Graham: Benghazi a Case of 'Political Manipulation'

Lindsey Graham learned a long time ago that a politician who tries to please everyone doesn’t stay a politician for long. He’s the rare elected official who can infuriate and pander to the same group of people within a matter of minutes. Considering he is up for re-election next year, it might seem prudent for Graham to dial back the rhetoric, but if Monday is any indication that won’t be happening any time soon.

That Graham, the one who sounds ready to impeach Barack Obama as quickly as he would talk fiscal policy with the President over dinner, was on full display during a session with the media in Greenville. 

On Benghazi

“We still don’t know who changed the talking points, but they were unconnected to reality on the ground,” Graham said. “Benghazi is a story of political manipulation, abandonment and failed foreign policy and we will continue to get to the bottom of it.”

Every surviving witness should be called to testify before Congress, Graham said. He added that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also needed to be recalled for testimony. He disputed the notion that the Benghazi investigation is a partisan effortby Republicans, noting that he was critical of George W. Bush when the Abu Ghraib prisoner torture scandal was uncovered.

Graham said that the attack on the American consulate on Sep. 11 was organized by Al-Qaeda, proof that the terrorist organization had recovered after the killing of Osama Bin Laden, a fact that worked against one of Obama’s major campaign themes.

While not going so far as to say the final results would have changed, Graham did say he thought the presidential race between Obama and Mitt Romney might have been different had more accurate information come out prior to Nov. 8.

Graham also said that the fact that the attack occurred seven weeks before the November election made it susceptible to political spin, which is precisely what happened in his view.

“I’ve got no doubt in my mind the Obama Administration manipulated the evidence on Benghazi for political benefit,” Graham said.

In addition, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-4) received praise from Graham for spearheading the Benghazi investigation in the House. 

On IRS

“I was pleased to hear President Obama admit it that it was a serious matter for the IRS to target conservative groups,” Graham said.

Graham made a distinction between former President Richard Nixon’s political enemies list and the scandal that broke on Friday involving the IRS.

However, Graham did say, ”The people around the president during Benghazi created a story to help him get elected. People in the IRS tried to intimidate those who were trying to give the alternative view to the Obama narrative. This has to stop.” 

On Immigration

“I’ve never been more optimistic about reform than I am now,” Graham said. “I think we can grow the vote among Republicans in the Senate.”

Graham said a bill that would put illegal immigrants at the “back of the line” and requiring them to become proficient in English would prevent a third wave of illegal immigration.

He said that Republicans in particular are motivated to deal with the 11 million undocumented residents because he believes the GOP has learned from the mistake of alienating so many Hispanic voters in 2012. ““If Republicans get blamed for immigration reform failing, it does not bode well for 2016.”

He expects his bill to pass the Senate with as many as 70 votes, but would not predict an outcome in the House.

Graham again praised Gowdy, “He will be one of the leaders in the House and he understands the practicality of dealing with the 11 million. Trey has shown he can throw a punch and he’s shown he also can solve a problem.”

Finally, Graham said he would reject any attempt, such as the one by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, to give same sex partners equal status as heterosexual partners.

“If there is an attempt to redefine marriage in the bill, they will lose me,” Graham said.

On Gun Control

“President Obama has been a complete demagogue on the gun issue. Harry Reid has turned the Senate into a political body on a lot of issues, but nowhere more pronounced than on guns,” Graham said.

Graham noted that all three of Obama’s gun initiatives failed, one of which was an attempt to limit magazine size.

“Law-abiding citizens will be hurt if you limit magazine sizes, criminals won’t be,” Graham said, then citing the example of an Atlanta woman a shot an intruder with a gun containing only six rounds.

Graham again called for prosecution of people who fail background checks and referenced the Boland Bill as legislation the US Senate should try to replicate.

He also called for more money for school safety and chastised the President for cutting the $300 million from that portion of the budget.

“The best way to protect children at school is with a police officer in the school,” Graham said.

Outside of schools, Graham said, “People need a weapon when law enforcement isn’t present—like a hurricane or other natural disaster—people need a firearm to protect themselves in those situations.”

Graham said the clock is now ticking on President Obama’s second term, “He has one year from now to get immigration and the budget done before 2014 politics take over.”

Graham closed the press session by saying, “My job is two-fold: to hold his administration accountable and to work with him when I can.”

Earlier, in acknowledging the positions that are sometimes in competition with each other, Graham said people have disagreements all the time, but they still manage to get things done, likening the situation to a marriage.

While polls show voters are unlikely to ask him for a divorce, it’s that kind of rhetoric that all but assures a primary challenge for him in 2014.

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