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Hillary Clinton Breaks Silent Streak on Benghazi: ‘We Do Not Have All the Answers’

Oct. 12, 2012 7:30pm
Hillary Clinton Breaks Silent Streak on Benghazi Attack

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the United States must continue sending diplomats and aid workers to the Arab world's emerging democracies, despite last month's deadly attack in Libya, during a speech to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Clinton s defense of the Obama Administration s outreach efforts comes amid criticism that the U.S. is failing to shape new Arab governments such as Libya and Egypt effectively and that U.S. security in its diplomatic installations has been inadequate. (Credit: AP)

WASHINGTON (TheBlaze/AP) — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, addressing criticism of the Obama administration’s handling of a deadly attack on U.S. consulate in Libya, on Friday defended the need for American diplomats and aid workers in the Arab world’s young democracies, even amid a growing threat from al-Qaida spinoffs.

Until Friday, Clinton had been largely silent about the tragic terrorist attack for the last two weeks. Since then, the Obama administration’s official story about how the situation unfolded in Libya has changed dramatically.

“We do not have all the answers,” she admitted.

“We will never prevent every act of violence or terrorism, or achieve perfect security,” Clinton continued. “Our people can’t live in bunkers and do their jobs. But it is our solemn responsibility to constantly improve, to reduce the risks our people face and make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs.”

Her address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies comes as Republicans seized on the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, as a sign of what they say is the administration’s weak foreign policy, intelligence failures and a laissez-faire attitude toward security at diplomatic missions in hot spots. She spoke a day after a Yemeni security official at the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, was assassinated on his way to work.

Watch some of Clinton’s address to CSIS:

With only weeks before the presidential election, the outrage has crystallized around Vice President Joe Biden for claiming in Thursday’s debate with Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan that “we weren’t told” about requests for extra security at the consulate where assailants killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

Congressional hearings this week revealed that the State Department was aware of, and rejected, several requests for increased security in Benghazi. Spokesman for both the State Department and the White House took pains Friday to make clear that Biden’s “we” referred to the White House, where such requests would not go.

Clinton said she wanted to find out exactly what happened in Benghazi more than anyone, but did not go into the specifics of the consulate’s security. Instead, she focused on the larger question of why the U.S. diplomats were stationed in the largely lawless Libyan city.

“Diplomacy, by its very nature, is often practiced in dangerous places,” she said.

Twenty-one months into the Arab Spring, Clinton stressed that the promise of new democracies in an area of the world long dominated by autocratic rulers has not been lost. She said the U.S. needed to keep fostering the elected governments and free citizens who, she hoped, would define the region’s future.

“For the United States, supporting democratic transitions is not a matter of idealism. It is a strategic necessity,” she said. “We will not pull back our support for emerging democracies when the going gets tough. That would be a costly strategic mistake that would undermine both our interests and our values.”

The main strains of criticism from Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and other Republicans are that the U.S. is failing to effectively shape new Arab governments such as Libya and Egypt and that U.S. security at its diplomatic installations has been inadequate.

The secretary of state stressed that the transitions “are not America’s to manage, and certainly not ours to win or lose.” But she said a U.S. leadership role was important “to strengthen democratic institutions, defend universal rights, and drive inclusive economic growth.

“That will produce more capable partners and more durable security over the long term,” Clinton said.

Hillary Clinton Breaks Silent Streak on Benghazi Attack

U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton speaks about North Africa at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, on October 12, 2012 in Washington, DC. Secretary Clinton delivered a speech that was billed as 'U.S. Strategic Engagement with North Africa in an Era of Change'. (Credit: Getty Images)

On the question of security, she said less.

On Wednesday, two former security officials testified before Congress that their requests for more manpower were either ignored or rejected. Senior State Department officials acknowledged that that was the case but insisted that there was no evidence that more security would have thwarted or otherwise mitigated the attack.

Biden said in Thursday’s vice presidential debate, “We did not know they wanted more security again.”

