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Hillary Clinton testifies on Benghazi and emails in showdown with conservatives – live Hillary Clinton testifies on Benghazi and emails in showdown with conservatives – live
(35 minutes later)
4.48pm BST16:48
“The facility in Benghazi was a temporary facility, it was not even a consulate,” Clinton tells Roby, who keeps trying to get Clinton to turn to “tab 31” of what is apparently a binder full of email documents. Clinton declines repeatedly to turn to tab 31.
“It was not a permanent facility and there were a number of questions that were asked about whether it would be or should be,” Clinton says.
Clinton sketches the timeline of what happened to ambassador Stevens: “He went into Benghazi, he went into a luncheon with leading, leading civic leaders in Benghazi. It was his decision, ambassadors do not have to seek permission from the State department to travel around the country.”
“He decided to go into Benghazi by taking two security officers with him … he had the requisite five that had been” recommended, she adds.
Clinton openly concedes that security was insufficient, as the accountability review board and Congressional investigations found.
The day that he died he had five security officers, a lot of security professionals that have reviewed this matter, even those that are critical that the State Department did not do enough, have said that the kind of attack that occurred would have been very difficult to repel.
There are many lessons, going back to Beirut, going back to Tehran, and sometimes we learn these lessons and we act and there is a terrible example of that with respect to what happened in Benghazi.”
4.39pm BST16:39
Chairman Trey Gowdy continues to refer to women representatives as “gentle-ladies”. He hands the mic to Alabama Republican Martha Roby, who asks Clinton what she knew and meant about a US “presence” in Libya.
“You have some very legitimate questions about what we were doing,” Clinton replies, but says that she knew and knows exactly what the US was doing: getting chemical weapons out of Libya, helping Libyans accomplish “a successful election by every count“.
Clinton does not mention Libya’s continuing civil war, saying that the US was “working on providing transition assistance, I met with the Libyans, I telephoned with the Libyans”.
“We had members of the administration and Congress visiting Benghazi, so of course I knew that we had a presence in Benghazi.”
Hillary Clinton: "I knew exactly what we were doing in Libya"
Updated at 4.40pm BST
4.29pm BST16:29
Representative Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat and Iraq war veteran who’s endorsed Clinton for president, asks the former secretary of state about the military response to the attacks.
Clinton says she 100% endorses the accountability board’s recommendations: “Even if we didn’t post our own military in the country we needed to have a stronger reaction.”
Our military did everything they could, they turned over every rock, they tried to deploy as best they could to try to get to Benghazi. It was beyond the geographic range …because we didn’t have a lot of assets [in the area].
Clinton says that in the aftermath, the State Department and Pentagon started to “send out mixed teams, our diplomatic security and [military] personnel, and it gave us some better guidance to the 19 high threat locations.”
4.25pm BST16:25
The Guardian’s reporters in DC suggest possible rules for a drinking game. Coffee if the hearing puts you to sleep, alcohol if it depresses you about the state of American politics, Irish coffee if you’re riveted to American politics and feel a little sad about it.
someone should keep a running tally of how many times the word email is said during the #BenghaziCommittee hearing
Copy of Trey Gowdy's (lengthy) opening statement to Benghazi hearing reveals he used the word "truth" 21 times. Surely a prize is due?
4.21pm BST16:21
Brooks keeps asking why there’s “nothing in the emails” about the aftermath of the Benghazi attacks, and Clinton uses it as an opportunity to defend her controversial work habits: “I did not do the vast majority of my work from email.”
I don’t want you to have a mistaken impression of what I did and how I did it, most of my work was not done on emails with my closest aides, with State Department officials, with the White House.”
She says every day began with a briefing from the CIA on the top level of classified information to which she was privy, and that throughout the day she had one-on-one meetings with similar briefings, “some of them so top secret that they were brought into my room in a closed briefcase that I had immediately to read and return to the courier.”
She says she was constantly running around meetings, to the White House, around the State Department and abroad, “I did not email during the day.”
“There was never a recommendation from any intelligence official in the government, from any State Department official … to shut down Benghazi, shut down operations in Benghazi, after the attacks.”
4.14pm BST16:144.14pm BST16:14
Republican Susan Brooks is now asking Clinton about what plans the State Department had for ambassador Christ Stevens in Libya, adding “I can conclude by your own records that there was a lack of interest in Libya in 2012.”Republican Susan Brooks is now asking Clinton about what plans the State Department had for ambassador Christ Stevens in Libya, adding “I can conclude by your own records that there was a lack of interest in Libya in 2012.”
Clinton says Stevens was in Libya to help find out “who were the leaders or the insurgency in Benghazi, what their goals were.”Clinton says Stevens was in Libya to help find out “who were the leaders or the insurgency in Benghazi, what their goals were.”
It was going to be expeditionary diplomacy, it was going to require him to make a lot of judgments on the ground, including where it would be safe for him to be and how long would it be safe for him to stay.”It was going to be expeditionary diplomacy, it was going to require him to make a lot of judgments on the ground, including where it would be safe for him to be and how long would it be safe for him to stay.”
