There will be nothing ruling in this country other than the laws of Allah."
Zelin said he believes that the rise of the groups heralds the end of the dominance of global jihad by a single hierarchical organization such as al Qaeda - and returns the state of jihad to the jumble that characterized it during the 1990s.
"One key difference, however, is that jihadi groups are now more ideologically homogenous," Zelin wrote in Foreign Policy.
"In the 1990s, jihadis thought locally and acted locally, while many now talk globally and act locally."
CNN's Pam Benson contributed to this report
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Why are you not reporting the incident of the father of the Navy seal who died at Bengazi. He states that Hillary Clinton lied to him, that Joe Biden was disgustingly crass and that the President not only lied but was cold as a fish and didn't even look him in the eye as he lied to him. Where is the honor in this administration? This administration are pathological liars it appears to me.
Lay off Obama. Since the beginning of his term in office according to his mainstream media and his fellow Democrats he has done nothing deserving criticism, to criticize him now is wasted effort.
Liberals and Conservatives all need to listen to this!
http://www.glennbeck.com/2012/10/25/updating-glenn-talks-to-father-of-navy-seal-killed-during-assault-on-libyan-embassy/
Well considering that this administration is in a war to save their jobs, they are not going to be willing to come out and tell the truth about what they knew. They shall continue to tell those that believe them that they knew nothing about it, it reminds me of a show with a D U M B Sargent in a POW camp set in Germany during the Second World War, Hogan’s Heros where the famous words were "I KNOW NOTHING". That what the administration is saying that they are not worthy of knowing and telling the truth. Perhaps we need people in there that are willing to not be celebrities, it’s time to close the curtain on this awful show, it’s over stayed it’s usefulness by 40 months. The facts remain there are Americans dead because someone was to busy in Denver, plan and simple.
If George Bush was president and Benghazi-gate occurred.....
This would be the headlines for weeks in all of Obama's butt kissing main stream media... along with a very pathetic looking photo of Bush ( they have these in their archives)
Headlines:
"Bush Caught in Major Cover Up Scandal" – Word of his resignation is emanate as investigations shed light on his outright deceptions....
The hell with facebook/Emails
CIA reports that they told the White House within 24 hours that the
attacks and killings at Benghazi was a planned terrorist attack....
Then Obama starts lying AGAIN!!!!!!!!
Obama???
You made a tape broadcasted in the ME apologizing for the movie nobody saw..
So why Obama did you send out your pawns to lie for you???
You send Rice out 5 DAYS LATER to the Sunday talk shows spewing the lie that the attack was movie driven
So why Obama did you send out your pawns to lie for you???
You send Jay Carney out to lie to the press for you
You spoke to the UN DAYS LATER pointing out the MOVIE that nobody saw
You lied to all Americans on the View...
So why Obama did you send out your pawns to lie for you???
You send Hillary out to spew the lie about the movie that nobody saw...
Why do people care about how Obama labeled an attack? He had Osama killed without letting anyone know. Should the president blab national security information on international television? Keeping the enemy in the dark about how much we know can be devastating. Oh, we feel we have a right to know? No such right, not where national security is concerned. Quit whining.
Because Obama has stated he has slowed down al Qaeda. The attack means al; Qaeda is alive and well. This makes Obama look bad. We can't have that.
What is bad is "he knew and did nothing... That is the first thing wrong. The second is he knew and lied to us about it. When he told lies he no longer deserves the nations support and needs to be replaced.
Whinnnney Posters here. You guys sound pathetic. Of course I used to whine about GWBush. I admit it. You do remember him don't you? But he made it so easy.
Hard to believe anything from this administration anymore.
Regardless of what part of this story is accurate or inaccurate, it is obvious, that absolutely nothing was done to save the ex navy seals who did not die for hours after the attack. 30 or more government people fled that safe house and got on a plane and those witnesses had to have told what they knew.
The White House and the State Department watched, in real time from an overhead drone, live video of the attack and did nothing. They did nothing to help those Americans under attack, those Americans who ended up dead. Why not send fighters rather than a drone?
No action was taken, no troops deployed to aid those under siege in the 7 hour attack. That’s right, the attack lasted 7 hours. That’s more than enough time to scramble fighter jets that could have easily flown over the consulate and, at a minimum, scared the hell out of the attacking terrorists forces, if not kill them.
President Obama and his administration did nothing.
Not only did they do nothing during the attack, they did nothing to protect the Ambassador and 3 other Americans. They left them vulnerable for such an attack with no resources to protect themselves. Surely, they knew how dangerous it was to leave an Ambassador with no security in such a place as Benghazi and if they didn't, then if nothing else, it shows how incompetent or how little regard they cared about their safety.
Regardless of who knew what when, the media should focus more on what caused this tragedy to occur and stop trying to protect this administration because they certainly do no deserve to be protected or defended.
Obama ate popcorn watching Benghazi attack.
Americans are the most ignorant and ill informed people in the world. They also watch the most television.
This entire attack was being watched on a live video feed in the White House war room-they covered this up due to the election. Special Ops could have been there in an hour from Italy. The possibly could have rescued the Americans, including Chris Stevens. Attack was on video from a droned...no action was taken due to election...pathetic.
I hate to say this, it's sad no doubt, but GET OVER IT. This Muslim country is like all others, they are animals and why we think anything other than animal behavior would take place, is foolish.
The reality is, it's done and we can't go back. To keep putting these whiney Senators like McNuts, I mean McCain, on TV whining about it is just a waste of time. I would rather watch a campaign comercial. Geeezzzz.
There is no getting over it. This is not a "who cares" situation. This is Americans killed because their Commander In Chief could not give them protection they were asking for. He covered it up. You get over it. This is a major problem. Obama is responsible and negligent and if he had been doing his job that he was elected to do these four men would not be dead. The facts are there, it is not a joke or something that "doesn't matter". This is the lives of 4 men that suffered, were tortured, were slain because our 'president' would rather have the American people believe that he alone conquered al Qaeda. BFS
half what half muslim.....what an idiot!!!! You are a racist!!! Ignorant lynch mob!!!! You love FOX NEWS and CNN. YOu all won't be happy until we blow ourselves to kingdom come! IDIOTS! 3000 people died on 9/11 twin towers under someone you voted for!!!! He almost collapsed this country and let us into a unilateral war that killed 100,000 people. OH wait, they don't matter! Convince Jesus about that when you meet your judgment day. MOrons!!!
If you find yourself in a similar situation in service to your country, I hope you will remember this comment of yours when your superiors decide that you are not worth rescuing and they write you off as "casualties in the service of their country".
I guess we have to wait until Romney is President befor CNN starts being a news agency again....They only report things that hurt the POTUS when a Republican is in office....
This is not the first BS piece released to try and muddy the waters. We've been dealing with certain members of the press and in this administration doing everything in their power to distract from and cloud up this issue. It is never going away until the truths are told. We all now the truth at this point, we just this administration to step up and admit it too.
**We all know the truth at this point, we just want this administration to step up and admit it too.
At this point, you are voting for Biden to be President. Obama will be impeached.
If Obama ISN'T impeached – there's no justice, no decency and no hope for America
Well, Bush wasn't impeached for far, far worse, so don't get your hopes up. On the other hand they tried to impeach Clinton for much, much less, so maybe you have a point.
Specifically, what crime did President Obama commit that meets the criteria for impeachment? Also, impeachment only serves to bring charges. Once charged, the case is tried in the Senate, and requires a two-thirds majority to convict. That has never happened to any President so far.
This is a CATASTROPHIC failure ... that will ultimately cost Obama the election ! Let's not pretend that Obama didnt have something to gain by the COVER UP ... when the E-mails say that they may even have watched the attack in real time ! NO reason to even Liberal Media Bias ... it is just too BLATANT too ignore !
In a related story Candy Crowley successfully dusted the Romney dog carrier for paw prints !!!
DISGUSTING ... absolutely disgusting !!!
jrt – I couldn't agree more!
Is anybody answering the question of who "persuaded" Stevens to go to Benghazi? If you know you have a target on your back, you are concerned about the dangers, your security team says they need more assets, then why would you go to Benghazi with almost no security at all?? Duh?? What is wrong with this picture? WHO is checking this out??
Let's not pretend like Obama did NOT have anything to gain by covering all of this up ! The E-mails simply confirm that they knew with-in minutesm and their actions amount to a CATASTROPHIC failure ... that is NOT going awa
In a related story Candy Crowley ... successfully dusted for paw prints on the Romney dog carrier !!!
DISGUSTING ... absolutely DISGUSTING !!!
So let me understand the fact that this guy named Aaron Zelin couldn't find the post of responsibility on the Terrorists websites is supposed to override the fact that the Embassy sent a cable to the FBI and the WH and the State Dept saying basically this is a Terrorist attack. All that doesn't hold water because Aaron Zelin can't find the fact the Terrorists didn't put the confession on their websites.
CNN has to try and cover this up too. It's what Obama wants.
amen
The Obama administration and the media are disgraceful. The entire awful truth will come out but most likely not before Nov 6th. If Obama wins a second term it will be a nightmare for him and unfortunately for the rest of us.
You are Americians make me laugh, it makes me realise that you read but don't understand, you hear but don't listen. The President was in America first of all not in Benghazi, if you all were following the news and early investigation you would have realised that the first reports were that a movie on youtube cause the uprising. They first said that the people were having a peaceful protest, then suddenly it turned violent, were you all watching the breaking news, there was no violence in the beginning of the protest, when the violence started those who were not for it moved away and the violent ones took over putting up their black flags. All the reports were saying all the violence was because of the movie. Yes the buck stops with the President and Secretary of State but come on they only knew what they were told for the first how many days almost a week, until they got in there to investigate. People lives were lost here please don't make it a political thing, you realised when the question was asked in the third debate Mitt let it go, his people was disappointed but remember he is now receiving national security briefings, maybe that was his reason for not persuing the debate further on Benghazi. Please, please respect the dead and their familes and let the investigators do their job. Listen, read and understand, don't assume because you will make an a$$ of yourself when you do that and look foolish in the end when the truth comes out.
So tell me- why did the President grovel and apologise to the Muslim world if he didn't REALLY know what the he!! was going on?
Jackie
In your efforts to calm the angry retoric you do not realize that people should be angry....The President did an interview for 60 minutes on 9-12...one day after the attack....the part of the interview that wasn't aired was Mr Obama saying that he was aware of the fact that the attack was planned and that the Terrorists,"folks" he calls them, were taking advantage of the anniversary of 9-11-2001...
The question is WHY would the Un Amassador and Mr Obama say that it wasn't pre planned and that the attack was in retaliation for a "video" days later????????????????????????
People aren't stupid and do not like being lied to....If this was a Republican President CNN,ABC and the rest of the liberal media would be DOING THEIR JOBS and reporting on this story until the TRUTH came out....
When is CNN realllllly going to cover this? I suggest that the death of 4 great Americans while the talking heads in the Situation room sat idly-by, is treasonous than an audio recording at the hotel Watergate. What do you think CNN?
9/11 happened on US soil, so Americans knew immediately. Embassy attacks happening thousands of miles away is always a fluid situation, you don't want to jump to conclusions and make a mistake and assert something that is not true and makes you look foolish or incompetent. You have to be absolutely sure you have the facts of what's happening on the ground. How many times have we seen that friendly fire caused the deaths of US personnel, like Pat Tillman, etc.? Heck, in 1995 first reports of the Oklahoma bombing, which was in the heart of America, assumed it was moslem terrorists. Turned out to be one of our own domestic terrorist, and a US military person at that.
Well you SURE don't want the PRESIDENT apologising to the Muslim world before he knows what's happening then DO you?
Go hug a tree you bed wetting lefties....Romney/Ryan 2012
Wow Dug deep in those remaining brain cells for that one, didn't you? Ouch
Please refrain from harming yourself when Obama is reelected, I know your sad little life will feel like the world's ended.
Sad that your lying messiah slipped are ya?
The issue isn't whether they had solid intel that blamed a group, or whether the situation was unfolding and required caution. The issue is why the Administration went full-forward into the "video excuse" when either of those two conditions was present.
REGARDING: TRIAL HEADED BY JUDGE MUNTHER RAOUF HAADI IN THE CENTRAL,
CRIMINAL COURT OF IRAQ with guilty verdict issued against the
Terrorist Insurgent , (1), Ibrahim Al-Qaraghuli, during 18 October
2008 for torture murders of PFC Kristian Menchaca & PFC Thomas Tucker.