He also defended the administration’s early explanation that the attack sprang from anti-video protest, saying that had been the judgment of intelligence agencies at the time.

Watch the clip from Thursday’s debate:

Clinton agreed at an earlier appearance Friday, speaking to reporters alongside Italy’s foreign minister.

“We do not have all the answers. No one in this administration has ever claimed otherwise.”

“We are providing the best information we have at that time and that information continues to be updated, it also continues to be put into context and more deeply understood through the process we are engaged in,” she said.

There are three separate investigations into the attack going on now: an FBI probe into the deaths of the four Americans, an independent inquiry by a panel appointed by Clinton and the congressional hearings.

In her address, which focused particularly on North Africa, Clinton stressed that extremists were trying to hijack democratic transitions under way. She warned of al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb’s growing reach from its stronghold in northern Mali, just south of Libya.

“Last month’s violence revealed strains of extremism that threaten these nations, as well as the broader region and the United States,” Clinton warned. “On the other hand, we’ve seen actions that would have been hard to imagine just a few years ago: Democratically-elected leaders and free people in Arab countries standing up for a peaceful, pluralist future.

“It is too soon to say how these transitions will play out,” she said. “But what’s not in doubt is that America has a big stake in the outcome.”

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Comments (216)

1 2 3 … 6
  • thetruthseeker711
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:06pm

    Vince Foster……..

    And WE still don’thave all the answers, either.

    Report this comment

    thetruthseeker711  
    • LeadNotFollow
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:20pm

      .
      Amen to that!

      Report this comment

      LeadNotFollow  
    • badge02812
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:27pm

      For anyone who is unsure or interested in why we fight in Afghanistan and other places against al-qaeda WATCH Lara Logan’s BGA Keynote speech at this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9BD7CYLTndk
      This woman journalist is a ROCK STAR who GETS IT !!!!
      I Love You Lara !!!!!…….Stay Safe !!!!!!!!

      Report this comment

      badge02812  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:30pm

      AMEN TRUTH
      Hillary Clinton is further proof that a village can raise an IDIOT.
      She is living cankle proof.
      OMG in NOV 2012

      Report this comment

      GeorgieJo  
    • fraumj
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:43pm

      They don’t even show any anger on the fact that they didn’t get the right info (since they said that that’s what was told to them by the intelligence community). Very odd! Clearly, there is another agenda at play.

      Report this comment

      fraumj  
    • PHB
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:48pm

      Col David Hunt Ret. was on WRKO, Howie Carr show, he said that they ALL Knew what was going on, and could hear and WATCH it as it happened, for 6 hrs, FROM START TO FINISH!!!!! What I mean by ALL is every one!!! All friends of the USA, The place has cams all over the place inside and out when it started one person Pressed THE BUTTON, for HELP and it brodcasted it to EVERYONE!Do you think that the Generals, wouldn’t tell anyone as it was going on, and ask to send air, troops, any support to HELP them!!!!! THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT !!!

      Report this comment

      PHB  
    • Fatheroftwo
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:03pm

      I would like to know when the guarding of a U.S. Consulate in a hostile area was taken away from the U.S. Marines???? and Why the full force and might of the U.S. Military is not at this moment pounding the holy SH$% out of Libya for this????

      Report this comment

      Fatheroftwo  
    • endthemindlessspending
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:08pm

      Just when I think they can’t get any worse they find they seem to sink even lower. If America votes this incompetent administration back in, I know there will be WWIII and I fear another Civil War also.

      Report this comment

      endthemindlessspending  
    • michael48
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:22pm

      good point….truth…there always seems to be mysteries about all these folks…none of which have a good outcome…

      Report this comment

      michael48  
    • babylonvi
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:34pm

      I’ve got ONE answer, four-and-out!

