@M M: My gut feeling is that there may have been a mole within the Embassy/Consultate who tipped off the assassins. If that’s the case, too much said too soon would spook him or her.

In fact, Stevens was not your usual diplomat nor had he been parachuted into a country he did not know much about. He had lived several months in Benghazi, as advisor to the rebel groups; he spoke street and classical Arabic and he liked to walk around on his own, stopping to chat with people he didn’t know, partake of their food in their own manner, etc. The undisputed (but studiously ignored) fact that tens of thousands of Libyans marched in protest against his assassination (taking down two of the militias) is, for me, strong evidence that he was not perceived as an enemy locally. A totally different situation prevails in Tripoli, where the militias who had fought for – not against – Ghadaffi are still armed and nowhere near as content with how things ended. In fact, it seems that the request for additional security was for Tripoli not Benghazi.

Anyway, there are so many “why-s” that need answering before throwing that first stone: a) why was Stevens there with such a small escort? b) why did the security men leave him alone at the Consulate (he must have felt safe)? c) why did the compound burn so furiously (diplomatic seats are usually fire-proofed to prevent that sort of blaze)? d) was the consulate even open (it may have been closed for refurbishments)? etc. etc. etc.

Were I prone to finding plots everywhere, I’d even ask myself who benefits within the USA: the dems or the reps? In any case, it’s deplorable (dispicable?) that the reps decided to make political hay of something that went wrong …. wilfully forgetting that things went far worse on September 9th, 2001 when almost 3,000 persons died in the USA, itself, not at almost 10 hours flight-time from New York.

Forgot: want to have some fun? Go to Ellen’s post regarding Peter Johnson on C&L. A masterpiece of subliminal endorsement masquerading as fair and balanced discourse.

M M wrote: "Obama won hands-down! But he did dodge the Libya question and he shouldn’t have.

As there’s an on-going investigation, too much said too soon might jeopardise the chances of catching the culprits. I, for one, am glad that the administration is treating this as simple murder until evidence to the contrary is in hand.

While I’m on the subject of cover-ups, how long did it take for the Bush administration to divulge even part of the truth about those WMDs in Iraq, the yellow cake in Niger (leading to the “outing” of Valerie Plame), the warning signals ignored that made it possible for 9/11 to happen … the list is endless. And the very same perpetrators of those cover-ups (if not actually planting evidence on Colin Powell) are whining that today’s State Department wanted to wait at least until the dust had settled. Give me a break!

IMO, President Obama was awesome and Governor Romney almost cracked as suggested by his body language (bent over, head down and fumbling for words).

MagicUnderwear Mitt should finish up those expensive renovations on that luxurious LaJolla mansion—-the one with the car elevator. That’s where he will be living for the next four years.

This was fun…thanks, Ellen!

Kelstar, I’m not good at predicting but I think Obama did himself much good at looking presidential. While Romney looked like a 2d rate wannabe.

Once the lies are called out Mitt has the sinking feeling there will be nothing to Harvest from this debate. The handler/backroom boys will help him spin it soon enough.

rMoney went from a commanding ‘boardroom’ voice to his more notable testy/controlling voice pretty fast.

Viz, you mean Kathy fro Wahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! don’t you?

- kathy from WA just gave us a preview … -

LOL!!! And even worse I’m sure.

Anyone count the rMoney lies? About 3 per question …

I agree, Doors!

Standing ovation to our President!!! and to all of you here at News Hounds.

rMoney can’t run from his record.

Obama looked happy and relaxed at end. Romney not so much.

- Dick Morris tweeted that Romney won the debate. I kid you not. -

PreDICKtable

Gee, Dick Morris wrong? Again?

47%. I feel better now

Obama got in 47% jab. Good for him.

BOOM

I want 100% of the people … to vote for me, & my God (who’ll give me a planet or star – it’s not clear) will let me get the 47% off the voter lists. TRUST ME!!! I’ll Fix It All!!!

Dick Morris tweeted that Romney won the debate. I kid you not.

http://twitter.com/DickMorrisTweet/status/258395404259979265

Wahhhhhhh! I’m so misunderstood!!!!!!!!!!!!

truman, yes he does!

MagicUnderwear MItt looks like he is constipated.

rMoney – I’ll make it more attractive to come to America by making China recalibrate their currency – just watch me! I’ll put in tariffs so you can’t buy their Walmart goods. PS I’ll drop taxes again on buziness to match China ….. Are you getting this people? Good!

I feel a Bain reference coming.

Candy is reminding our President of the two-minute limit? Where was she when MagicUnderwear Mitt was running off endlessly?

I KNOW WHAT IT TAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Romney: On day one, I will label China a currency maniuplator.

How many votes will that get?