Republicans could care less about the four Americans who died at Benghazi. Republicans have made a sport out of getting Americans killed overseas for years, competing over who can run up the death score the most. The new Bullghazi Committee has one purpose: gin-up turnout of the GOP base. So why, pray tell, would Democrats want to be a part of it?
But in Democratic circles — in private meetings, and conversations throughout the Capitol — the tide has turned.
Democrats want to be there to respond to Republicans, and stand up for the administration. One person they especially want to be in the room for: Hillary Clinton.
Democrats are aware the Republicans are certain to call the former secretary of State to testify, and if there are no Democrats present, the leading contender for the party’s 2016 presidential nomination would be walking into a minefield.
The scene in the Democratic whip meeting Thursday illustrated that dynamic. It was clear there that Democrats are beginning to see the upside in having representation on the panel.
Both Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who chaired the Oversight and Energy and Commerce committees, spoke in favor of appointing Democrats. They both mentioned Clinton, and Waxman also mentioned the prospect of National Security Adviser Susan Rice testifying.
Jesus Christ. You shouldn't be shocked at why this bunch can't get it right. Democrats in the minorty typically don't behave like a group thirsty for power, but like weak flowers that have lost their nutrients, wilting and dying under even the best sunlight.
These House Dems are playing it all wrong. Yes, the Washington Media will show up at the hearings with tons of hype. Some Dems feel they need to be there to make sure this B movie with a second rate cast gets top billing. Well guess what, the GOP is counting on them being there. They want a bipartisan committee. Know why? Because this issue does nothing for Democrats. Absolutely nothing.
Democratic voters do not give a rats ass worth of cat piss about Benghazi. So if you want to depress Democratic turnout, go ahead and spend several months wasting time on this inside the beltway, Washington media circle jerk. Go ahead and drown your entire campaign over the Summer into a GOP conspiracy theory. Meanwhile, they will use it to gin their nutcase base up to the max.
My God people, House Dems, have you learned nothing from these guys? This all about driving GOP turnout, drowning out Democratic messaging, and wasting everyones time on foolishness. Why would you play along? Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice are perfectly capable of defending themselves. Leave them to it. No Washington media poodle is going to waste anytime covering your softball questions. They never do in these things.
Guys...leave them to their witch hunt. Dont give it any form of legitimacy. Why dont you guys, instead, get out in the country and talk things that Democratic voters give a shit about and stop tripping over your shoelaces to kiss up to Hillary Clinton. She's perfectly capable of handling these chumps all on her own.
7:52 AM PT: Update: Some suggest..put Alan Grayson and whatever other firebrand liberal on there to score points!
You dont get it do you? THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE GOP WANTS.
This isnt for our base. You think young people, minorities, working people, working women, are going to be watching this foolishness? The only people who will are political junkies and the GOP base, old rich retired rural white people. People who are never going to vote for us, and will be even more encouraged to do so the more liberals wail on tv.
Once again, OUR COALITION DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THIS SHIT. We need to be speaking to our voters with things that will motivate them to vote and not waste time and energy on this stupidity. There are no votes to be gained here.
8:56 AM PT: From the comments:
The Termite To believe it wise to play this game... (1+ / 0-)
...then you have to accept a few things as true:
1. The purpose of these hearings is to arrive at the truth.
2. The people in control of the hearing are of a fair mind, and wish to give the accused an opportunity to tell their side of the story.
3. Given an opportunity to tell their side of the story, the accused have a story that will satisfy the electorate, by proving a negative.
4. The media narrative about Benghazi has yet to be determined.
None of these things are true.
Many people in this thread have argued that not showing up is also a trap. That might be true. But it is the best way to control the story and the outcome. It makes a clear and unambiguous statement. If Sun Tzu were around there isn't a snowball's chance in hell he would advise walking into this trap. No way no how.