… U.S. Col. Rafael Lara and the U.S. Task Force Lara headed with
"oversight" applied by U.S. ATTORNEY GNL. HOLDER & Secretary of State
Clinton operated a CRIMINAL “COVER-UP OF SATELLITE & DRONE PHOTO
EVIDENCE” of (1) Satellite photographs and (2) CIA photos of CIA
operated and paid enlistment of Sunni Muslims into the U.S. Created
“Awakening” movement : : U.S. CIA AGENT PAID “IRAQI ‘AWAKENING’
AGENTS” TORTURE MURDERED CAPTURED US SOLDIERS, PFC KRISTIAN MENCHACA &
PFC THOMAS TUCKER, 2006, IN SATELLITE PHOTOS. The identification of
the U.S. paid “Iraqi ‘Awakening’ Agents” in said Satellite Photos can
be made by comparing CIA photo Records of its own data base of CIA
operated and CIA paid enlistment of Sunni Muslims into the U.S.
Created “Awakening” movement."
SEE:http://www.israelmilitary.net/showthread.php?t=16167
…This astounding condition was concealed prior to and during trial of
(1), Ibrahim Al-Qaraghuli & (2) Kazim Al-Zowba’i & (3) Walid
Al-Kartani headed by Judge Munther Raouf Haadi in The Central,
Criminal Court of Iraq with guilty verdict issued against the
Terrorist Insurgent , (1), Ibrahim Al-Qaraghuli, during 18 October
2008. (2) Kazim Al-Zowba’i & (3) Walid Al-Kartani were released as
Iraq had no science available to process DNA collected against (2)
Kazim Al-Zowba’i & (3) Walid Al-Kartani.
…The U.S. Task Force headed by U.S. Col Rafael Lara representing the
United States and advised with oversight involvement by U.S. Attorney
General Erik Holder did not make evidence available that would show
that (1), Ibrahim Al-Qaraghuli & (2) Kazim Al-Zowba’i & (3) Walid
Al-Kartani were members of
“U.S.-CIA-paid-Iraqi-’Awakening’-Agent-Terrorists” of al Queda / al
Shura . SEE:http://www.israelmilitary.net/showthread.php?t=16167
..SEE:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/middleeast/29iraq.html?pagewanted=print
Thanks for opening our eyes! We can only hope that CNN will start covering the cover-up.... They used to be a news organization.
American neighbours – your country is in trouble just like the rest of the world- Obama or Romney – both liars. People who care about America stand strong and say NO to these liars who have hijacked the once proud US of A. We all have to stand together and in truth. The truth is that the world is being run by thugs who only know how to lie bully and drop bombs on people. So sad but so true. People of peace we have to call all global oppressors on their lies – and eventually they will not have a leg to stand on. May truth and peace prevail.
Oh yes, because Twitter and Facebook say so, it must be true! Sigh...
It's fake. Probably a forgery by Trump.
Yes, I'm going to to what Republicans do all the time. Call it a Conspiracy.
Regardless this is no big deal considering this is not the first time, and not only under a dem president.
This whole event Ambassador and Americans killed on 911 in Benghazi ..while Barrack Hussein gave a short too bad speech in rose garden..how nice...THEN OFF TO VEGAS TO RAISE CASH FOR REELECTION..AND BOUNCE WITH BEYONCE! HE MUST HAVE BEEN SOOOO UPSET..BARRACK HAS NO COMMON DECENCY.
He also greeted the caskets when they returned to the US. You have to understand that when something horrible happens to Americans (here or abroad), the president will not be able to take a week off from HIS JOB.
HIS JOB is to protect Americans and our interests. HIS JOB is to be there when a foreign crisis is underway. If he had done HIS JOB and actually attended regular briefings throughout his Presidency to know what was going on before this happened and then after to make sure that his people were responding appropriately then maybe he wouldn't have sent his spokespeople out to give a B&*#@&*t (in the words of our esteemed President) story. And even the most faithful supporter would have to ask him now to do HIS JOB and actually address the American people with the truth. As far as I can tell he's not very good at HIS JOB so we should give him the opportunity to do something else that he'd be better at. Maybe that would be hanging out with the stars because last time I checked hanging out in Vegas at a fundraiser is not in HIS JOB description.
..SATELLITE & DRONE PHOTOS OF TERRORIST ATROCITIES
CONCEALED FROM U.S. & NATO CRIME DATA BASES BY US
STATE DEPARTMENT & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT: :
..Said U.S. Satellite & Drone Photos were manipulated by the U.S.
State Department, U.S. Justice Department, and U.S. DoD, in such a
manner as to be “not presented to the court,” and not recorded in the
several Crime Information U.S. Data Bases at the (1) U.S. N C I C
Crime data bases, (2) U.S. Department of State Terrorist Crime data
bases; (3) U.S. Department of Justice Terrorist Crime data bases,”
(4) U.S. Department of Defense (M.I.) Terrorist Crime data bases,”
(5) U.K. Department of State Terrorist Crime data bases,” (6) France
(NATO) Department of State Terrorist Crime data bases,” (7) EUROPOL
Terrorist Crime data bases,” (8) INTERPOL Terrorist Crime data
bases,” (9) Germany (NATO) Terrorist Crime data bases,” (10) Italy
(NATO) Terrorist Crime data bases
It is obvious that the U.S. State Department, obvious that the U.S.
Justice Department, and obvious U.S. Defense Department do not want it
known that Libyan Terrorist al Queda members of the "U.S. SALARIED
AWAKENING MOVEMENT" had returned from Iraq to Benghazi, Libya where
they resumed Terrorist operations and were Satellite photographed
before, during, and after they killed Ambassador Stevens.
There are U.S. Satellite & Drone photos, by the thousands, of better
quality than Police "Mug Shots," clearly identifying al Queda
terrorists "ALL-OVER-THE-PLACE" of the Terrorist murderers of
Ambassador Christopher Stevens and U.S. soldier Victims of al Queda
member Double Agents s enlisted in the "U.S. SALARIED AWAKENING
MOVEMENT."
U.S. Col. Raphael Lara, Secretary Clinton, Attorney General Holder,
Assistant Secretary Lamb and others, including U.S. defense
Deapartment were informed of this, but concealed this most important
life-saving information from the Victims and concealed this from the
American public, a most "Henious Cover-Up."
Now Barrack Hussein whose the Bull****er about Libya and Americans unprotected,then military held back because could be harmful? Is there any Common Decency left in our president and state department..when will they take the blame and step down. This is not going away..just because of an election.
Father of Slain SEAL: Who Made the Decision Not to Save My Son?
On meeting Obama: “Could not look me in the eye … like shaking hands with a dead fish.”
6:18 PM, Oct 25, 2012 • By DANIEL HALPER
Single Page Print Larger Text Smaller Text Alerts
Charles Woods, the father Tyrone Woods, who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack at the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, reveals details of meeting Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at the publically broadcast memorial service for the slain Americans at Andrews Air Force Base only days after the attack. And, in a recent radio appearance, Woods publicly questions who made the call not to send in back-up forces to possibly save his son’s life, as well as the three other Americans killed in Benghazi (which includes the American ambassador to Libya).
“When [Obama] came over to our little area” at Andrew Air Force Base, says Woods, “he kind of just mumbled, you know, ‘I’m sorry.’ His face was looking at me, but his eyes were looking over my shoulder like he could not look me in the eye. And it was not a sincere, ‘I’m really sorry, you know, that you’re son died,’ but it was totally insincere, more of whining type, ‘I’m sorry.’”
Woods says that shaking President Obama’s hands at his son’s memorial service was “like shaking hands with a dead fish.”
“It just didn’t feel right,” he says of his encounter with the commander in chief. “And now that it’s coming out that apparently the White House situation room was watching our people die in real time, as this was happening,” Woods says, he wants answers on what happened—and why there was no apparent effort to save his son’s life.
“Well, this is what Hillary did,” Woods continues. “She came over and, you know, did the same thing—separately came over and talked with me. I gave her a hug, shook her hand. And she did not appear to be one bit sincere—at all. And you know, she mentioned that the thing about, we’re going to have that person arrested and prosecuted that did the video. That was the first time I had even heard about anything like that.”
Drudge...
To leakers: Do us all a favor. Post TRUTHFUL leaks.
K?
Why is Erin Burnett still reporting about the email that says Ansar Al Sharia claimed responsibility, when that is plainly FALSE?
Is this the strategy? Throw out lies, allow them to be repeated all over, and then quietly post a story telling the truth, so that most people still believe the lie?
And then its on to the next lie.
I really think the people who are putting out these falsehoods KNOW that they are false, and I think since we are investigating a terrorist attack, that they should get a time-out in the form of detention until the investigation is over.
I really think these folks need to be locked up. Maybe they have an interest in obstructing the investigation. That's providing material support for terrorists. That's enough to label them as enemy combatants and toss their rears into Gitmo.
Just to be clear, I think Erin Burnett just needs an update.
The people leaking the emails, though, they need to get a time-out.
It seems that deadbeat obama does not want to take responsiblity for anything that's negitive and in reality he and his super corrupt administration are responsable for everything that's going on in our government .This is the most non transparent,corrupt and scandal ridden administration in recent history. Freeloader obama and his super corrupt administration need to be removed before they can totally destroy our country any further than they already have.
did you even read the piece? it shows why you do NOT jump the gun on these things, as the email republicans are citing as 'proof', including senator mccain, is shown here to be FALSE and MISINFORMED: neither twitter nor facebook had such a posting by Ansar al-Sharia claiming responsibility, while mccain INCORRECTLY jumps on this POOR INTELLIGENCE AS FACT to this day, claiming, "Ansar al-Sharia, a Libyan militant group with links to Al-Qaeda, had claimed responsibility for it." this is why the obama administration's measured response is the more responsible one. the last time we acted on QUESTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE, we ended up in a war with iraq with NO WMDs EVER DISCOVERED.
President Down Grade was having a beer summit with his Cartagena hoes while our diplomat got murdered and raped. That's how he rolls.
You're a moron!
Name calling, and ignorance does not make your argument sound. Go watch the World Series.
My god people, stow the finger pointing of who said what, who did what and who's politcal party is better...
The Bottom Line is: AN AMERICAN AMBASSADOR AND 3 OTHERS ARE DEAD!!
Answer must be put forthe, I don't give a rats a$$ who is in office, the questions MUST be F'ing answered. If Obama won't answer them outright because he's afraid of backlash, then he is a COWARD, as is any Prez that refuses to give the answers people seek in such a situation.
Now lets be honest here, the Liberal Media would be down the Presidents throat like stink on sh!t, if a republican president was in office, there is no denying this.
You wannabes have no credible info to draw any conclusions. No real facts other than Americans are again killed in the Middle East trying to keep the U.S. corporate needs open for business.
"No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation". The attack in Libya is clearly included in the statement made. Rightwing extremists cannot read and need to go back to school.
The real question is could this have been prevented? Yes, it could easily and should have been prevented. With added security forces as requested, although they would not be able to hold off such an attack, they would act as a deterrent from the attack ever happening. The administration had the intel on instability in the region, and certainly should have taken necessary precautions before September 11th.
Despite Obama's claim that he whispered acts of terror, BFG! He still had his secretary of press and ambassador to the UN shouting that it was not terrorists at the top of their lungs. He deliberately allowed a false perception to be perpetuated. He is incompetent and he knows he could have taken preventative measures to save the lives of those 4 brave Americans.
Whispered? It's awesome how all the over the top rhetoric comes out of the indignant echo machine. Like 4 brave Americans. blah blah blah. I'll bet you couldn't even find Libya on a globe. News flash, it's 911 anniversary. You can't protect every fing American interest from being attacked around the world. If they added 4 more SEALs, a machine gun and 3 mortors they still would have been attacked.
You can twist his words to fit your 'protective of the president' narrative. BUT, the president then sold the cover up story (that was full of lies) for almost 3 weeks.
Obama has lied more in his first term than any president that I've seen in my lifetime - including your hated Pres. Bush.
Here are the President's remarks one day after the attack. Read it and weep Matt.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release September 12, 2012
Remarks by the President on the Deaths of U.S. Embassy Staff in Libya
Rose Garden
10:43 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Every day, all across the world, American diplomats and civilians work tirelessly to advance the interests and values of our nation. Often, they are away from their families. Sometimes, they brave great danger.
Yesterday, four of these extraordinary Americans were killed in an attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi. Among those killed was our Ambassador, Chris Stevens, as well as Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith. We are still notifying the families of the others who were killed. And today, the American people stand united in holding the families of the four Americans in our thoughts and in our prayers.
The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people.
Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But there is absolutely no justification to this type of senseless violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts.
Already, many Libyans have joined us in doing so, and this attack will not break the bonds between the United States and Libya. Libyan security personnel fought back against the attackers alongside Americans. Libyans helped some of our diplomats find safety, and they carried Ambassador Stevens’s body to the hospital, where we tragically learned that he had died.
It's especially tragic that Chris Stevens died in Benghazi because it is a city that he helped to save. At the height of the Libyan revolution, Chris led our diplomatic post in Benghazi. With characteristic skill, courage, and resolve, he built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries, and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya. When the Qaddafi regime came to an end, Chris was there to serve as our ambassador to the new Libya, and he worked tirelessly to support this young democracy, and I think both Secretary Clinton and I relied deeply on his knowledge of the situation on the ground there. He was a role model to all who worked with him and to the young diplomats who aspire to walk in his footsteps.