Brooks wants details. Clinton says she and the department “all knew this was a risky undertaking … more reminiscent of the way diplomacy was practiced in the 19th century … you would send diplomats into places and not hear from them for maybe months.”Brooks wants details. Clinton says she and the department “all knew this was a risky undertaking … more reminiscent of the way diplomacy was practiced in the 19th century … you would send diplomats into places and not hear from them for maybe months.”
“It was open-ended, we were in discussing it with him, unsure as to how productive it would be, whether it would be appropriate for him to satay for a long time or a short time. That was very much going to be dependent on Chris’s own assessment. We knew we were sending someone who was aware of the language, of [the people], of the personalities.”“It was open-ended, we were in discussing it with him, unsure as to how productive it would be, whether it would be appropriate for him to satay for a long time or a short time. That was very much going to be dependent on Chris’s own assessment. We knew we were sending someone who was aware of the language, of [the people], of the personalities.”
4.08pm BST16:084.08pm BST16:08
Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings questions Clinton on the security situation for ambassador Stevens and at the CIA post.Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings questions Clinton on the security situation for ambassador Stevens and at the CIA post.
She says that security was “rightly handled by the security professionals in the department. I did not see them, I did not approve them, I did not deny them.”She says that security was “rightly handled by the security professionals in the department. I did not see them, I did not approve them, I did not deny them.”
“There was no actual intelligence on September 11 or even before that date about any kind of planned attack on our compound in Benghazi,” Clinton says.“There was no actual intelligence on September 11 or even before that date about any kind of planned attack on our compound in Benghazi,” Clinton says.
The security professionals “did have to prioritize, the accountability review board did point that out,” she says, and tried to make do with the resources it had.The security professionals “did have to prioritize, the accountability review board did point that out,” she says, and tried to make do with the resources it had.
On Twitter, where all kinds of important decisions are made about politics, some people take hot takes. Bloomberg’s Josh Rogin sees cynicism.On Twitter, where all kinds of important decisions are made about politics, some people take hot takes. Bloomberg’s Josh Rogin sees cynicism.
Clinton is misleading here. The requests for more security went up to her Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy.Clinton is misleading here. The requests for more security went up to her Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy.
Vox’s Jonathan Allen in turn says the committee is being a little misleading.Vox’s Jonathan Allen in turn says the committee is being a little misleading.
One important thing to remember about security requests: They were for Tripoli, not Benghazi.One important thing to remember about security requests: They were for Tripoli, not Benghazi.
4.02pm BST16:024.02pm BST16:02
From the room, my colleague Lauren Gambino (@lgamgam) reports on the surprisingly solemnity with which the hearing began.From the room, my colleague Lauren Gambino (@lgamgam) reports on the surprisingly solemnity with which the hearing began.
Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton addressed the panel in a calm, sombre tone, in stark contrast to the fiery opening statements of the committee highest ranking members.Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton addressed the panel in a calm, sombre tone, in stark contrast to the fiery opening statements of the committee highest ranking members.
Clinton began her testimony by remembering the four men who lost their lives in the September 11, 2012 attack. She spoke fondly of Chris Stevens, the US ambassador to Benghazi was killed in the attack.Clinton began her testimony by remembering the four men who lost their lives in the September 11, 2012 attack. She spoke fondly of Chris Stevens, the US ambassador to Benghazi was killed in the attack.
She noted that his mother used to say he had “sand in his shoes” because he was always traveling. She also spoke of Sean Smith, Tyrone Wood and Glen Doherty, the State Department official and two CIA contractors killed.She noted that his mother used to say he had “sand in his shoes” because he was always traveling. She also spoke of Sean Smith, Tyrone Wood and Glen Doherty, the State Department official and two CIA contractors killed.
She smartly chose to avoid any reference to the partisan bickering that has engulfed the committee, instead keeping the focus on the Americans who died.She smartly chose to avoid any reference to the partisan bickering that has engulfed the committee, instead keeping the focus on the Americans who died.
Clinton concluded: “So I’m here ... I’m here to honor those we lost and to do what I can to aid those who serve us still.”Clinton concluded: “So I’m here ... I’m here to honor those we lost and to do what I can to aid those who serve us still.”
3.59pm BST15:593.59pm BST15:59
Roskam finally up and articulates the rhetorical point he’s been struggling to make: pinning US policy on Libya on Clinton, and saying she contributed to the dissolution of order around the Middle East and North Africa.Roskam finally up and articulates the rhetorical point he’s been struggling to make: pinning US policy on Libya on Clinton, and saying she contributed to the dissolution of order around the Middle East and North Africa.
"Our Libya policy couldn't have happened without you, because you were its chief architect.." @PeterRoskam to @HillaryClinton"Our Libya policy couldn't have happened without you, because you were its chief architect.." @PeterRoskam to @HillaryClinton
3.55pm BST15:553.55pm BST15:55
Clinton again says that it was Obama’s decision, and that she supported what the Europeans and Arab allies recommended.Clinton again says that it was Obama’s decision, and that she supported what the Europeans and Arab allies recommended.
