McCain Softens Opposition to Rice, Open to Benghazi Explanation
McCain Softens Opposition to Rice, Open to Benghazi Explanation
The top Republican leading the fight against Susan Rice as the new secretary of State softened his opposition and said Sunday he was open to hearing her explain why she declared the burning of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was part of a protest rather than a terrorist attack.
“I’d give everyone the benefit of explaining their position and the actions that they took,” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said on the “Fox News Sunday” show. “I’d be glad to have the opportunity to discuss these issues with her.”
Also Sunday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a vocal critic of how the administration handled fallout from the Benghazi attack, said President Obama more than Rice is responsible for her television comments claiming the Sept. 11 Libyan attack was a spontaneous eruption from protesters angry over an anti-Islam video.
“I blame the president above all others,” Graham said on ABC’s “This Week” program - indicating he is more upset with Obama than Rice.