Along with his colleagues, Chris died in a country that is still striving to emerge from the recent experience of war. Today, the loss of these four Americans is fresh, but our memories of them linger on. I have no doubt that their legacy will live on through the work that they did far from our shores and in the hearts of those who love them back home.
Of course, yesterday was already a painful day for our nation as we marked the solemn memory of the 9/11 attacks. We mourned with the families who were lost on that day. I visited the graves of troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and had the opportunity to say thank you and visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed. And then last night, we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi.
As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases, lay down their lives for it. Our country is only as strong as the character of our people and the service of those both civilian and military who represent us around the globe.
No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for. Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done.
But we also know that the lives these Americans led stand in stark contrast to those of their attackers. These four Americans stood up for freedom and human dignity. They should give every American great pride in the country that they served, and the hope that our flag represents to people around the globe who also yearn to live in freedom and with dignity.
We grieve with their families, but let us carry on their memory, and let us continue their work of seeking a stronger America and a better world for all of our children.
Thank you. May God bless the memory of those we lost and may God bless the United States of America.
END
10:48 A.M. EDT
For me, it's one thing to not want to call something a terrorist attack before you have all your information but to know it and go around telling everyone it was because of a u-tube video, which put this American citizen in great jeopardy is horrible.
Michael, thanks so much as I actually appreciate you putting this entire speech on here to show that in all of those words our President so bravely added in the three words "acts of terror" to show he knew it was terrorists. Of course we all know today that he also went on CBS that same day and gave an interview where he stated it was a terrorist attack. So I will concede to you that Obama KNEW and STATED it was terrorists within 24 hours of the attack.
Unfortunately, what you've missed is that first of all for some strange reason the President and all of his spokespeople went out in public a few days later and gave a bogus story about it being a spontaneous riot that got out of control over a video. Somehow CBS also pulled that one piece out of the interview and despite having a breaking story they could have come out with to dispute what was being said by Clinton, Obama, Rice and Carney they held it off until now. So according to you, and now CBS showing his own words, Obama KNEW it was a terrorist attack. But instead of stating that or, if as Biden said "they just didn't know", stating that more time was needed before an official statement could be made they came out with a story that somehow fit a narrative that made Obama look good. The fog of war can make it hard to know what's going on however you yourself have said HE KNEW it was a terrorist attack. So thanks Michael – you just made a great case for Obama either being incompetent or untruthful. Either way makes him look bad.
Actually Stan, you're wrong. Here's the problem. You are doing your best to lay the blame on the president, but your logic is weak. How is he supposed to know EVERYTHING that happens before hand. If this article serves as a point, they are NOT SURE the first indications are verifiable. So why would you or anyone else think that the information be acted on before it was properly vetted? Wait, I forgot, you and your ilk all have clairvoyant powers attached to a knee-jerk reaction. Face it, he could have gotten word that some group took blame...the action had already happened. So, it couldn't have been stopped. Could everyone have been better prepared, probably, then again if Bush hadn't lied us into a war in the first place then this probably wouldn't have happened either.
The point is not whether he knew in advance, the point is that he spread inaccurate information and possibly tried to cover up the situation. At the very least, the President of the United States made statements to the public before having the facts straight. Spin as people will, the fact of the matter is Obama messed up; the original story told to the US people was wrong. Time to own up – even if it is before an election.
Actually, you're backtracking and trying to make your story fit. The administration waited before confirming that it was indeed a terrorist action. The way it was stated at the press conference the day after, was in general terms, as such, given the likelihood, and as a warning...so your point is moot.
Read the whole thing. That comment was 7 paragraphs after talking about the video. Obama was on David Letterman, still talking about the video, 5 days later. It took two weeks for the public to learn that they watched the whole thing live from the nose of a drone.
Politics over people is bad policy. But that's what happens when you consider the deaths of Americans as 'bumps in the road.' Say what you will about conservatives, but they would have called it terrorism from the start and used the flames to unite the country, not as the cutting torch Obama has.
Isn't this a false outrage designed by conservatives to divide the country in the elevmth hour by winning over the ignorant and uninformed with some bizarre narrative about a conspiracy?
Thats exactly what it is... It goes with the GOP selling out Americans by putting what they consider there best interests first over those of this country
There is overwhelming evidence here gentlemen. Very little media coverage in lieu of what should be a serious event in US foreign policy. You can noodle the conspiracy theory as much as you like, but you ought to shine the lens both ways.
What do you not understand about the word 'cover-up'?
Do you have any idea how information is sent from the field to HQ? I guarantee the W/H knew what was going on within a few hours (I don't mean 6 or 7 either) at most. I have yet to see anyone in the current administration who is not part of the Chicago-style politics going on in this country.
You ask if this is a false outrage by ignorant Conservatives? The posted times on the released emails show the Government knew what was going on almost immediately. Four Americans, including one American Ambassador were murdered. (I won't even go into the reason the Ambassador was at an American Mission). How do you think the US should have reacted? Now let's say one of the four murdered were Americans were a blood relative of yours. I ask again, How do you the the US should have reacted? Is it the same response?
Me Smart, me read internet and am now certified CIA Agent. Me also believe earth only 10 years old and no such thing as evolution. Me vote republican.
Spoken with the clarity of a true Democrat! So much for debate and talking points. GROW UP!
Four American's died, that is a fact. What I don't understand is this, are they any less dead because it was a terrorist attack and not a protest over a video?
The real question is could this have been prevented? Yes, it could easily and should have been prevented. With added security forces as requested, although they would not be able to hold off such an attack, they would act as a deterrent from the attack ever happening. The administration had the intel on instability in the region, and certainly should have taken necessary precautions before September 11th.
120 people attacked. They would not have been deterred by 3-4 more security forces present in Benghazi. The unit asked for by DSS would probably have been in Tripoli not Benghazi, when it was deployed, according to the Issa hearing, they only went to Benghazi twice (despite regular travel there by the Ambassador). There was very likely no preventing this situation.
I personally am more concerned about the safe room no being vented... Obviously attacks could include gas or smoke, so why not vented? Why not supplied? (masks/air)
All you people that think the Prez didn't know right away about what was going on. You better think again! He knew! Just like when the towers were getting attacked, one of Bushes advisers whispered in his ear to tell him what was happening. Something as significant as one of our Embassy's getting over ran and American lives in danger, you would hope the President was not asleep at the wheel. And Whether or not he lied about anything or withheld any information is Another story that will all come out, hopefully before the election.
CNN, Wolf Blitzer, and especially Anderson Cooper should be ashamed at the lack of truthful coverage of this incident. You really could gain your importance back if you bothered to ask the tough questions and truly investigated this tragedy. The main question is this: If the WH did NOT know what was really happening then how come they immediately came out and blamed this on a video. Yet, now they are back-tracking. As long as Panetta says they could not have helped as he states today then you all are fine that this is the end of the story. Why the lies in the first place?
They blamed it on a video probably because they were expecting riots from the multiple, very real, protests about the video which were happening across the middle east. They were wrong, but to blame their wrongness on the part of some sort of conspiracy on the part of the Obama administration is bewilderingly ignorant. This tendency in the comments to act as if there were never any riots anywhere about the video is insane.
Obama did refer to the attack as an act of terror. You would know that if you stopped drinking the Romeny/Fox News Kool-Aid.
No acts of terror is a general statement against all terrorist attacks, this act of terror would have been a statement saying this was a terrorist attack. Keep drinking the Obama koolaid, I've had enough of his broken promises and outright lies. It is time for change.
the kool-aid is for the liberals dontcha know
Blitzer, Anderson, and all others on CNN should be ashamed that they do not report, at length ,on this tragic
terrorist attack. They are covering for Obama, as is CBS, NBC, MSNBC. Obama has misled the American people....and any individualwho would choose to mislead vs. telling the truth as to why 4 Americans are dead must be rejected as Commander in Chief.
By this act the President has shown that he cannot be trusted.
You folks really need to stop being investigating experts. The truth will come out eventually. Like bush lying about WMDs in IRAQ.
THE TRUTH? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
One big Obama appology. If there was such confusion and conflicting reports why did the administration come forward and proclaim that it was a spontaneous demonstration that got carried away? Because they wanted to cover up the fact that additional security was requested but ignored. They should have told the truth and left the spin for the debates. Bengazi will be the straw that broke the camel's back.
You really think you got it all figured out huh?!
Obama (i refuse to call him president) lied and the ambassador died
hey, eh, nc_right stop being so ideological; that's what's hurt this country more. given your post here, it seems you're not much of an American...he's our president, come hell or high water; you need to re examine whose side your on!
My neighbor works for an embassy overseas (on leave at the present) and he has been waiting for a replacement for two years. Our US State Department is very messed up and it has been for a long time. This is their mistake. Stop blaming everything on the President.
And who nominates the Secretary of State....
And who confirms diplomatic appointments? The same Congress who has filibustered every piece of legislation the Democrats have brought to the floor.
John, you obviously do not know how our government works...the Diplomatic Security Service is responsible for the security of all overseas postings; the president hs nothing to do with them. the way it works is that a request is made to dss who will review the request and make a decision based on intel and other pieces of information. mrs. clinton may be briefed on this and if so she would be responsible; she has stated that she would take responibility for the consulate. the attack on the consulate, while a major event, cannot compare to 9-11-2001.
do you think we will have to wait as long or longer for answer like fast and furess
The Border is a rough area. There was a recent "Friendly Fire incident in which there was sadly loss of life by a member of the Border patrol. Viewed historically, Politicizing this border has not helped make the country safer. For example during the 1950's, the Right made marijuana laws along the border extremely draconian (life without parole etc.). The idea being the Right knew it was part of Hispanic culture, going back generations. This of course only made things worse helping usher in America's modern "War on Drugs" which in my view, has been an utter failure.
BTW, I heard an account from the Dr. who treated Ambassador Stevens and he actually died from smoke inhalation. Not sure the Marines could have stopped that building from burning in time.
So, if the Ambassador died of smoke inhalation; was that before or after he was sodomized? Have you forgotten that small detail? It is amazing how Obama's government has tried to hide that fact. The Ambassador was gang raped before being killed. However, Obama and Hillary want you to believe otherwise. If you don't believe me, look it up yourself. This one reason alone should be enough to throw Obama out of office!!
Splitting hairs on the semantics of 'acts of terror'. If you're going to do that then why did GWB say 'apparent act of terror' after the 9-11 attacks? You can't have it both ways. Just eat your humble pie when Obama is re-elected.
The adminstration watched in real-time via drones for SEVEN hours without sending help. Two of the murdered Americans died in the SEVENTH hour. Marines could have been there in two or three hours being 400 miles away. No one in the media cares to ask the administration security team for an explanation of why available security was not sent. There is no honor on that team because no is stepping forward to speak up on behalf of the murdered Americans. NO ONE.
Very well said. What is happening is the discussion is being shifted away from the things you post to this kind of story. I am truly amazed at how many just think we should quit talking about it "and let it go away." Consider the remakrs by Aim blaming Republicans for "making this a huge issue. Here's how i responded:
I'm glad you recognize that it is Republicans that are making this a huge issues. That's becaue WE VALUE LIFE. And now that four are dead that could have at least had some protection and because this administration held troops less than an hour away that could have been deployed to help in Benghazi we will continue to make this a huge issue until at least those dead Americans are vindicated with the truth. I imagine their families will appreciate Republicans caring enough to keep making those deaths a huge issues. WHO said, "Don't send help." Why were so many ready soldiers not allowed to go to Benghazi – we managed to send them in to Pakistan!
That's why the family of the fallen SEAL teamer told the republicans to STOP politicizing and using their son's death in their quest for the WH.
really?! And Romney making a political statement while all of this was going down and BEFORE the killing of the ambassador was known to the American people, is your idea of VALUE. Please, you're being brain washed like the rest of them just for a vote.
Did you hear then believe this story that you heard from the same liars who convinced you that Obama would take your guns and Obama was born in Kenya? Use your head. It's newt like Obama is an ignorant conservative who ratted out our CIA operation in Libya.
Obama lied, an Ambassador died!!
Notice the liars in the conservative media are silent about two conservative congressman ratting out an CIA operation. we know your game. Conservative crybabies will whine no matter what Obama does. Conservatives look ignorant. Isn't looking ignorant fashionable for conservatives here?
299 marines died in a Bombing during the Reagan fascist regime. 3,000 died under Bush. Obama has does a better job at security than Reagan and bush. Why elect another conservative loser?
More like "An Ambassador died, President Obama waited until they had more information before presenting it to the American public". It doesn't rhyme like yours, but it's a little closer to the truth.
Pat, what did he lie about? stop being so ideologically bent; the right went into iraq and i bet you jumped for joy. like is said above, i would question your patriotism since a majority of right wingers and republicans have truly hurt this country based on lack of understanding.