She brings up being “the situation room decision to send in the navy Seals” to the Abbottabad compound that housed Osama bin Laden, though it’s not entirely clear what relevance being in that room has to the matter at hand.She brings up being “the situation room decision to send in the navy Seals” to the Abbottabad compound that housed Osama bin Laden, though it’s not entirely clear what relevance being in that room has to the matter at hand.
3.53pm BST15:533.53pm BST15:53
Roskam keeps offering to let Clinton read her notes and she keeps waiting for him to finish whatever he’s trying to ask.Roskam keeps offering to let Clinton read her notes and she keeps waiting for him to finish whatever he’s trying to ask.
Rep Roskam paused to wait for Clinton to read her notes. No need, HRC says: "I can do more than one thing at a time Congressman, thanks."Rep Roskam paused to wait for Clinton to read her notes. No need, HRC says: "I can do more than one thing at a time Congressman, thanks."
“I think it’s important to point out that it was very much in American interests and a furtherance of our values to protect the Libyan people.”“I think it’s important to point out that it was very much in American interests and a furtherance of our values to protect the Libyan people.”
She mentions the previous ambassador to Libya as “a strong advocate” to American intervention into Libya, then says it was really Barack Obama’s call, “At the end of the day this was the president’s decision and all of us fed in our views. I did notf avor it until I did the due diligence.”She mentions the previous ambassador to Libya as “a strong advocate” to American intervention into Libya, then says it was really Barack Obama’s call, “At the end of the day this was the president’s decision and all of us fed in our views. I did notf avor it until I did the due diligence.”
Then Clinton downplays American action again, saying that European and Arab countries took the lead on supporting the rebels. Only after “due diligence” does she say her reasoning changed, and she turned to favor intervention.Then Clinton downplays American action again, saying that European and Arab countries took the lead on supporting the rebels. Only after “due diligence” does she say her reasoning changed, and she turned to favor intervention.
“It is of course fair to say this was a difficult decision … but at the end of the day in large measure, because of strong appeals from our European allies, because the Arab League passing a resolution … we did decide to recommend to the president to do it.”“It is of course fair to say this was a difficult decision … but at the end of the day in large measure, because of strong appeals from our European allies, because the Arab League passing a resolution … we did decide to recommend to the president to do it.”
Updated at 3.56pm BSTUpdated at 3.56pm BST
3.48pm BST15:483.48pm BST15:48
Gowdy makes an odd comment about how he won’t cut off Clinton during her answers and didn’t interrupt her opening statement, then passes the mic to Peter Roskam, a Republican from Illinois.Gowdy makes an odd comment about how he won’t cut off Clinton during her answers and didn’t interrupt her opening statement, then passes the mic to Peter Roskam, a Republican from Illinois.
Roskam asks a circuitous question that Clinton boils down to “why were we in Libya”.Roskam asks a circuitous question that Clinton boils down to “why were we in Libya”.
“There were a number of reasons for that,” she says, including that Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi “threatened [Libyans] with genocide, hunted them down like cockroaches”, after they rose up in pro-democracy protests.“There were a number of reasons for that,” she says, including that Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi “threatened [Libyans] with genocide, hunted them down like cockroaches”, after they rose up in pro-democracy protests.
“We had experienced diplomats who were digging deep into what was happening in Libya,” she goes on, and says the US put “very limited” efforts into Libya, “not one American soldier on the ground”.“We had experienced diplomats who were digging deep into what was happening in Libya,” she goes on, and says the US put “very limited” efforts into Libya, “not one American soldier on the ground”.
3.45pm BST15:453.45pm BST15:45
Finally Clinton makes a plea for unity, at least on foreign policy: “We do come together when it counts.Finally Clinton makes a plea for unity, at least on foreign policy: “We do come together when it counts.
As secretary of state I worked with the Republican chairman of the Senate arms committee to [pass a nuclear arms treaty] with Russia. … I know it’s possible to find common ground because I have done it. We should debate on the basis of fact, not fear. We should resist denigrating the patriotism or loyalty of those we disagree.As secretary of state I worked with the Republican chairman of the Senate arms committee to [pass a nuclear arms treaty] with Russia. … I know it’s possible to find common ground because I have done it. We should debate on the basis of fact, not fear. We should resist denigrating the patriotism or loyalty of those we disagree.
So I’m here. Despite all the previous investigations and all the talk about partisan agendas, I’m here to honor those we lost … and my challenge to you, members of the committee, is the same challenge I put on myself: let’s be worthy of the trust we’ve been bestowed upon the American people.”So I’m here. Despite all the previous investigations and all the talk about partisan agendas, I’m here to honor those we lost … and my challenge to you, members of the committee, is the same challenge I put on myself: let’s be worthy of the trust we’ve been bestowed upon the American people.”