      Report this comment

      babylonvi  
    • kettererbg
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:01pm

      One thing is certain. Ambassador Stevens asked for more protection and was denied. That had to come from the State Department or the White House. No mid level stuff here. These dimbocraps have caused an Ambassador and three others to die. Willful, criminal negligence is what I see. No if’s, and’s or but’s. Now the BIG question is why. I suspect Ambassador Stevens knew something that this administration did not want out. I have no trust in our present government or the MSM. Something is amiss. Where there is smoke, there is fire.

      Report this comment

      kettererbg  
    • wordsofwisdom
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:31pm

      Their is so much B.S. in this statement that she is in over her head. This is a song that is about her called “Tokyo Rose” http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/song/10790024

      Report this comment

      wordsofwisdom  
    • jwt
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:36pm

      Hill hates the military and most likely did not want the military in “her new Country”

      Report this comment

      jwt  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:31pm

      Didn’t Clinton, Obama and Ambassador Rice already tell what happened…..2 days after the
      attack….it was all about the FILM…RIGHT ???? Clinton was adamant about what happened.
      There was NO question four weeks ago..This Administration really SUCKS !!!!!!!

      Report this comment

      MIBUGNU2  
    • Charleyhorse
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:43pm

      The answer is that she and her piano legs, along with holder, Barry, smiley and the rest of the choom gang belong in jail.

      Report this comment

      Charleyhorse  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:22am

      Time for Slick Willy to take his lady home, and fade
      off into the sunset… never thought she would turn to
      The Obama Ways..Cheat, Lie and Steal !!!!!! She
      has turned to the Dark Side………..

      Report this comment

      MIBUGNU2  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:25am

      @ BADGE
      THANKS for the link.. Lara Logan is one BRAVE LADY !!!
      Very informative..

      Report this comment

      MIBUGNU2  
    • DIR
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 2:24am

      Of course she doesn’t have all the answers. They don’t have the names of who did what. I think this kind of speak is called obfuscation: “to make something obscure or unclear, especially by making it unnecessarily complicated.” It’s an old political magic trick to confuse the issues by making them complicated and unclear. The only idiots buying this is hardcore lib voters and those to stupid to know or care about what really happened. To some it doesn’t matter. All they are concerned about is getting their free cell phone, or their multiple payments under differenct names for their illegit kids, which they may or may not have.

      Report this comment

      DIR  
    • Obama Been Lauding
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 6:55am

      The first picture of Hillary tells a story, “Deer in the headlights”!!!
      This is what the whole Obama Administration is right now.
      How dare anyone attack an embassy during my campaign, it doesn’t look good on me!!!!
      Oh, and by the way, I single-handedly killed Osama Bin Laden, and have bragged about it, but surely these Islamic Al Qaeda Terrorists wouldn’t be mad about that!!!!! Woops, I said “Terrorists”, I misspoke.

      Report this comment

      Obama Been Lauding  
    • db321
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 4:28pm

      PHP, if what you are saying is correct and these Generals do not come forward, I would hope that they will be hung for treason as the traitors they are. I am sick and tired of Traitors in this Country not speaking out.

      Traitors to America make me as mad as Cowards that don’t have the guts to place a Romney / Ryan sign in their front yard. Lock and Load and then put the d**m sign out – NOW YOU BUNCH OF COWARDS!

      Report this comment

      db321  
    • earlangus120
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 4:35pm

      we can see what happens to 14 yr olds in pakistain . big brave taliban cowards shoot them . the Arabic region of Africa is being overrun by al queda, muslim brother hood and hamas. And we have the communist intermixed in there so its only going to be a matter of time before its all imbroiled in all out war. no wonder Isreal feels alone

      Report this comment

      earlangus120  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:05pm

    What exactly were they doing there in the first place? What was their specific mission? What if anything did they accomplish? What in roads if any were made? We need to ask tough questions of the US State Dept instead of letting them frame this issue as if these guys were just on a routine outreach program to gain friends abroad for the US. This stinks! People were slaughtered and its so bad we can’t even know the results of the autopsys. When will we ever be rid of the likes of Hillary Rodham and company? I bet never because there is always another batch growing like spring daisies to take their place.