The trick, my fellow towel heads, is to make laws that are compatible with Sharia; then it doesn't matter that they are civil laws. But civil laws are less likely to be set aside for prominent clergymen when they are caught . . .
We have white trash who isn't racist talking about rag heads.
Sound like splitting hairs to me.
Dig deeper on Benghazi! Hilary should lawyer-up because she's being used. CNN you can do more than this...see gun running, US funded weapons for Jihadists, Turkey shipment of weapons few days prior to Benghazi attack, timelines, etc. ...
The controversy surrounding this is a bunch of B.S. being generated by anti-American Republicans and news organizations churning this B.S. to compete for Fox News viewers. Why would CNN or any other reputable news organization spend so much time and effort on this NON-STORY particularly since Obama immedidiatlely referred to the incident as "an act of terror".? If CNN and other news organizations had spent half as much time on what the Bush Administration knew before 9/11 of the plans to fly aircraft into the Twin Towers and the U.S. involvement in this tragedy on 9/11/01 WE NEVER WOULD HAVE INVADED IRAQ!!!! To get the real story in this regard from a CIA asset who worked for the CIA prior to 9/11/01 and after 9/11/01, go to YOU TUBE and enter in the YOU TUBE search field: "CIA asset Susan Lindauer Whistleblower
Why is it that whenever a liberal feels threatened by facts and logic, they quickly trot out George Bush as if he's some kind od magic shield like garlic against vampires?
Because Dave, GW was at the helm when all this started...and GW Sr. peddled arms for hostages and said he was in the bathroom when they made that decision...even though he was former CIA head....the whole GOP is skewed, and...by the way...why was there thermite dust in the WTC that NIST wasn't told by GW to look for? Hmmm....the whole set-up was done by the GOP to get us into the middle east for more resources and more rebuilidng by GOP cronies like Haliburton. This whole thing is a GOP front to get back into power to finish what they started.
@DaveinIL: Because he was the last President of the United States, the most recent real-world example of Republican governance, and the man you and your ilk would so very much like the rest of us to forget. Remind me again why he wasn't invited to attend the RNC. Bill Clinton is supporting his guy... why isn't George W. supporting yours?
Michael, your short-sightedness is amazing. The REAL issue is not whether he called it a terrorist attack in the rose garden or no. The REAL issue is that Obama fabricated (or cherry picked) a bogus story about a protest over a youtube video. For weeks after the attack when they knew darn well it there was NO protest they continued to cram that story down America's throat. WHY? Because it fit best with their campaign narative. Obama purposely lied and misled Americans to make himself look better politically. Even more, Obama had the audacity to go and accuse Romney of playing political games with the story. Obama is simply a low life who is NOT deserving of his office.
obama did not mention act of terror on the view or at the un assembly and he did not specifically call the benghazi attack an act of terror.
It's just more whining from lowlife conservative crybabies.
Hope you are human enough not to forward your hateful comment to the father of Tyrone Woods massacred that night. Obama and Hillary made contact with him at the remains exchange , but now Mr. Woods sincerely needs true answers about why his son had to die. Maybe you have a lot to say as you are posing. But this is no time for your or the administration's blathering, cowardly, non-informed lying BS. It's time for the truth.
Thank you, Michael, for this comment. This whole thing is absolutely ridiculous. I am a veteran who has seen plenty of combat. I can assure you that in most cases it was confusing and fast. This incident was most likely far more so than the battlefield experiences I've had. It was outside of an embassy during riots all through the middle east. For people to assume that it's so simple to sort through all of the information that comes in on an attack like this, and to expect absolute clarity on who did it, is absolutely ridiculous. Think about this people. This is one message about a "tweet" that went out! I certainly hope that we make retaliatory decisions based on more information than that.
I'm really surprised that CNN peddles this garbage too. But look at us. We're all on their website talking about it. So it's our fault as well. I wish people could see through this kind of nonsense for exactly what it is – political gamesmanship.
To Michael – Hey genius, try a little more research and find out why Bill Clinton failed to kill UBL in 1999. When you get the answer, come back and post something relevant. In the mean time – back on the failure of the Obama administration to provide adequate security and a timely military response...
Here's how we keep our people safe: get them out of the s#$* hole called the middle east. Ain't never gonna change.
Beyond the blame issue why is the President not even upset that Americans were murdered while working for his Administration. When he received the news it was so inconvenient that he did not cancel a campaign appearance and a fund raising event. He's even characterized the death and destruction in the Muslim world as of no more interest to him than a bump in the road. With his repeated statements that he will support Islam and Muslim interests no matter which way the political winds blow you have to ask yourself, which side is he on. Why is everyone manipulating and spinning the communications about this horrific attack as if it were a computer game. Four Americans were assaulted, tortured and murdered and instead of action our President appears on the Tonight Show and makes jokes. I guess I can never be part of this Obamanation.
Obamanation, wow that's really clever...how's that working out for you...being clever?..
Let me guess, Gretchen Carlson wrote that for you?
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2012
Remarks by the President on the Deaths of U.S. Embassy Staff in Libya
Rose Garden
10:43 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Every day, all across the world, American diplomats and civilians work tirelessly to advance the interests and values of our nation. Often, they are away from their families. Sometimes, they brave great danger.
Yesterday, four of these extraordinary Americans were killed in an attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi. Among those killed was our Ambassador, Chris Stevens, as well as Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith. We are still notifying the families of the others who were killed. And today, the American people stand united in holding the families of the four Americans in our thoughts and in our prayers.
The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people.
Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But there is absolutely no justification to this type of senseless violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts.
Already, many Libyans have joined us in doing so, and this attack will not break the bonds between the United States and Libya. Libyan security personnel fought back against the attackers alongside Americans. Libyans helped some of our diplomats find safety, and they carried Ambassador Stevens’s body to the hospital, where we tragically learned that he had died.
It's especially tragic that Chris Stevens died in Benghazi because it is a city that he helped to save. At the height of the Libyan revolution, Chris led our diplomatic post in Benghazi. With characteristic skill, courage, and resolve, he built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries, and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya. When the Qaddafi regime came to an end, Chris was there to serve as our ambassador to the new Libya, and he worked tirelessly to support this young democracy, and I think both Secretary Clinton and I relied deeply on his knowledge of the situation on the ground there. He was a role model to all who worked with him and to the young diplomats who aspire to walk in his footsteps.
Along with his colleagues, Chris died in a country that is still striving to emerge from the recent experience of war. Today, the loss of these four Americans is fresh, but our memories of them linger on. I have no doubt that their legacy will live on through the work that they did far from our shores and in the hearts of those who love them back home.
Of course, yesterday was already a painful day for our nation as we marked the solemn memory of the 9/11 attacks. We mourned with the families who were lost on that day. I visited the graves of troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and had the opportunity to say thank you and visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed. And then last night, we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi.
As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases, lay down their lives for it. Our country is only as strong as the character of our people and the service of those both civilian and military who represent us around the globe.
No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for. Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done.
But we also know that the lives these Americans led stand in stark contrast to those of their attackers. These four Americans stood up for freedom and human dignity. They should give every American great pride in the country that they served, and the hope that our flag represents to people around the globe who also yearn to live in freedom and with dignity.
We grieve with their families, but let us carry on their memory, and let us continue their work of seeking a stronger America and a better world for all of our children.
Thank you. May God bless the memory of those we lost and may God bless the United States of America.
END
Nice try Michael but "acts of terror" is a generalization rather than a specifc reference to Libya. It could refer to the Ft Hood shootings except that that incident is still classified by the Administration as an act of workplace violence.
And just how praytell, did Obama's administration not get the memo?
Susan Rice tried the "spontaneous" act several times in one day along with other members joining in over a more than 10 day period?
Michael: An act of terror is quite different than a terrorist attack. Learn the difference.
Move along everyone. Nothing to see here. Obama called it "an act of terror" the morning after the incident.
Michael,
Would you please find the part where he said this attack in Libya was an act of terror.
It's even more perplexing if he did call Libya a terrorist attack in the rose garden. Why did he blame the video at UN, on Univision, etc. ...
lol
You can't find "an act of terror" in his statement son. Try again.
thank you!
Why was DoD-funded security pulled from the Libya mission despite repeated protests by both the Ambassador and the security detail? Why was nothing done to increase security after a host of attacks in the area, including two on the VERY SAME compound where this tragedy ultimately occurred? Why was nothing done to increase security at a volatile location on the commemoration of Sept. 11, the ONE day of the year on which the radical extremists rally around attacking the U.S.?
Better yet, what strategic response was there to this attack? How was security heightened at other DoS missions in the region, in light of this attack, in case this was simply the first step in a prolonged, coordinated attack on the U.S. presence in the middle east? To what extent was the U.S. response to this attack influenced by the assertions of administration personnel who were themselves mischaracterizing the event, and what impact did that have?
Clearly there was no misstep. Clearly the Republican agenda of stripping away DoS security funding impacted the use of DoD security at the Libya mission. Clearly the DoS lacked the basic resources to keep vital locations safe. Clearly the lack of funding impacted the DoS's basic ability to understand the significance of Sept. 11 in the region. Clearly there are no discrepancies or mischaracterizations in the administration's handling of the issue. Clearly this is just another attempt by the evil right to try to undermine the President, because they're unamerican. Clearly there are no issues or questions that the public deserves answered about this topic and no lessons to be learned for future attacks.
Thank you, Michael, for your tireless concern.
Reading these comments makes me wonder. Why are Obama haters so easily fooled? How can they keep repeating lies that have been repeatedly debunked? Do they hate America?
No he did not. In fact he deliberately did not charactrize the Benghazi attack with those words. He made a generic statement at the end of speaking about 9/ll and the deaths of soldiers: No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for."
If he had said:" Last night we experienced another terrorist attack," he wouldn't have been able to ignore the incident and jet off to Las Vegas.
I doubt the families of those killed because this administration did not provide security are ready to "move along," and neither are those of us who know that it could be one of us or a family member that is not protected next time.
My comment posted to the wrong Michael!
Michael your not gonnna win this one. It was a terrorist attack!!! You've had to much Kool-Aid and have become an obamanized zombie...
Did you post as JESUS? Nut job.
No he did not. In fact he deliberately did not charactrize the Benghazi attack with those words. He made a generic statement at the end of speaking about 9/ll and the deaths of soldiers: No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for."
If he had said:" Last night we experienced another terrorist attack," he wouldn't have been able to ignore the incident and jet off to Las Vegas.
I doubt the families of those killed because this administration did not provide security are ready to "move along," and neither are those of us who know that it could be one of us or a family member that is not protected next time.
It's funny to watch partisans being so easily manipulated. It's like watching mindless insects swarm.
Now, now, don't make fun of Democrats like that.
Wait – I'm confused! I thought CNN, starting with Candy, has been hammering into our brains that Obama called this Terrorism the very next day! Why the switcheroo? Yeah, I guess, we can't have the President of the US LYING in a debate, huh? THAT'S no way to get him elected.
Keep trying CNN. Hammer away. Just one seed of doubt translates into 10,000 votes, but you already know that - don't you buffoons. You remember GHW Bush's relection campaign in 1992. The economy was showing signs of recovery just ahead of the election and Bush was gaining a point a day in the polls, so out you paraded 11th hour stories of a Bush affair and another pinning him in a Paris hotel room the night of an Iran-Contra meeting (years after we put this event behind us). Then when the final nail in his coffin was rendered, Bill C. won the election and - poof - not another word - not one single word - of those two stories.
Yeah CNN, lets do everything you can to protect your guy Obama.
To anybody with a functioning brain, it is painfully obvious that the entire incident in Libya was a full on carefully executed and pre-planned terrorist attack.
There NEVER WAS any protest about the video. Obama made up the whole thing, while the video and protest was continually pointed to by the white house for over a week after the murder of our ambassador. We had troops and air support that could've been there within a couple hours and possibly saved our people. Instead, Obama would rather deflect, ignore, and act upset when he is rightfully accused of misleading and lying about what happened.
Anybody with a brain and who isn't Anti-American puke would see that this entire thing has been blown out of proportion for political reasons.
Michael has had to much Kool-Aid and would die for his Obama. He's become an obamanized zombie.. Get a brain Michael..
Don't forget he had to leave in a hurry to be in Nevada and Colorada for campaigning and fundraising. That was so much more vital to the POTUS than being a real working president, he is the empty chair.
There never was any protest about the video?
Actually there were many protests about the video, going on across the middle easy for days. Look up the photos online. Did you just start reading the news yesterday?
Your reply lacks any intellectual depth. The context is the consulate and there never was a protest about a film they never saw at the consulate.
Now stop being a useful idiot as Lenin would label you.
Has anyone ever thought that maybe Obumer was the one who was agitating the Muslims by continuing to say it was a video for 12 days, then after you heard no more of the protest. I think that obumer was the one who instigates the Muslims to protest a video that they did not even see, but kept hearing obumer say it was a video. After obumber shut his trap with the video, all protest ended.