"[American people] expect us to rise above partisanship and reach for statesmanship," says Clinton at close of powerful opening statement."[American people] expect us to rise above partisanship and reach for statesmanship," says Clinton at close of powerful opening statement.
Updated at 3.56pm BSTUpdated at 3.56pm BST
3.43pm BST15:433.43pm BST15:43
She now compares the 1983 attacks in Lebanon under Ronald Reagan, which killed 258 Americans. “Part of America’s strength is we learn, we adapt, and we get stronger.”She now compares the 1983 attacks in Lebanon under Ronald Reagan, which killed 258 Americans. “Part of America’s strength is we learn, we adapt, and we get stronger.”
Clinton says that the review board immediately after the Benghazi attacks found “systemic” problems and recommended 29 reforms, all of which she says she began while still in charge as secretary of state.Clinton says that the review board immediately after the Benghazi attacks found “systemic” problems and recommended 29 reforms, all of which she says she began while still in charge as secretary of state.
She then puts the onus on Congress, saying that they’ve held up some of the reform measures – and that American diplomats and soldiers “deserve better” from them.She then puts the onus on Congress, saying that they’ve held up some of the reform measures – and that American diplomats and soldiers “deserve better” from them.
3.39pm BST15:393.39pm BST15:39
Clinton is turning her opening statement into something of a foreign policy campaign speech, arguing for an active, engaged diplomacy abroad and military force “as a last resort”.Clinton is turning her opening statement into something of a foreign policy campaign speech, arguing for an active, engaged diplomacy abroad and military force “as a last resort”.
“Above all Chris understood that most people in Libya and everywhere reject the extremist argument that violence can ever be a path for dignity and justice. That’s what those thousands of Libyans were saying in the aftermath of his death. And he understood that there is no substitute for going beyond the embassy walls and doing the hard work of building relationships.”“Above all Chris understood that most people in Libya and everywhere reject the extremist argument that violence can ever be a path for dignity and justice. That’s what those thousands of Libyans were saying in the aftermath of his death. And he understood that there is no substitute for going beyond the embassy walls and doing the hard work of building relationships.”
Clinton makes case for active FP: America must lead in a dangerous world and our diplomats must continue representing us in dangerous placesClinton makes case for active FP: America must lead in a dangerous world and our diplomats must continue representing us in dangerous places
“We have a responsibility to provide our diplomats [and contractors] on the ground with the resources they need.”“We have a responsibility to provide our diplomats [and contractors] on the ground with the resources they need.”
3.36pm BST15:363.36pm BST15:36
Clinton begins talking about what she sees as the lessons of the Benghazi attacks, and for American diplomacy write large.Clinton begins talking about what she sees as the lessons of the Benghazi attacks, and for American diplomacy write large.
“Chris Stevens understood that our diplomats must operate in many places where soldiers are not, where there are no other boots on the ground and where safety is not guaranteed. In fact he volunteered.”“Chris Stevens understood that our diplomats must operate in many places where soldiers are not, where there are no other boots on the ground and where safety is not guaranteed. In fact he volunteered.”
“Make no mistake, the risks are real. Terrorists have killed more than 65 diplomatic personnel since the 1970s, and more than 100 contractors and locally employed staff.”“Make no mistake, the risks are real. Terrorists have killed more than 65 diplomatic personnel since the 1970s, and more than 100 contractors and locally employed staff.”
Clinton says that diplomats and security staff will “tell you they can’t do their jobs for us from bunkers.”Clinton says that diplomats and security staff will “tell you they can’t do their jobs for us from bunkers.”
“It would compound the tragedy,” she says, if the attacks “ended up undermining the work to which he and others devoted their lives”.“It would compound the tragedy,” she says, if the attacks “ended up undermining the work to which he and others devoted their lives”.
3.33pm BST15:333.33pm BST15:33
She then offers small biographies of Sean Smith, Tyrone Wood and Glen Doherty, the State Department official and two CIA contractors killed.She then offers small biographies of Sean Smith, Tyrone Wood and Glen Doherty, the State Department official and two CIA contractors killed.
Clinton says she was the one who recommended Stevens to go to Libya, and that after the attacks she was there when the four bodies arrived back in the United States.Clinton says she was the one who recommended Stevens to go to Libya, and that after the attacks she was there when the four bodies arrived back in the United States.
“I took responsibility, and as part of that before I left office I launched reforms to better protect our people in the field and to help reduce the chance of another tragedy from happening in the future.”“I took responsibility, and as part of that before I left office I launched reforms to better protect our people in the field and to help reduce the chance of another tragedy from happening in the future.”
“What happened in Benghazi has been scrutinized,” she says, by a review board, Congress, and news organizations.“What happened in Benghazi has been scrutinized,” she says, by a review board, Congress, and news organizations.
3.30pm BST15:303.30pm BST15:30
Clinton's opening statement focuses on lives lost in LibyaClinton's opening statement focuses on lives lost in Libya
Clinton begins her opening statement, saying: “I’m here to honor the service of those four men.Clinton begins her opening statement, saying: “I’m here to honor the service of those four men.
