Appearing on Sunday talk shows, two of Rice’s fiercest critics, Sens. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Rice’s account went beyond talking points that the intelligence agencies gave her. For one, they noted she had said that security at the Benghazi mission was “strong, substantial and significant.”
That statement “was not supported by the talking points,” Ayotte said, noting that Rice was privy to more than just the unclassified material she discussed on television, including secret intelligence briefings that pointed to al-Qaida involvement in the attack.
“I think her story on 16th of September was a political story designed to help the president three weeks before the election, and she should be held accountable for that,” Graham said. He added that Rice’s comments were “a treasure trove of misleading statements that have the effect of helping the president.” (Associated Press, Posted 3 Dec 12)