    Report this comment

    ChiefGeorge  
  • Mike Benton
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:02pm

    A wise man has said that by the time she gets a shot at running for president she will look like such such an old hag no one will take her seriously. That picture above proves him right. Sad but true.

    Report this comment

    Mike Benton  
    • pissantno.10
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:13pm

      did ya notice the podem i would guess it could with stand a rocket blast and it looked like she had panty hose over her head . question is was that really here or a talking head.

      Report this comment

      pissantno.10  
    • helllsbellls
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:29pm

      Mike…….shes already there. Hell Bells.

      Report this comment

      helllsbellls  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:36am

      The Obama Crapweasels are grooming her for 2016….
      wouldn’t that be a kick in the AZZ ?? thats their plan.
      So Ya Know BO’s Gotta’ GO !!

      Report this comment

      MIBUGNU2  
    • TomSawyer
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 1:48pm

      I don’t care what she looks like. I care that she thinks democracy in an Islamic country is possible. It’s not.

      Report this comment

      TomSawyer  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:01pm

    What has it been now, almost a month? And, we are still getting two distinctly different stories, And, the intelligence people have said that all along they had never told anybody that this was over a video. Hmmm, like walking through a cow pasture bare foot in August.

    Report this comment

    RJJinGadsden  
    • Zipit
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:19pm

      Yeah RJJ, and for the first time , maybe ever, Hillary doesn’t have all the answers! And next week, she just simply “won’t recall”!

      Report this comment

      Zipit  
  • EveF.Destruction
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:00pm

    Hillary, do what you do best, be a good little girl and cover up for the lying, cheating, incompetent men around you who might someday let you have a turn on the seesaw.
    Do I smell cookies?

    Report this comment

    EveF.Destruction  
  • TeaPartyanimal
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:00pm

    I think Hillary is the beast the bible refers to…

    absolutely beastly.

    Report this comment

    TeaPartyanimal  
  • noslave
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:59pm

    all the answers??at least the ones, we can tell you about ,without getting legally screwed. its like the joke “how do you keep an arzhole in suspense??” “i’ll tell you later” at least a lot later when were hideing out in some banana republic with all the loot we scammed while in office and you can’t touch us??

    Report this comment

    noslave  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:59pm

    .
    Evil women make my eyes bleed.
    Hillary is really hard on the eyes.

    Report this comment

    LeadNotFollow  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:58pm

    The reality of the Situation was that the State Dept was on a mission to curry favor with two Armed groups in the city by offering them well paying jobs protecting the Consulate. The Ambassador was in the city in part to try and smooth some ruffed feathers that was effecting the negotiations. That’s the reason American security was pulled back, thinking these guys could be hired to pull security but in the end the locals betrayed the Americans and pulled out allowing the Attacker easy access.. The effort to have influence….. killed our Ambassador and 3 others.

    Report this comment

    paperpushermj  
    • pissantno.10
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:21pm

      but what is the deal with its ok if they have a same sex relationship, this is just murder or plain stupied . im talking about the job requirments for the security people.

      Report this comment

      pissantno.10  
    • needmoinfo
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 4:01am

      They crossed their fingers nothing would happen before the election. Nearest town with Marines were told not to load their weapons. Embassy in France has security. Obama had to know it was hot in Libya. You know how he hates to see a muslim get hurt. If anyone gets arrested and punished it will be by Libya not Obama. Meanwhile other areas are also understaffed and short sheeted on equipment to keep them adequately protected. It is so obvious that Obama protects muslims of every stripe.

      Report this comment

      needmoinfo  
  • ireport uderide
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:57pm

    (note to Bill)
    Buy Hillary a Salad Shooter for Christmas.

    Report this comment

    ireport uderide  
    • 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:02pm

      And a paper sack to put over that mug – holy ****.

      Report this comment

      2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT  
    • pissantno.10
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:25pm

      three bager , a bag for hilory, a bag for bill , a bag for the dog so the dog will still respect them in the morning.