“The courage of the diplomatic security agency and the CIA officers who risked their lives that night, and the work their colleagues do every single day all over the world.“The courage of the diplomatic security agency and the CIA officers who risked their lives that night, and the work their colleagues do every single day all over the world.
I knew and admired Chris Stevens. He was one of our nations most accomplished diplomats.I knew and admired Chris Stevens. He was one of our nations most accomplished diplomats.
She says “there was no easy way” to get Stevens into Libya, but that “he found a way on a Greek cargo ship, just like a 19th century American envoy.” Clinton then talks about how thousands of Libyans took to the streets in protest of the attacks in their aftermath.She says “there was no easy way” to get Stevens into Libya, but that “he found a way on a Greek cargo ship, just like a 19th century American envoy.” Clinton then talks about how thousands of Libyans took to the streets in protest of the attacks in their aftermath.
Updated at 3.39pm BSTUpdated at 3.39pm BST
3.27pm BST15:273.27pm BST15:27
Cummings wraps up his opening remarks, saying that yes, the investigation has turned up new material “But these documents and interviews do not show any nefarious activity.Cummings wraps up his opening remarks, saying that yes, the investigation has turned up new material “But these documents and interviews do not show any nefarious activity.
In fact, it’s just the opposite. The new information we have obtained confirms and corroborates the core facts we already knew from the eight previous investigations. They provide more detail, but they do not change the basic conclusions.In fact, it’s just the opposite. The new information we have obtained confirms and corroborates the core facts we already knew from the eight previous investigations. They provide more detail, but they do not change the basic conclusions.
It is time for Republicans to end this taxpayer-funded fishing expedition.It is time for Republicans to end this taxpayer-funded fishing expedition.
3.25pm BST15:253.25pm BST15:25
Cummings notes that even Republican representative Kevin McCarthy, who was briefly the likely heir to lead the party, has himself suggested the committee has political motives.Cummings notes that even Republican representative Kevin McCarthy, who was briefly the likely heir to lead the party, has himself suggested the committee has political motives.
Cummings to Gowdy: "Why tell Republicans to shut up ... when they are telling the truth?"Cummings to Gowdy: "Why tell Republicans to shut up ... when they are telling the truth?"
He attacks Republicans’ willingness to rearrange meetings and cancel hearings except to bring attention to Clinton, and says that they say they’re interested in the truth except “when they are attacking secretary Clinton with reckless accusations that are demonstrably false.”He attacks Republicans’ willingness to rearrange meetings and cancel hearings except to bring attention to Clinton, and says that they say they’re interested in the truth except “when they are attacking secretary Clinton with reckless accusations that are demonstrably false.”
.@RepCummings calls out Fiorina, Huckabee, etc. for "wild Republican claims" about Clinton's involvement in Benghazi. #BenghaziCommittee.@RepCummings calls out Fiorina, Huckabee, etc. for "wild Republican claims" about Clinton's involvement in Benghazi. #BenghaziCommittee
3.21pm BST15:213.21pm BST15:21
Gowdy closes his opening statement: “We’re gonna find the truth because there is no statute of limitations on the truth.”Gowdy closes his opening statement: “We’re gonna find the truth because there is no statute of limitations on the truth.”
Democratic representative Elijah Cummings, second-in-charge on the committee, takes over, saying he has “great respect” for Gowdy but says the chairman is wrong about the purpose of the committee itself.Democratic representative Elijah Cummings, second-in-charge on the committee, takes over, saying he has “great respect” for Gowdy but says the chairman is wrong about the purpose of the committee itself.
He takes Gowdy’s tone of righteous indignation and raises it several notches, turning the ire onto the Republicans who insisted on a committee after seven earlier investigation.He takes Gowdy’s tone of righteous indignation and raises it several notches, turning the ire onto the Republicans who insisted on a committee after seven earlier investigation.
The problem is that the Republican caucus did not like the answers they got from those investigations, so they set up this select committee with no rules, no deadline and an unlimited budget. And they set them loose, madame secretary, because you’re running for presdient. Clearly it is possible to conduct a serious bipartisan einvestigation. What is impossible is to deny that Republicans are spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars to derail secretary Clinton’s presidential campaign.”The problem is that the Republican caucus did not like the answers they got from those investigations, so they set up this select committee with no rules, no deadline and an unlimited budget. And they set them loose, madame secretary, because you’re running for presdient. Clearly it is possible to conduct a serious bipartisan einvestigation. What is impossible is to deny that Republicans are spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars to derail secretary Clinton’s presidential campaign.”
3.16pm BST15:163.16pm BST15:16
Gowdy defends the committee’s purpose, telling Clinton that it’s not about her, even if she’s “an important witness among half a hundred witnesses”.Gowdy defends the committee’s purpose, telling Clinton that it’s not about her, even if she’s “an important witness among half a hundred witnesses”.