J – why don't you go back and grovel to Faux news and Beck, Limbacile and Hand-jobbidy....they're the ones you want to get in bed with...all a bunch of nutjobs.
I won't be surprise if the right wing Christian Brotherhood domestic elements of the tea party actually planned and funded this attack. Remember the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico a year ago? It occured just days apart from the one year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. And the deadly Arizona shooting that left six dead and Congresswoman Giffords crippled for life happened just weeks after Sarah Palin painted crosshairs on a map of Congresswoman Gifford's district. Better beware of these right wing domestic terrorist roaming our country and threatening to undermine our democracy.
Are you kidding me? I feel sorry for you that you think this negatively and far fetched.
Your attempt at satire fell flat.
Or at least hopefully, you were trying to be funny with such a moronic post. At least then we can chalk up such rank evil and stupidity to an attempt at humor like Carrot Top would try.
This debate got way off track. What does it change if this or that group claimed responsibility for the attack and Obama's adiministration knew about it? They still need to conduct an investigation and plan a response, and this requires time. Did publicly calling the attack an act of terror help wiht this in any way?
Olaf......then why trot our the viedo onsense for two weeks?????
oops......a few typo's!
Just the libs trying to lie and protect Obama when the truth is staring them in the face and more desperation on the Obama bandwagon...vote Romney.
Anyone who supports Romney has no business using the word "truth" in any sentence.
.........source? Example? Specifics? Generalities are worthless noise.
After President Obama is re-elected by a landslide, let's just hope all conservatives across America come together and commit mass suicide. Then we'd do a thorough investigation and try to uncover what went wrong.
"If I dont cut the deficit in half in my first term, then I do not deserve to be re-elected" Barack Hussein Obama.......(hes actually tripled it)
You are mentally ill. Seriously go somewhere else!
I guess when you've seen the birth certificate, you have to find something new to lie about.
The Republican party has been shown to be extremely dishonest in their statements during their convention, and in the recent debates.
I suppose it should come as no surprise that they would use the death of a diplomat as a political weapon. In this case, as in others, no amount of proof will ever stop them.
I just find it disgusting.
Before you say "no amount of proof will ever stop them" shouldn't there *be* some proof?
Regardless of which specific group it was, the administration trotted out a story they *knew* to be false about the online video being the cause of the attack. At best, President Obama was referring to the protesters as the terrorists. But that's not how things went down, and they knew it. You don't bring RPGs and machine guns to a protest.
"...You don't bring RPGs and machine guns to a protest."
Don't know much about the realities in that part of the world do you? Who made you the arbiter of the rules of engagement??
Why not? republicans take guns to political rallies.
The controversy surrounding this is a bunch of B.S. being generated by anti-American Republicans and news organizations churning this B.S. to compete for Fox News viewers. Why would CNN or any other reputable news organization spend so much time and effort on this NON-STORY particularly since Obama immediately referred to the incident as "an act of terror".? If CNN and other news organizations had spent half as much time on what the Bush Administration knew before 9/11 of the plans to fly aircraft into the Twin Towers and the U.S. involvement in this tragedy on 9/11/01 WE NEVER WOULD HAVE INVADED IRAQ!!!! To get the real story in this regard from a CIA asset who worked for the CIA prior to 9/11/01 and after 9/11/01, go to YOU TUBE and enter in the YOU TUBE search field CIA asset Susan Lindauer Whistleblower.
We still would have inivaded Iraq. Maybe not Afghanistan, but definitely Iraq. That was going on for over 10 years, the no fly zone and all that. Now, for the original 9/11, The libs just pounded Bush for his reponse, and he called it terrorism from the begining. And all those crazy liberal conspiracy theorists, that we did it to ourselves ? How crazy is that
Obama is a liar which isn't a surprise because Axelrod is the sleaziest of them all. Does anyone not believe the emails disclosed by the State Dept didn't come from Hillary? Everyone knows that she and Bill can't stand Obama. And, does anyone buy the excuse the Obama Admin is giving fro why they trotted Rice out to the Sunday shows if they really hadn't gathered all the facts? Of course not. It's total BS!
Comparing this event to the original 9-11 is specious. To begin with, Bush didn't cover anything up. Everyone knew what happened. Planes hit the Twin Towers. However, the issue in Libya is exactly what happened? Obama is withholding and distorting the info purely and solely for political reasons. He's such a loser.
Good thing you're not biased...
Facts are facts.
So Obama is a liar, but I guess we should believe you. I get it.
I'm sure you believed everything Bush and Cheney said because you're an honest broker and a good American, eh? Obama flip flopped on Gay Marriage and Marijuana legalization. He promised to cut the deficit and unemployment in half. He said Obamacare would cut medical costs. So far, it appears it will double them within 2 years. Very little if anything this guy says is true, accurate or creditworthy. And, hes afraid to go on a real news interview. Why should I believe anything this neophyte says?
You're an A N U S!
You are aware that the CIA was aware of a plot to fly planes into buildings as early as 1999 right? You are aware that there was massive confusion during 9-11 because our military was unprepared for such an attack so even though reports came in soon enough to be able to stop one or more of the planes, but confusion an lack of preparation caused them to belay the orders to shoot down planes until it was too late.
Was this during Bush's watch? Yes, was it Bush's fault? Probably not, being the President is a massive undertaking and nobody can know everything and micromanage the entire country. Blaming Obama for Benghazi is just dumb and if people like you and the Press who feeds you weren't demanding answers before we have them you would get the straight story the first time. Wake up man it's no single persons fault or even one party or another, bad things happen so pull up your big-boy britches and move on!
you're wrong about the report about flying planes into buildings. There was concern about planes being hijacked, but no reports ever about them being flown into buildings
You mean facts like "everyone knows"? Yea, pretty factual there, me thinks you should take a debate course before you open your mouth and let another logical fallacy fall out.
John, why do you believe any of them? Are you suggesting that Obama is a liar and Romney isn't?
Used to be CNN was the news source for me..."fair & balanced" versus the cable outlet that claims to be. CNN was where I got the facts. But with Candy C putting her thumb on the scale in front of 67 million viewers, Erin Burnett tanking for Obama with her focus group questions, the virtual absence of journalistic pursuit of who knew what about Bengazi when by the CNN reporting team, I am left with deciphering the truth as portrayed by Rachel M and Bret B. Wow. Back to the stone ages. Thanks and adios, CNN!
Yup
Leave it to CNN to try to pursuade the AMERICAN PEOPLE that their was no reference on facebook or twitter that the attack was taking place. CNN always in the Obama Camp talk about not being biased. CNN is in for OBAMA. Fact is that the e-mails were sent within 2 hours of the benganzi attact, and the President knew or should have known that the Consulate was being attack. CNN the AMERICAN PEOPLE are too SMART for your stupidity. Rommney/Ryan 2012 no more lies!!!!
Yeah, because with Romney/Ryan, all we'll ever get is the truth. Are you that niave? Both parties are full of it. When you act as if it's only party doing it, you are clearly a follower and have fallen into the trap. And I suppose that any details released that suggest Obama and Company didn't do anything wrong or mislead anyone in terms of the Libya attack, then I guess it must be all lies. God forbid the truth doesn't support your hatred.
No one will miss you.
CNN was the News program that everyone used to turn to. They owned the market. Not true anymore. Their ratings have been in the toilet for some time. They have no journalistic integrity. They should have a disclaimer, "For Entertainmnet Purposes, Only".
Lefties are trying to defend obama saying he didnt have all the info, or it was a fluid situation....then why for weeks did this admin confidantly say it was a spontaneous attack spurred by a video? They want on tv, to the UN, and spent millions in apology commercials in the muslim world.....obama has apologized for Americas free speech because muslims were offended by a video that was made months before the attack......
If obama doesnt know, or ignores the fact that muslim terrorists use specific dates to launch attacks then he is either complicit or incompetent......they waited for 9/11 to launch this attack.....and ya. rpgs, mortars, aks are things every protester carries to a demonstration.........wow, the lies from obama are so sickening....this is the president? Time for some new direction and leadership....no one in their right mind can vote for this failure........
Where were you people over WMD in Iraq? Where were you for the YEARS the Bush administration couldn't figure out who was responsible for the Anthrax attacks? How about when Bush lied by saying no one dreamed the levees could fail while there was actually video of him being told just that? And THIS is what you folks decide to get all worked up over?
The democratic congress voted to go into iraq.......thanks....
I was furious over the WMD – but even Ms. Clinton, and most members of Congress agreed they existed. They cleverly waited until none were found, before claiming ignorance. But this, my friend, was a total lie from day ONE! And, that lie was perpetuated, and is still being held out there like a tattered flag.
There is nothing to defend. Obama called it "an act of terror" the morning after the incident. But the Un-American Republican Party and their ignorant followers would rather ignore what Obama said and bash him in the hopes of obtaining a political advantage.
So I guess you can vote for Romney, and clearly he's never misled anyone on anything. Never says one thing and does another.
By the way, calling the President names, regardless of who is in office, is something that children do.
Calling people names is childish? Oh you mean like how the most un-presidential president ever calls Romney names? Thats what turned me off obama.....well, and his failure to protect Americans overseas...
No James, I mean how you call people names.
Conservatives are now suffering from a severe case of Romnesia. After the President gave details of the operation that killed Bin Laden, conservatives accused the President of releasing sensitive and intelligence information. But now they're accusing him of not releasing information in an ongoing investigation where the perpetrators are still on the loose. You people never cease to amaze.
obama is so un-presidential, resorting to cheap name calling......pathetic........this man is no president....hey blah blah, get your lips of obamas butt.........you sound like a little school girl in love, too bad the love affair with obama for most Americans is OVER!!!!!
And your lack of accountability or personal responsibility never ceases to amaze us either. You seem to forget how many CIA operatives your team has outed during the last 4 years. Not to mention that the Dr. who gave the US intel leading to Bin Laden is in a Pakistani prison without the administration doing anything to protect him. I realize the GOP makes mistakes but this is not one of them. Do your homework somewhere other than on Comedy Central (ie. msnbc). And come back with something legit.
And where did you do your homework? Places that support what you want to believe? Let me guess, you watch Fox News because you basically repeated their lines here in your post. Facts are hard to come by with both parties spewing BS. It's not just Dems doing it. I'm guessing you won't admit that.
I knew we would just have to sit back and watch obama fail....maybe now the left wing limp wristed zombies will start to get it...most of America now sees it....obama is a failure....
He is a failure? Bin Lade is dead. Iraq is over. There is a plan for pullout in Afghanistan. Qadaffi is dead. We aren't wasting money kicking people out of the military for being gay. We have healthcare reform. The stock market is at near record highs. No new terrorist attacks in the US (if Bush gets credit for it, so does Obama.. even though Bush was also in office when the Anthrax attacks happened AFTER 9-11). If that is failure, I'd like to know what your idea of actual success is.
YA bin laden is dead thanks the the armed forces and intelligence community that started the search before obama was even president...iraq is a mess, afghanistani girls are still being klilled, American forces are being shot in the back by their afghan "colleagues"...obama failed to protect the ambassador in libya, kept quiet on iran and syria while they kill their own people, has no budget since the dems did not vote for it, has made a mess of the middle east, fast and furious cover up, half his staff has left his office, has alienated our closest allies, spoke off mic telling putin he will have more flexibility to remove more of Americas missile defence in Europe, cannot work with both parties, has divided America, tripled the deficit, higher unemployment, more poor and people on food stamps...has sued states, .....etc etc....shall I go on?
So we are supposed to believe that the Obama admin, who gets detailed briefings daily, and are no dummies, looked at the information and concluded it was a random attack by citizens upset over an online vid released months prior? They knew the weapons used, heavy artillary, RPG's and knew they used a siege tactic AND that they had a good understanding of the bunker Stevens was at and they still believed it was random? This was a highly organized plan. They knew what the emergency plan for the consulate was, what protocol they would take in case of an attack and the admin has the nerve to say it was random and spontaneous? Biden claiming they knew nothing means either their covering up for something or they are just incompetent and I definitely dont believe its the latter.
obama doesnt attend security briefings....he is too busy on the phone with J-Z and Beyonce or on the view.......maybe if he did attend he would of known that extra security was requested instead of using taxpayer dollars so michelle can buy clothes that make her look thin,.......
Questioning our leaders: always.
To call unresponsive answers, conflicting answers, or lack of any answers at all a coverup or politics, as some out there are doing, is unfounded. Just conclusions based on what little information we do know. Some right wingers suggest politics or worse because they desperately want that to be the truth and want it to be the truth right now. I dont know what actually happened. None of us do. Only what we THINK happened at best. Several investigations headed by different people are ongoing. Then we will know.
As for this particular Facebook issue, left leaning and right leaning cable news should know better than everybody in the world that real-time information is totally untrustworthy. They correct as-it-happens reporting every time. Which is why we constantly see 'updated' at the top of articles that correct naming the wrong people among other things.