      Report this comment

      pissantno.10  
    • Restored One
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:03pm

      Bill will be sure to show up here soon. His goal has been to get her in office for 2016. We have not heard the last of him yet. He will soon show his true feeling about Obamarxist. “Mmmmyyyy wiiiife will bbbeeee bbaaaccck.

      Report this comment

      Restored One  
  • coolidge
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:54pm

    Somewhere in the Obama motor fleet is a bus warming up with Hillary’s name on it. I hope someone gets a good video of the initial impact and closeups of the the tread marks. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving twit. Talk about useless.

    Report this comment

    coolidge  
  • 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:52pm

    Romney figures this all out in four hours but these mindless morons can’t get anything straight after a month? I swear a short bus drives around D.C. every morning to pick up these people and take them to work.

    Report this comment

    2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:50pm

    Smoke and mirrors, smoke and mirrors. This poor woman gets uglier and more whiny every time I see her. No wonder slick willie was dilly dallying around with interns.

    Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report this comment

    garbagecanlogic  
    • bigbear_awake
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:00pm

      it took her how long to come out and say what?? blah blah blah where is the Islamic n chief IMPEACH OBAMA

      Report this comment

      bigbear_awake  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:49pm

    Cut off the money to the pigs.

    Report this comment

    AJAYW  
  • FEMALL
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:48pm

    Yes, Hillary, and just imagine how our country would be so very different if your husband had given to “go” on Bin Laden back in the 90′s. I suggest you consult with Allen West on the best diplomacy to use in that dangerous place.

    Report this comment

    FEMALL  
    • 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
      Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:55pm

      Back then Slick Willy had “BIGGER” things on his mind… and under his desk…… and on the couch…….and on the floor.

      Report this comment

      2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT  
  • Molechaser
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:48pm

    “But it is our solemn responsibility to constantly improve, to reduce the risks our people face and make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs.” Resources? What good does that do if someone sitting in an office is refusing security requests!

    Report this comment

    Molechaser  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:47pm

    My what a ugly hag– she should be charged and tried for the death of all four of our people in Libya

    Report this comment

    AJAYW  
  • bald stick
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:47pm

    How long before the devil and his minions begin to tear into one another over the lies and finger pointing that is going on in this wicked administration?

    Report this comment

    bald stick  
  • NEAF
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:45pm

    Wait a minute, wasn’t about a video? Who is lying now? Once again, why are you getting paid for?

    Report this comment

    NEAF  
  • Wildblue3
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:44pm

    The only question is will they be able to pull off the smokescreen till the election? This can’t hold up forever…

    Report this comment

    Wildblue3  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:43pm

    You mean you don’t have the answers that support your lies.

    Since when do you have to have all the “answers” to know various people made incompetant decisions and start collecting resignations? Susan Rice…GONE! The person who ordered Marines to stand their posts without ammo…GONE!

    Report this comment

    The_Almighty_Creestof  
  • SUNTZU
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:41pm

    Barock Insane Obammy
    Hilree Cliton
    Joke Blydon
    Dont have the answers< Ell they dont even understand the Queston??????

    Report this comment

    SUNTZU  
  • 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:40pm

    CONTENT WARNING: The picture at the top of this article would frighten children.

    Hillary is the very definition of double ******.

    Report this comment

    2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT  
  • OneofMany
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:40pm

    B.S. What a sad state of affairs. Our government is starting to look more and more like the Mexican government. Corrupt through and through.

    Report this comment

    OneofMany  
  • zoro51
    Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:40pm

    YOU are INEPT to be in that position REMOVE THIS OLD BAG shes LIED along wiht the president n the wh staff ALL LIED to the usa.. IMPEACH OBAMA REMOVE THIS BITCH

    Report this comment

    zoro51  
    • needmoinfo
      Posted on October 13, 2012 at 3:53am

      Looks like the Clintons just figured out they are expendable. Biden still drinking the koolaid.

      Report this comment

      needmoinfo  
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