Let me assure you it is not [about you] and let me assure you why it is not. This investigation is about four people who were killed representing our country on foreign soil. It is about what happened before during and after the attacks that killed them. It is about what this country owes to those who risk their lives to serve it. And it is about a government’s obligation to tell the truth to the people that it purports to represent. …Let me assure you it is not [about you] and let me assure you why it is not. This investigation is about four people who were killed representing our country on foreign soil. It is about what happened before during and after the attacks that killed them. It is about what this country owes to those who risk their lives to serve it. And it is about a government’s obligation to tell the truth to the people that it purports to represent. …
Not a single member of this committee signed up to investigate you or your email.Not a single member of this committee signed up to investigate you or your email.
3.15pm BST15:153.15pm BST15:15
Gowdy mentions that Clinton swore-in in private – but doesn’t say she swore-in on. Was it a Bible or a binder of talking points? A copy of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns? Truthers out there, let your imagination fly.Gowdy mentions that Clinton swore-in in private – but doesn’t say she swore-in on. Was it a Bible or a binder of talking points? A copy of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns? Truthers out there, let your imagination fly.
Gowdy says Hillary has already been sworn-in in private — so no fresh ad footage of Clinton with her hand raised...Gowdy says Hillary has already been sworn-in in private — so no fresh ad footage of Clinton with her hand raised...
3.09pm BST15:093.09pm BST15:09
Gowdy begins in a somber note, remembering the four Americans who died in Libya. He’s framing the mission of the Benghazi committee in the most exalted terms: “We owe them and each other the truth. The truth about why we were in Libya, the truth about what we were doing in Libya.”Gowdy begins in a somber note, remembering the four Americans who died in Libya. He’s framing the mission of the Benghazi committee in the most exalted terms: “We owe them and each other the truth. The truth about why we were in Libya, the truth about what we were doing in Libya.”
He talks about additional security, personnel, equipment requests, questions about where the military was positioned, and segues decently enough into a tone of outrage: “why was it so hard to get information from the very four men that these men served and sacrificed for.”He talks about additional security, personnel, equipment requests, questions about where the military was positioned, and segues decently enough into a tone of outrage: “why was it so hard to get information from the very four men that these men served and sacrificed for.”
Then he condemns previous investigations for not being “thorough” and were “either incapable or unwilling” to answer all the questions. He spins the committee’s doggedness – or pathological obsession, depending on your sympathies – as an admirable commitment to all the details, emails, documents, witnesses, etc.Then he condemns previous investigations for not being “thorough” and were “either incapable or unwilling” to answer all the questions. He spins the committee’s doggedness – or pathological obsession, depending on your sympathies – as an admirable commitment to all the details, emails, documents, witnesses, etc.
3.03pm BST15:033.03pm BST15:03
Clinton is in the chamber. She walks up to the committee members and shakes all their hands. She gives a little wave to the horde of photographers and iPhone photographers (ie reporters) reaching to take photos of her.Clinton is in the chamber. She walks up to the committee members and shakes all their hands. She gives a little wave to the horde of photographers and iPhone photographers (ie reporters) reaching to take photos of her.
So it begins. With “a couple administrative matters” from Gowdy. Who says “we can take a break for any reason or no reason. If you or any one alerts me, we can take a break for any reason or for no reason.”So it begins. With “a couple administrative matters” from Gowdy. Who says “we can take a break for any reason or no reason. If you or any one alerts me, we can take a break for any reason or for no reason.”
The atmosphere is electric. With the opportunity for breaks. If anyone needs one. Anyone?The atmosphere is electric. With the opportunity for breaks. If anyone needs one. Anyone?
Updated at 3.06pm BSTUpdated at 3.06pm BST
2.57pm BST14:572.57pm BST14:57
Let the cover-up conspiracy theories begin! Why won’t Clinton answer CNN’s questions?Let the cover-up conspiracy theories begin! Why won’t Clinton answer CNN’s questions?
As she walked in, Hillary ignored my question and just said, "Good morning."As she walked in, Hillary ignored my question and just said, "Good morning."
2.54pm BST14:542.54pm BST14:54
Another committee chair we’ll be seeing a lot of today.Another committee chair we’ll be seeing a lot of today.
That's the chair @HillaryClinton will testify from at today's #BenghaziCommittee hearing. pic.twitter.com/Fzle5fss5zThat's the chair @HillaryClinton will testify from at today's #BenghaziCommittee hearing. pic.twitter.com/Fzle5fss5z
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Who sits on the gallery of rogues of the Benghazi committee? My colleague Lauren Gambino (@lgamgam), with the bunch in the hearing room in Washington, writes in with a look at the two at the top.Who sits on the gallery of rogues of the Benghazi committee? My colleague Lauren Gambino (@lgamgam), with the bunch in the hearing room in Washington, writes in with a look at the two at the top.
