October 24, 2015

A masturbatory exercise in political theater: The Benghazi hearing showed exactly why Americans hate Congress

A masturbatory exercise in political theater: The Benghazi hearing showed exactly why Americans hate Congress

"The Benghazi committee, like so many Congressional hearings, was an exhibition in grandstanding. The House, which is controlled by conservatives, exists mostly as a vehicle for Republicans to promote their brands. They have a political agenda to be sure, but it’s not aimed at accomplishing anything legislatively, just as the Benghazi hearing wasn’t designed to produce new information.

Yesterday was a stage. The Republicans who attacked Hillary Clinton were performing – none of it was necessary as a public service. As Clinton pointed out, an independent review board has already released 29 recommendations for improving security for American diplomats overseas, the culmination of several thorough investigations. We already know what happened in Benghazi. But this wasn’t about Benghazi.

It was about Republicans who wanted to score points (and votes) by attacking Hillary Clinton before a national audience."