This Could Be the Weirdest Exchange from Wednesday's Benghazi Hearing

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) had what could be the weirdest exchange with Greg Hicks, former deputy chief of mission in Libya, during Wednesday's hearing on the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.

The conversation began with the California representative questioning Hicks’ claim that he had been asked not to give any personal interviews to Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz.

The two then spoke about the meaning of the word “isolated.”

But that’s not the weird part. The weird part was when, seemingly out of nowhere, Speier asked Hicks about where he'd like to be assigned next.

"You received a call from Cheryl Mill-- actually, let me ask you a different question."

"The gentlelady's time has expired," Chairman Issa interrupted, "but go ahead and ask the last question."

"Thank you Mr. Chairman. I think you deserve have to have a post in a location that you desire,” she said. “Where would you like to be posted?”

Appearing to be caught off guard, Hicks laughed off her question. He then claimed that he defers those kinds of inquiries to his “chief decision-maker” (i.e. his wife).

“Miss Dibble said to you she would help you get a good onward assignment,” the California congresswoman continued, “and I think this committee will help you get a good onward assignment.

“So we await the responsible person for that decision informing us,” she added:

Weird, right?

Well, maybe not. Remember, she had another question set to go but changed her mind at the last second. This could easily be a case of her making up something on the spot.

Then again, her time had expired. So it's not like she had to run out the clock.

Still, the question did end up being more relevant than even Speier may have realized: Hicks would later claim he was demoted for speaking up against Amb. Susan Rice's incorrect talking points blaming the attack on a YouTube video.

--

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

Featured image Roll Call. This post has been updated.