Sorry but the email was sent during the attack. Who else would have known it was happening except those that planned it.
It's a cover up plain and simple. Obama did not want this coming out as an al queda attack right before the election. They then boosted the story about the video that had no basis in fact. As a result, dozens of other people were killed and US property destroyed... all to protect Obama's re-election.
Lots of good discussions in the comments section as always. I wish there were similar discussions happening on the news outlets and on the campaign trail.
I cant wait to see the faces of Anderson reach around Cooper, Rachel Eatme, and Tickle Me Matthews when Romney is announced the winner. It will also be interesting to watch the Benghazi scandal unfold when the republicans gain control of the WH and thus the information surrounding this event. Liberals want Abortion? Well they definately got one here.
Also, ff you are looking for work then come to Texas. Business is booming in the Lone Star red State. Texas Tea Baby!
So funny I'm gagging.
You must know Anderson Cooper.
Sure I'll come to Texas. I heard everything there is big including LIES!!!
Yep, we can tell some "whoppers" but we know a socialist in action when we see one.
"Mr. President, Marine One is standing by to take you back home. Say hi to Pooky for us."
You can't spend your way out of a recession. When you are in a hole, the first thing you need to do is STOP DIGGING! Everytime Obama and Biden open their mouths, we all become a little poorer and Littleless safe.. Quit lying. Quit spending money we don't have. Quit apologizing to the rest of the world for imagined slights. Quit going on talk shows while Americans in the service of their country are dying.. Send out Michelle to do that. She is a much better interview. Try staying in Washington and leading the country. That is what the welfare class and ignorant intellectuals elected you to do.
Ahh, so based on this article we are supposed to believe that the administration had all kinds of conflicting information and gosh, how hard it would be to make a call on what really caused it. Well, if that's true, why would their UN delegate say in no uncertain terms that this was all due to reactions to a Youtube video? Nice try but these guys have changed their stories so many times they've lost all credibility.
Obama's gone into WHITEWASH mode – he KNOWS this will do him BIG harm at election time!
This is why he's dredged up a 20 year old divorce court case where Romney gave testimony! Sorry I can't see the screen...... too much smoke from the White House!
Say what? Are you delusional?
You pretty much nailed it. They certainly didn't waste anytime blaming it on some YouTube video. The truth is, Obama didn't want their to be a terrorist attack this close to the election. So he tried to have his administration white wash the whole thing. But he got caught, and of course CNN is trying everything they can to protect their man Obama.
So true. An decerning individual can put the following plausible narrative together, "bombing of US in middle east + area in particular unrest + 9/11 = terrorist attack." I have no problem if they had come out and said, this certainly seems like a terrorist attack but we have lots lof information to assess to make sure we pin point if that is true as well as find out who it is. Then they could have taken all the time they needed to get this right. The video never passed the "sniff test" for anyone but the most blind Obama koolaid drinkers.
Then you shouldn't have a problem. Obama described it as "an act of terror" the morning after it happened.
Mitt Romney said if he was POTUS, the Benghazi attack would not have happened. Well, when it comes to our national security, I don't ever take what Romney is saying too seriously because he once said "its not worth moving heaven and earth to find Bin Laden." And who in their right mind would vote for an incompetent fool like Romney who demonstrated in the last presidential debate that he doesn't know geography or specifically, where Iran and Syria are located. And to suggest that Syria is Iran's route to the sea when the countries don't even share a border is ludicrous. Perhaps someone should educate Romnesia and tell him that Iran has hundreds of miles of coast line called the Persian Gulf.
It's better to take time and make the right decision than to react quickly and do the wrong thing. Been there, done that with Bush 2.0. No, no, won't get fooled again.
What a crock! Libs pounded Bush over everything. Regarding Iraq, the whole world though Hussein had WMD. From our own Intel, to the Brits, Israelis and Aussies. Yet, that didn't stop the libs from accusing Bush or Cheney from lying. Meanwhile, the ONLY people on the planet claiming Libya was a spontaneous event is the Obama Admin and Chris Matthews. Yet, I don't see our vaunted US Media, including CNN and the NY Times, investigating to see if anything the Obama Admin is saying is remotely true. Could you imagine them acting the same if this happened under Bush? No way! They'd be all over this story like white on rice.
Oh c'mon! Obama thought he was leader of the 57 States of America! LOL
He also thought you can build an Inter-CONTINENTAL freeway!
At a rally in Kentucky Obama greeted the people with "Hi! It's great to be here in TEXAS!!!!!!
So purleeeeeze – don't talk about Mr Romney, he ADMITS what he's not sure of..........Obama's an ignorant clown who ALWAYS thinks he's right. And THAT is why America's headed down the tubes if he's re-elected!
A bunch of desperation, oft-repeated referrals to obvious slips of the tongue, which happen. There's a difference between that and pure ignorance, or lying, both of which encompass Romney and most of the Republicans.
It makes me LOL when these tiny errors are pointed out re: Obama. All Romney has to do is open his mouth and the crazy talk starts flying.
Got any battleships?
Funny Obama isn't as smart as all the libs try to make him out to be. He isn't really a President, but he plays one on TV.
Obama doesn't even realize that an aircraft carrier is a ship, or that the Army and Marine Corps still use bayonets.
He is so clueless, that is probably why he called a Navy corpsman, a corpse man.
Jose, Obama never said that we don't use bayonets. He said we dont have as many of them. Same with horses.
The problem is Americans and the world have seen for the last four years how incompetent and a failure obama is...we will be much safer with Romney then obama...he left the ambassador to die and lied to the Americans yet apologized to the muslim world for Americas free speech....like who are you? Are you blind? Glad the rest of America finally sees........obama is a failure...he had his chance, now its over........
Not everyone agrees with you James. You come off as biased and unwilling to see any point of view except your own.
Wanna talk about embassy security? Well, before you do, just keep in mind that Paul Ryan and the teapublican controlled House cut $500 billion in embassy security to continue more tax breaks for the rich. You could google it yourself.
well.... you're almost right..... if you think that million is the same as billion. I could see how you get confused though since to Obama, the numbers don't matter either. Furthermore, no one was talking about some huge increase in security. They wanted the ~20-30 guys to stay there instead of being PULLED BACK during a period of escalating violence for reasons that still have not been discussed.
I do agree it's a bit bold to say it never would have happened (one cannot the hatred and resolve of terrorists) but we certainly didn't need to make it the easiest tactical strike of their life.
@Michael
I agree with you that the tragedy could have been possibly averted had we more security there but like the hundreds of attacks that have taken place at our heavily fortified bases in Iraq and Afghanistan through the years where we still suffered enormous casualties, these terrorists didn't step into the compound and set it ablaze. No, they used rocket propelled grenades from a distance to burn the compound. Had we 20 or 30 martines there on the ground, they too would have come under attack. likewise, our Marine Barracks in Beirut where 283 of our Marines were killed in 1983 was also heavily fortified yet the casualties ensued. What would be best is if we unite as a nation in times of tragedy and show the enemy our strenght and resolve instead of politicizing a tragedy and demonstrating to the enemy that we are not united.
Don't shove it on the GOP – everyone KNOWS that's what you brain dead Liberals do!
E-mail - Obama and his swamplife go into headless chicken mode - people DIE - and Obama hastily adopts the "Let's tell 5 different stories, by the time they unravel them I COULD br re-electe!" .strategy.
Face it – you voted a useless clown, you won't admit you blew it, and you're happy to see your country in ruins and powerless.
For sure you are NOT a Patriot! And your Idol has feet of clay and should be IMPEACHED.
And everything on the internet is true! Enjoy your French Model mate:)
LOL.....500 billiion.....nice try...
P.S, has obama even passed a budget? Oh thats right, all dems rejected it....obama cannot work with either party, should not be president.......
I nominate James for President, because he knows everything. Just ask him.
What is trouing about this that we had no Leadership on this for two weeks and they trotted out their UN Ambassador to make claims that were not true. It is better to say we don't know than to take a chance you are right. I have lost faith in this administration to lead.
Leadership on WHAT, Mark? Just what kind of leadership were you expecting? This is not the first attack on an embassy, nor will it be the last. Confusion is a big part of what goes on in such situations, and mistatements are made. Big Whoop. You repubs are desperately trying to make this some HUGE issue and your attempts to do so are pathetic.
Their desperation is so transparent and futile. Donald Trump was practically drooling yesterday. He was so unattractive. Well, so much more unattractive than usual. Someone should kill that dead cat on his head. Does he even know that it's there? Should we tell him?
Republicans are trying to make this a huge issue? Sorry lefties, this IS A HUGE ISSUE....even dems are saying this was a disaster...how can you continue to defend the failure obama??
Americans died and obama lied......
I'm glad you recognize that it is Republicans that are making this a huge issues. That's becaue WE VALUE LIFE. And now that four are dead that could have at least had some protection and because this administration held troops less than an hour away that could have been deployed to help in Benghazi we will continue to make this a huge issue until at least those dead Americans are vindicated with the truth. I imagine their families will appreciate Republicans caring enough to keep making those deaths a huge issues. WHO said, "Don't send help." Why were so many ready soldiers not allowed to go to Benghazi - we managed to send them in to Pakistan!
If you have lost confidence in this admin to lead, based on this tragic incident, then you either are trying hard to lose confidence in them or had none at all. I'd guess the latter, if I were a betting person
Nope, there are many many reasons not to vote for obama, this is just the iceing on the cake........
http://libyaattack.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/why-libya-matters/
The US president will not and should not publicly reveal what is known about tactical situations, especially when the event and US response are still under way. POTUS wasn't about to telegraph to the terrorists that we knew what they were up to. One of the best ways to catch terrorists is to not let them know you're on to them so they continue to use the same communication channels, meeting places, and personnel.
The GOP would be complaining if the POTUS was being forthcoming; they'd claim he’s giving away tactical advantage.
Nobody likes it, but diplomatic missions get hit all the time regardless of how much or little security exists at the facility. Since 1926, US diplomats have been attacked 34 times (every 2.6 years) under GOP and Democratic administrations alike. Security or the lack of it doesn't enter the equation; attacks have been made even on the most hardened facilities. Diplomatic missions are assaulted because they are "message" targets that are usually easy to approach (especially if you have "stand off" weapons such as mortars, RPGs, and light artillery as the Benghazi attackers did).
Get over it: this was a tragedy, but not out of the ordinary. The world is a dangerous place and foreign service officers know it going in. Somebody is always targeted, whether it's 241 Marines in a Beirut barracks or the US embassy softball team (Phnom Penh, 1971).
No competent President is going to tell the world what US investigation found or what the actions plans are. Wise up. I'd be saying the same thing is a Republican were in the White House: this is about military strategy, not making cheap political points.
So this justifies the two weeks of,” this was due to a video," and all of the other lies we were fed? May I remind you of the 70 million in apology adds the administration spent in Pakistan over a video? May I also remind you that the fellow who made the film, regardless of how you feel about it was made a scapegoat by the administration? No, I am sorry, the actions of this administration just do not add up period.
Cap'n Crunch, how about this for a reasoned statement, "Four Americans, including Amb. Stevens were murdered last night. It is not clear who is responsible for these murders. We are still assessing whether this is truly an act of terror, as it clearly appears to be, and if any particular group is responsible. When we receive more details we will update the American public. However, you can be sure that whoever is responsible will be brought to justice.
Now what would have been wrong with saying something like that instead of blaming a video?
Peddling the video story for days afterward is clear the act of some incompetent somewhere. Or perhaps something worse? If I can figure out a good line, why can't the incompetents in the WH?
The sad part about your comment is that you just paraphrased the President's actual remarks the night of the attack. Watch it again, you might be surprised at how much of what you just asked for, you got that same night.
Righteous......he may have made those comments verbatim.....but then why concot the video nonsense. Nobody on the Left will address the video.
Why assume the motives of what was said were to mislead anyone? Like Obama had something to gain by misleading people and giving the GOP something to attack him on right before the election. No, this is the GOP being opportunistic. Just like Obama is taking advantage of the "rape" comment just made. Both cases are silly, but plenty of followers will fall into the polarizing trap. Stay Independent.
Truth......once again.....why trot out the video nonsense. Hillary, Rice and even BO at the UN were spewing the video nonsense.....WHY? It was an orchestrated plan.....probably by Axelrod.....to run with the nonsense.
According to your reasoning, the American people would never get the opportunity to question the administration about its foreign policy and that policy's consequences for people on the ground in foreign countries. Surely, you do not really believe what you say.
POTUS had NO problem leaking operational secret information while the Bin Laden raid was on-going. In Fact, he had the producers/directors in the WH so he could have the movie regarding the raid, hence "O Dark 30".
Right On, Captain Nemo. This is clearly not your first rodeo. Nor mine. Nice to hear someone who gets it.
One thing is "clear" – whenever either campaign says that something is "clear" in an attack on the other campaign, it is all but "clear."