Representative Trey Gowdy: Known for his prosecutorial style and platinum hair, the South Carolina Republican was chosen to lead the committee’s investigation into Benghazi to do precisely the opposite of what critics accuse him of doing: staging political theater.Representative Trey Gowdy: Known for his prosecutorial style and platinum hair, the South Carolina Republican was chosen to lead the committee’s investigation into Benghazi to do precisely the opposite of what critics accuse him of doing: staging political theater.
From the outset, Gowdy promised his pursuit would be nonpartisan and “fact-centric” with a focus in finding out what happened during the deadly 2012 attack, but recent accusations, by members of his party and a former staffer, suggest that the investigation has evolved into a partisan attack on Hillary Clinton.From the outset, Gowdy promised his pursuit would be nonpartisan and “fact-centric” with a focus in finding out what happened during the deadly 2012 attack, but recent accusations, by members of his party and a former staffer, suggest that the investigation has evolved into a partisan attack on Hillary Clinton.
Meanwhile, Democrats and newspaper editorial boards have called for the committee to be disbanded, putting the hard-nosed former federal prosecutor on the defensive. In a recent interview with Politico, Gowdy said that the run-up to Thursday’s hearing have been “among the worst weeks of my life”. The Republican knows the stakes are high – the showdown with Clinton promises to be among the biggest of his political career.Meanwhile, Democrats and newspaper editorial boards have called for the committee to be disbanded, putting the hard-nosed former federal prosecutor on the defensive. In a recent interview with Politico, Gowdy said that the run-up to Thursday’s hearing have been “among the worst weeks of my life”. The Republican knows the stakes are high – the showdown with Clinton promises to be among the biggest of his political career.
Representative Elijah Cummings: Top Democrat on the oversight committee, Cummings has made waves acting as one of the Obama administration’s fiercest defenders and routinely clashing with Republicans over high-profile investigations. A Republican once muted his microphone to keep him from asking questions.Representative Elijah Cummings: Top Democrat on the oversight committee, Cummings has made waves acting as one of the Obama administration’s fiercest defenders and routinely clashing with Republicans over high-profile investigations. A Republican once muted his microphone to keep him from asking questions.
Cummings, a ranking member of the Benghazi committee, has long-called the panel a “charade” and accused Republicans of using it to try to hurt Clinton’s 2016 campaign. He has also urged Republicans to release the transcripts from closed-door testimonies. In a recent interview on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Cummings predicted that Thursday would be a “sad day for all of us”. He added later: “We have strayed away from what we were supposed to be doing.”Cummings, a ranking member of the Benghazi committee, has long-called the panel a “charade” and accused Republicans of using it to try to hurt Clinton’s 2016 campaign. He has also urged Republicans to release the transcripts from closed-door testimonies. In a recent interview on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Cummings predicted that Thursday would be a “sad day for all of us”. He added later: “We have strayed away from what we were supposed to be doing.”
Updated at 2.52pm BSTUpdated at 2.52pm BST
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Things are already getting a little weird on Capitol Hill. Republican language guru and all-round consultant Frank Luntz is at the scene, apparently ready to sprint into action in his colorful sneakers.Things are already getting a little weird on Capitol Hill. Republican language guru and all-round consultant Frank Luntz is at the scene, apparently ready to sprint into action in his colorful sneakers.
Why is @FrankLuntz at the #Benghazi hearing? pic.twitter.com/L6F59tpBytWhy is @FrankLuntz at the #Benghazi hearing? pic.twitter.com/L6F59tpByt
Reporters are also predicting that Clinton will have to endure eight to 10 hours of questioning, with a lunch break at 1pm ET. But at least there’s taco salad.Reporters are also predicting that Clinton will have to endure eight to 10 hours of questioning, with a lunch break at 1pm ET. But at least there’s taco salad.
Rejoice, Hillary press corps. It's taco salad day on Capitol Hill.Rejoice, Hillary press corps. It's taco salad day on Capitol Hill.
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After three years, 50 witnesses and 70,000 documents, Republican representatives still have questions for Hillary Clinton, and the American public has questions for everyone: what are they all even going to talk about at this point?After three years, 50 witnesses and 70,000 documents, Republican representatives still have questions for Hillary Clinton, and the American public has questions for everyone: what are they all even going to talk about at this point?
My colleagues Dan Roberts (@robertsdan) and Ben Jacobs (@bencjacobs) answer the question about the questions.My colleagues Dan Roberts (@robertsdan) and Ben Jacobs (@bencjacobs) answer the question about the questions.
Related: Hillary Clinton faces six key questions at congressional Benghazi hearingRelated: Hillary Clinton faces six key questions at congressional Benghazi hearing
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Clinton, Benghazi, emails, deja vu – but 22 months and millions of dollars after the first round of Republicans vs (de facto) Democratic frontrunner, the stakes are higher for everyone involved, writes my colleague Lauren Gambino (@lgamgam) from the Capitol.Clinton, Benghazi, emails, deja vu – but 22 months and millions of dollars after the first round of Republicans vs (de facto) Democratic frontrunner, the stakes are higher for everyone involved, writes my colleague Lauren Gambino (@lgamgam) from the Capitol.
While the date has been marked for some time, the circumstances of the hearing have changed dramatically in the past few weeks. Bolstered by a sharp debate performance, the security that vice-president Joe Biden will not launch a presidential run, and Republican comments that the panel is a political show aimed at damaging her poll numbers, Clinton heads into the hearing perhaps at her strongest since she announced her bid for the democratic nomination in April.While the date has been marked for some time, the circumstances of the hearing have changed dramatically in the past few weeks. Bolstered by a sharp debate performance, the security that vice-president Joe Biden will not launch a presidential run, and Republican comments that the panel is a political show aimed at damaging her poll numbers, Clinton heads into the hearing perhaps at her strongest since she announced her bid for the democratic nomination in April.
But with more to gain and lose from the hearing than Republicans, Clinton is under pressure to perform at her best.But with more to gain and lose from the hearing than Republicans, Clinton is under pressure to perform at her best.
She will begin her testimony by reflecting on the four Americans who lost their lives in the attack on the US’s outpost in Benghazi on 11 September 2012, according to a preview of her opening statement. In her testimony, Clinton is also expected to say that Benghazi was a tragedy that must be learned from, but that it should not stop America from continuing to send diplomats into dangerous places around the world, according to the summary provided by the campaign. To do so would be to learn the wrong lesson from the attack, she will say.She will begin her testimony by reflecting on the four Americans who lost their lives in the attack on the US’s outpost in Benghazi on 11 September 2012, according to a preview of her opening statement. In her testimony, Clinton is also expected to say that Benghazi was a tragedy that must be learned from, but that it should not stop America from continuing to send diplomats into dangerous places around the world, according to the summary provided by the campaign. To do so would be to learn the wrong lesson from the attack, she will say.
The course of hearing, which is expected to last several hours, will depend on what questions are raised, and if the committee has any new information to present.The course of hearing, which is expected to last several hours, will depend on what questions are raised, and if the committee has any new information to present.
But as Clinton told CNN’s Jake Tapper: “I’ve already testified about Benghazi. I’ve testified to the best of my ability before the Senate and the House. I don’t know that I have very much to add. This is, after all, the eighth investigation.”But as Clinton told CNN’s Jake Tapper: “I’ve already testified about Benghazi. I’ve testified to the best of my ability before the Senate and the House. I don’t know that I have very much to add. This is, after all, the eighth investigation.”
Updated at 2.16pm BSTUpdated at 2.16pm BST
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Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Hillary Clinton’s testimony before the House committee investigating the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, during which four Americans, including an ambassador, were killed.Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Hillary Clinton’s testimony before the House committee investigating the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, during which four Americans, including an ambassador, were killed.
Although Congress has on seven occasions investigated the attacks, House Republicans have insisted on a special committee, led by conservative representative Trey Gowdy, meant to answer any remaining questions. But after revelations that Clinton, then secretary of state, used a private email server while in office, the committee has fixated on her email habits and archives in search of any misbehavior.Although Congress has on seven occasions investigated the attacks, House Republicans have insisted on a special committee, led by conservative representative Trey Gowdy, meant to answer any remaining questions. But after revelations that Clinton, then secretary of state, used a private email server while in office, the committee has fixated on her email habits and archives in search of any misbehavior.
Democrats, including Clinton, have accused Republicans of using the committee to undermine the former secretary of state’s standing and weaken her presidential campaign. Gowdy has defended the committee’s meandering attention: “we’re going to follow the facts wherever they go.”Democrats, including Clinton, have accused Republicans of using the committee to undermine the former secretary of state’s standing and weaken her presidential campaign. Gowdy has defended the committee’s meandering attention: “we’re going to follow the facts wherever they go.”
Republicans will likely interrogate Clinton about what warning she may have had and about the confusion in the aftermath of the attack, in particular the mixed messages of the Obama administration. They will also likely question her about security for ambassador Christopher Stevens, although Congress also played a role in weak security funding.Republicans will likely interrogate Clinton about what warning she may have had and about the confusion in the aftermath of the attack, in particular the mixed messages of the Obama administration. They will also likely question her about security for ambassador Christopher Stevens, although Congress also played a role in weak security funding.
Clinton has testified before Congress on the attacks before, and her campaign hopes that she can use today’s hearing to quash persistent questions about her use of private email and role in the Benghazi response. Republicans hope to catch Clinton in a mistake over the course of several hours of questioning – and also to justify the existence of a highly criticized committee. She is due to begin testimony at 10am ET.Clinton has testified before Congress on the attacks before, and her campaign hopes that she can use today’s hearing to quash persistent questions about her use of private email and role in the Benghazi response. Republicans hope to catch Clinton in a mistake over the course of several hours of questioning – and also to justify the existence of a highly criticized committee. She is due to begin testimony at 10am ET.
Updated at 2.13pm BSTUpdated at 2.13pm BST