The controversy surrounding this is a bunch of B.S. being generated by anti-American Republicans and news organizations churning this B.S. to compete for Fox News viewers. Why would CNN or any other reputable news organization spend so much time and effort on this NON-STORY particularly since Obama immedidiatlely referred to the incident as "an act of terror".? If CNN and other news organizations had spent half as much time on what the Bush Administration knew before 9/11 of the plans to fly aircraft into the Twin Towers and the U.S. involvement in this tragedy on 9/11/01 WE NEVER WOULD HAVE INVADED IRAQ!!!! To get the real story in this regard from a CIA asset who worked for the CIA prior to 9/11/01 and after 9/11/01, go to YOU TUBE and enter in the YOU TUBE search field: "CIA asset Susan Lindauer Whistleblower".
"Non Story", tells that to the families of the dead Americans!
PM, you dunderhead, the NON-STORY is the falderal about these e-mails and who said what, when. The STORY is that the US consulate in Behghazi was attacked and that four Americans were murdered. The details are either still not fully clear or that they are clear and are being withheld in order to protect future operations against the perpetrators, or some combination of these two extremes. See Captain Nemo's post above. For what it is worth, the US intelligence community is a large beast – so large that many parts of it have no idea what other parts of it know, or suspect, or mistakenly believe – especially in real-time.
Many years ago, when I was stationed in Europe, we would see periodic reports about an event that supposedly happened at one of our facilities in Spain. The reports were badly in error but the so-called "intelligence" community refused to correct their records and would periodically spit out the same old bad info. Fortunately, the issue there was small enough that the bad info had no real adverse consequence. Those of us who saw it knew to ignore it. Getting to the truth in the intel community takes a lot of time, even when the stakes are high as they are here.
Yes, its a non story because the mother of one of the deceased SEALS said she does not trust Romney at all and she demanded that Romney stop using her deceased son's name on the campaign trail for political gain. And recently, the Ambassador's father said his son's death is being politicized too much. Hence, its a non story!
There is something going here other than Obama lying. These emails went to many different agencies. The WH would know that because of the "TO" element on the email. Therefore, I have to question the coverup theory. It is inconceivable that the WH would attempt to do that with so many others knowing the timeline and information in the emails. A coverup can occur when small group tries to conceal information, but not when almost the entire federal government knows.
Why would the WH lie? To fool the american people into thinking he has more control than he does... thus be relected! Can't you understand that with a close election, any bad news of this magnitude causes doubt i the voters minds... Kinda liek Obama's comments to Putin, he can have more "flexibility wafter the election" thus not have to worry about the effects news have on the voting public...
Is that too hard to grasp?
"Why would the WH lie?" BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY DO BEST
But yet, jnpa, you believe 9/11 was an inside job. You believe all the agencies and intelligence communities lied about WMDs. But this WH, this glorious WH, should always be believed. Be a little consistent, will you?
let's get things straight here. This White House made a post comment about what perceivably happened after the tragedy occured, based on intelligence it received. Whatever this White House said about the tragedy, DIDN'T cause the tragedy. However, Bush's White House told a BIG LIE about BOGUS WMDs which resulted in an illegitimate Iraqi war, 3 trillion dollars in waste and over 4000 dead U.S. troops and tens of thousands of dead Iraqi civilians and a destabilized country that's now a hot bed for al Qaeda. Please learn what a LIE is.
Thats my problem with it too. Also what's up with all the people claiming the YouTube video never was a factor?
Even if Al Qaeda was the culprit in this instance, there were worldwide protests about it, going on at the same time.
Look up pictures, there were people protesting outside of embassies all across the middle east. Was the world media in on the conspiracy as well?
Wow, look at them dance trying to protect Obama. Like a lawyer they try to shovel dirt over the evidence to make you doubt it. But notice how they do not mention the other things damning Obama as a liar. No metion of the four previous terrorist attacks in Bengahzi in June/July/August. No mention of the buildings in Bengahzi flying flags for terrorist groups with impunity. No mention of Stevens request for more security that was denied as it might make us look bad. No mention of the tape CBS has of the president answering a question for them saying it was a terrorist attack, which they then did not play due to White House requests as it countered the story Jay, Hilary, and others were spinning. No mention of how the only person in custody is a member of Ansar al-Shariah, the same group from the email (coincedence? I don't think so). No mention of the video of the attack which officials in the White House say within 1/2 a day from the attack showing the use of RPG's and Mortars (not the tools of spontaneous attackers).
So I ask you, with all of the FACTS above, how can anyone still claim Obama and company did not know this was a terrorist attack? They would have to be either completely incompetent to lead, or, would have to be lying to protect themselves and their poor decisions given the facts that we have.
Newsflash Einstien. Obama labled it "an act of terror" immediately.
How about taking ACTION instead of just giving sound bites and speeches!
Einstien? Defenitely not you... I kow Comprehension is a killer, but you are entirely wrong...It took 14 days...
Obama called it "act of terror" the morning after the incident. Too bad you believe Mitt's and Fox News' lies.
Could we please make certain this is an act of terror before we go haring off after imaginary terrorists? Let's not make that mistake again. The imaginary WMDs that Bush believed in were no more real than unicorns. It was just an excuse to go after Saddam Hussein, a man who put a price on W's Daddy.
Let's not. One trillion dollar screwup per century, please. Thanks.
As an American, here is what I want to know:
Why didn’t our country remove our ambassador when Britain and the Red Cross left?
Why didn’t our country provide the requested security?
Why did the POTUS and his administration say it was because of a video?
Why did the POTUS and his administration continue to say it was because of a video for almost 2 full weeks after it happened?
Why did the POTUS’ UN Ambassador go on five mainstream news shows and unequivocally state that this was not a terrorist attack?
Why has the POTUS not given any answers and is choosing NOT to provide any answers until AFTER the election?
For the ones trying to throw the race card out there, you are full of it. This has nothing to do with race. I would want to know the answers to these same questions if Obama were white, blue, red, green, pink, etc. Hiding behind an “everyone is racist and out to get him” rhetoric is stupid and is not going to help. The American public wants answers and we want them PRE election. If he has nothing to hide, he will do that. If he does not do that, then he has something to hide and it may well have a lot to do with the comment he made to Putin’s mignon that the man was to tell Putin that he would “have more flexibility after the election.” Makes you wonder why he needs more flexibility. What is it that he can’t do now that he will be able to do then?
Well put. These are the same questions I have as well. I have one more to add. It is obvious to me that CNN has put time and money into investigating this email. Why are they not spending time and money to get the real truth about this mess? Anyone with half a brain can see there is a cover up going on. So I ask once again..When is CNN going to actually do their jobs with objectivity, and find the answers to the questions everyone outside the media keep asking?
Anyone with half a brain would know that the Iraqi war was illegitimate and they'd be asking for the WMDs and calling for GWB and the GOP to be tried for war crimes!!
Hey Blah Blah, first off, saddam did use wmd's on his people....secondly, the dems in congress voted to go to war in iraq....nice try though.........
Luckily no one give a crap what you "want to know.
Why? Because you are afraid of the answers? That would be the only real explanation to that response.
>Why didn’t our country remove our ambassador when Britain and the Red Cross left?
Because the GOP would accuse us of cutting and running? Because it is manifestly in the US' national interest to have diplomats on the ground in an important and volatile part of the world?
> Why didn’t our country provide the requested security?
Because all you get is more dead Americans? Because it's almost impossible to predict where the next attack will be? Because a US diplomatic mission is hit on average every 2.6 years since 1926 and such assaults are an accepted risk?
>Why did the POTUS and his administration say it was because of a video?
To lull the terrorists into false security so they'd keep talking on the same phones and radios, meeting in the same places, and working with the same groups? All so we can more easily find them?
> Why did the POTUS and his administration continue to say it was because of a video for almost 2 full weeks after it happened?
Same answer as for the previous question.
> Why did the POTUS’ UN Ambassador go on five mainstream news shows and unequivocally state that this was not a terrorist attack?
Same answer as to the second question above.
> Why has the POTUS not given any answers and is choosing NOT to provide any answers until AFTER the election?
Because the POTUS would be a fool to tell everything known and leak action plans.
Don't be naive. And don't get caught up in the politicization of a tragic footnote in US diplomatic history.
The answers are out there ABarker if only you look for them.
1. The USA acts according to its own. We DO NOT simply follow others (the Uk, Red Cross) for the sake of following.
2. Ambassador Stevens wanted to remain in Libya because bringing democracy to that nation was his life's work.
3. Stevens himself made the choice to travel to Benghazi at that time.
4. Stevens himself made the choice to leave most of the Embassy's security detail in Tripoli (as opposed to taking more of them to Benghazi with him).
5. There is only one proper place to lay the blame for what happened in Benghazi – the militant jihadists who actually perpetrated the attack.
Hey you incompetent right wing idiot, whether the White House attributed the attack on our consulate to a web video, a protest that got out of hand or a planned terrorist attack, the reality is that its assessment of what happened did NOT cause the tragedy. So Romney ran before a microphone one hours after learning about the tragedy just to accuse the President of sympathizing to the perprtratotrs while the tragedy was being investigated and intelligence on what had happened was still coming in and all of a sudden, the flip-flopping serial liar Mitt Romney is credible and the President is not?
Furthermore, one of the parents of the decease said she does not trust Romney at all and she urged him to stop using her deceased son's name on the campaign trail. That figures! And recently the Ambassador's father said he believes his son's death is being politicized too much. Well, should I say more? And by the way, talking about cover ups and lies, have you conservatives seen the WMDs? We spent 3 trillion dollars on an illegitimate Iraq war, murdered over 4,000 U.S. troops and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians in a war that lasted 7 long years and ended only because of President Obama's progressive and courageous leadership. And even at the last presidential debate, Mitt Romney continued to argue that we should have remain in Iraq. Well, he could always enlist his five sons, including the bully Tagg who wans to assault our President. Furthermore, the Afghan war is now in its 11th year simply because GWB and the very same republicans you brainwashed right wingers continue to support, deliberately and recklessly abandoned and prolonged the Afghan war to invade Iraq. That is inexcusable.
And while republicans like to rail that President Obama has inflated the national deficit with so-called reckless stimulus spending, the 2009 and 2010 stimulus bills along with the $430 billion in unemployment extensions totalling $2.5 trillion were all spent out of NRCESSITY to stabilize and growth the economy and to help the millions of unemployed and struggling Americans keep a roof over their love ones heads and food on their table while they look for work. Subsequently, common sense would suggest that if there was NO economic crisis to begin with, there would have been NO stimulus packages to begin with. And while the $955 billion ACA was passed to make healthcare affordable for all Americans and designed to reduce our national deficit by $250 billion over a ten year period along with the long term objective of preserving Americans lives, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken thousands of American lives and have added over $5 trillion to our national deficit. And personally, if you ask me I always believed that a healthier America is simply a stronger America. Let's face it, if you want to whine and complain about which party is fiscally reckless and irresponsible and has ruined this country and the world, just try to get your facts straight for a change.
The two wars alone did not add $5 Trillion to the debt. If that were true, then in 10 years we would be able to pay down the debt by the wars being over.
The attack was not called a terrorist attack by Obama for 12 days. He said in general terms. he said "no acts of terror". not act of terror. He was speaking generally. Obama did say people were killed. He did say they were attacks. He did not say that this was carried out by terrorists. Is this is another of those Obama said this but what he really meant moments? Odd how those happen and many media people modify what Obama said to come up with a different point.
Plus if Obama did as the media and many of his supporters say, why keep pointing to the video and say the video was to blame? High level people were pointing to the video as the cause of this sudden attack. Obama screwed up. He could have said at the rose garden that this was a planned attack. How many people go out to dinner with their RPG at their side? But he didn't. Instead Obama made a speech. The video was blamed.
Obama and his apologists have exposed the US to the ridicule of the rest of the world. His State Department killed those four American citizens, just as surely as if Hillary had pulled the trigger herself. Susan Rice and Jay Carney should be fired for outright lying to the American people as well as the rest of the world. By the way, Obama didn't "get" bin Laden. The US commandos did. This whole adminstration is a big FAIL: Trillions of dollars in additional deficits, a heath-care plan that will bankrupt us, unemployment hovering at 8% and an economy that is not recovering but stagnating. Wake up America! Hope and change have failed. It is time to retire him to Hawaii and move in a differnt direction.
What colour is the sky on your planet? Are there unicorns? You certainly don't live in the same universe with the rest of us.
Some valid questions. But remember, there are lots of questions for both Obama, Romney, Congress and all politicians. It's not like manipulating the media, the message, etc just started with the Obama administration, and it won't stop no matter who gets elected. Both parties suck. And their followers allow it to happen.
one more question, the most important: Why were no reinforcements sent in to aid those under attack in the consulate....either Libyan forces or US strike forces in Sicily, 3 hours away. The attack went on for 7 hours with no reinforcements sent in to repel the invaders.
Vote this liar out of office!! Romeny/Ryan 2012!!
Hey Lisa, you've confused one candidate for the other. And BTW, learn how to spell your candidate's name.
Hey Lisa, the liar is already out of office. He's on Crawford Ranch. You should go pay him a visit.
If the admin. didn't know what happened, then why blame another American, this time a film maker. How can you support the lies and the liar.
Bob – it's been said before and I'll repeat it here for your benefit:
The ONLY place to lay the blame for what happened in Benghazi is on the militant jihadists who actually perpetrated the attack.
Nobody with any credibility – including the POTUS or his Administration – puts the blame anywhere else. Only repubs are blaming the POTUS and not the jihadists. Not coincidentally, repubs lack any credibility.
Yet the only man in custody is a member of Ansar al-Shariah. Nice try covering for obama, but if we've arrested a member of the same group for carrying out the attack it kinda backs up the original email.
Says WHO?
There is NO official statement about any affiliations of the Tunisian in custody.
Instead, we have whisper whisper whisper and it always tracks back to the SAME people pushing the SAME narrative that has been disproven by facts over and over.
I think this is all about money. If the media did a work-up on this story that included all of the facts, Romney's support would evaporate. No fun if the campaigns aren't making ad buys all he way to the end!
There is no official statement on anything. All we get from the administration is that they want us to be patient while the election passes...oh, while the investigation completes.
This is the second example I have seen of false electronic intel coming from the SAME sources to support the SAME false narrative about Benghazi.
I've been tracking these unnamed sources. Two of them originally claimed to be "intel contacts" who fed false information to Fox News and to Eli Lake of the Daily Beast. Later these SAME persons held a press conference and identified themselves as "state dept officials." In all of their guises, they have fed false information to the press in support of a GOP disinformation campaign about the Benghazi attack.
Recent reporting suggests that these two false informers are supported in their efforts by the CIA station chief in Libya.
If you think these reports are false and you beleave the out right lies coming out of the White House you must be a President voter. The real shame in all of this is the lack of coverage by the main press in this country with the plan to help the President to get reelected. It is a shame to tell anyone that I view CNN simply because they are obviously backing the President even though he has been lying to the public even during the debates when he said thats not true only for fact checkers to proof the Romni was telling a true fact.
You're lost man...seriously lost. There have been no lies only administration officials passing on what they were being told by the intelligence community which during the initial Rose Garden address reflected what witnesses on the ground were saying the attackers said was the reason for attacking which was that it was in retaliation to the video. Get over it Faux "News" has been caught in another over exaggerated lie.
Seriously?
Read the story!
If I hadn't tracked an aggressive disinformation campaign over the course of weeks, I could just chalk this up to a "mistake." What this shows, is that SOMEONE had an interest in pushing a false narrative about the attack before the attack was over!
With all due respect the emails are just another small part of this whole debacle. It is good to know if there are lies concerning any information, but you cannot refute the rest of the testimony by others under oath and all of the other evidence we have so far. I bet what we know at this time is just the tip of the iceburg.
It is incredible to believe how low we are as a nation when no one in the Administration takes decisive and immediate action to protect and save American lives. It is widely reported that a drone was providing a live feed of the attack, no matter who was the assailant, there is no doubt our embassy was under attack, then why not defend it and protect lives? It seems reports confirm military assets were positioned to respond, why was nothing done? One can conclude that no order was given. As an American I just want the truth and no more "spin". My heart breaks for the families of the dead Americans, they deserve the truth no matter what the political outcome is!
Did you read the story?
The third email was FALSE information. Now, WHO spreads false information about a terrorist attack? WHY?
I might add, that the second email contradicts one of the other false informers. One of the "state dept officials" claims that the Ambassador was trapped in a burning building after the first attack, but the email says the Ambassador was safe, AFTER the first attack. Go and read the State Dept website, which has a full transcipt of the account given by the two false informers.
All three of the LIARS who are playing games with a terrorism investigation need to be detained.
'Who spreads false information'? Umm...Republicans, Swift Boaters and the Tea Party, that's who. In addition, I'd venture to include Donald Trump as well.
Anyone against President Obama for President, I'd venture to state. Think about it. This isn't brain surgery.
" As an American I just want the truth and no more "spin". No, you just want Obama gone. Tell the truth, eh?
The key issue at this time is Hillary's claim yesterday that the Facebook posting by someone who claimed to be an attacker posting from the scene was rightly discounted because, apparently, it was a Facebook posting. She failed to mention that it was a posting that was forwarded from an intelligence operative in Libya. The article by Benson, Kelly, and Labott explains that the man was identified from his Facebook page and is known to be in jail in Tunisia. This is a hot story that demands pursuit. CNN should have someone in that jail in Tunisia at this moment or, at least, in transit. Are you on the job, CNN? If not, why not?
CNN just want this to go away as it is upsetting there messiah!
4 dead compared to almost 3000 on the original 9/11 with all the intelligence chatter going on for months before it happeded. Republicans are so disengenuous.
especially with a Cheney ordered f-18 stand-down...very interesting version of the Bay of Tonkin.
Way too many people here with a concrete opinion and a dearth of concrete facts. I am reminded of the Iraqi WMD's and the Bush Administration motto, "Never let facts interfere with a cherished belief."
Everybody I have spoken with about this attack are very sad it occured and offer their sympathies to the families who lost loved ones. Very few people are surprised that an attack like this occured. And most people believe that there will be other attacks in the future. What the people, including myself, are appalled at is the response from the Administration. If the Administration would have informed the American people that there was an attack and that they are gathering information about who is responsible and this information will be forthcoming, this would not be an issue for me and the others I have spoken with. The fact that this was blamed on the youtube video and being spontaneous from the beginning is the underlying issue so many people have with the Administrations response. The best policy is to tell the truth. That is all we ask and expect especially when American lives are at Stake. This should apply to all of our leaders and us, whether Democrat or Republican. About Weapons of Mass Destruction, terroist attacks, or you tube videos. I have not spoken with one person who believes that our elected officials are honest no matter which party they belong to and I feel the same way. Telling the truth has always been and should always be the best recipe, unfortunately it is not and it is tearing apart everything that is good in our lives.
I agree with you.
I understand that the government cannot always divulge sensitive information, especially during the course of an investigation and I think most people would have understood that. It is not reasonable for us to expect the government to do that because there are things that we probably should not know.
However, when you do choose to communicate to the American public – be honest and be true. This was a terrorist attack from Day 1 and our government knew it. Perhaps they didn't know who was behind it and further investigation was necessary – but it's clear that someone was. Some of the weaponary that was used could not have been "spontaneous" – it had to be setup prior to the attack. There was no protest, no mobs of people – nothing that would give the indication that it was spontaneous or the result of a YouTube video.
Rather than communicate incomplete or inaccurate information – they should have conducted their investigation and reported on the facts. That's what we deserve as citizens. "Qualifying" the information or "playing on words" is just slick way of being dishonest. There was enough conflicting evidence and they knew better. We trust these people with our security and our livelihoods. Give us and the families of the fallen with the respect we deserve – truth and honesty. We didn't attack ourselves and we didn't bring it on, so what harm does it do to anyone to just tell us the truth?
I would be very curious to know if the Administration bumped up security at the Tripoli Embassy, given the nature of the last email indicating an attack would occur there. There must have been some belief of credibility or else the state department would not have sent that email out.
The Administration made their own mess of this one and they need to fix it – honestly and truthfully.
Agreed!
But how can a politician be honest when his party needs the votes?
Party über alles!!!
...I still remember 911, by a bunch of Saudis, on Dubbya's watch, 9 full months after he organized a massive increase in defense spending. And then he flew his special rich Saudi banker friends out of the country, even while flights were suspended. No leaked emails yet as to why. . . .
And still Republicans want to blame the (BTW) black president for 4 dead, when they lost 3000 on US soil, and four times that in wars they started since.
Actually, Obama's lost more troops than Bush ever did. Think on that.
That's complete BS Seola. I'm sure you were referencing Obama 1473 vs Bush 575 for Afghanistan. Of course you neglected a little debacle that known as Operation Iraqi Freedom – for which you would need to add 4,222 to Bush's number and 264 to Obama's.... (Anyone that doubts me is welcome to look here: http://icasualties.org/)
Delusion is a terrible thing.
More foreign civilians were killed in the first 2 years of obama then all 8 yrs of bush combined. Not bs. Look it up. Chew on that.
nameWitheld – What part of Seola's comment said foreign civilians? Don't be a tool – I called BS on a demonstrably wrong statement. Why don't you chewon that?
AND, let me ask you this: what is your source for your civilian deaths statement? I'm guessing you are probably referencing drone deaths – which are estimated to range in the 148 to 309 range. Relative to the number of troops we have lost in a comparable period – I guess how that stacks up is a matter of opinion. I'll also ask if when you tossed out your statement, did you include any thought to the civilian deaths in Iraq? There are estimates that there have been 100k+ civilian deaths in Iraq – the break down of those deaths between cause are not in agreement, but I have a feeling your civilian deaths statement is oh just a less than proveable or defendable.
Just in case you are math challenged – let's play a hypothetical and say that only 5% of those deaths were caused by the US – that's 5,000+ deaths – almost all of which occurred during Bush's term. If you question my low-ball 5% number – there was a study in late 2003 that estimated noncombatant deaths at 3,200 to 4,300 for the active period of the Iraq invasion (March 19, 2003 through April 30, 2003). Would you like me to continue to "Look it up" or do you realize that you too are full of BS yet?
Oh, you think he should done a Vietnam style just run away from Bush's mess?
"Vietnam style just run away from Bush's mess?" It worked for Bush. They would vote for Dubya all over, knowing that 9-11 happened on Obama's watch.
Tony.. you and the rest of your cronies seem to forget that presidents dont declare war, congress does. Congress also budgets and pays for them. Who was in control of congress during bush's war? That's right, democrats. If the dems didnt want to go into iraq, then why did their super majority both approve the budget and action? The blood is technically more on the dem controlled congress than bush. Also, i am tired of dems calling republicans bigots when the dems are the party of bigots. Dems are always the first to apply race to an argument. Didnt you know republicans freed the slaves against the tide of opposing dems? Kkk was founded by dems. Dems fought against repubs whom were pushing desegragation and anti lynchmob legislation. And your hero, gw bush wrote into law (again, against serious dem opposition) the single most positively influential law affecting minorities (no child left behind)?!! So you dems need a new argument. Yours is factually unsound.
Fair point – of course it ignores that the information presented to Congress that led to them voting to approve a declaration was false – or at least greatly exagerated for the purposes of swaying support. (Reading United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix's pre-war statements regarding Iraq WMDs is very eye opening – BTW)
Excellent points namewithheld........no shot I vote for 4 more years of this disgrace...
"Also, i am tired of dems calling republicans bigots " Stop carrying around signs picturing the President of the United States as a witch doctor, and saying he's retarded, shucks and jives, and is a Muslim because he's black. Stop it or admit to your bigorty, which we can all see anyway. And if you want to go back to the Civil War to make a point, get some horses and bayonets while you are back there. What a stupid man you must be,
Thanks for setting the record straight.
So based on what your saying Obama gets a free pass on this dead Ambassador! What else does his free pass include.
What we are saying is that the investigation is ongoing. We also say that the type of knee-jerk action that starts wars in the wrong country as retaliation is never going to happen again. We want to know exactly who is responsible for this attack and we will go after THEM rather than launch a mass attack against everyone and everything in the area. Investigations take time, effort and tests and they don't come to light overnight.
This isn't an episode of CSI with tests complete in 5 minutes. This is real life and real crime. Of course, you're all using it as a reason to scream for President Obama's head. You don't really care about the issue. It's only an excuse for to hate and revile him. Congress and the Tea Party cut the budget for security for our embassies. They're more at fault than anyone else. Our embassies are American soil and should be defended.
" It's only an excuse for to hate and revile him. " Correct. Don't bother to argue with trolls. They haven't the mentality for an argument.
Ahh a lefty throwing out the race card...hey, if you dont agree with obama you must be racist against blacks.....well I personally dislike obama, think he ais a huge failure, and guess what? I am white and my girlfriend is black.......and I love her family.........so you limp wristed lefties are so desperate that your leader has seen chunks of his armour removed, people finally see what he is really about...a failure...nobody wants four more years of this inept fool....p.s, obama is not black, he is half white half muslim........
Sure, you may not be a racist, but you're ignorance was more than obvious in your last sentence.
"guess what? I am white and my girlfriend is black" You lie.
When you have nothing of any intellectual sense, you trot out "racism" charges. It is idiotic and childish but what else should one expect from the school kid crowd on cnn.com?
This place is getting like the Puffington Post...
Muslim is not a race.
You have to excuse conservatives! They're suffering from a severe case of Romnesia!!!
now go do your homework blah, blah. You might not graduate from the 7th grade if you don't.
Leave adult talk to the adults (of which you aren't).