Darrell Issa’s Benghazi Stunt Blows Up In His Face as Kerry Won’t Appear at Hearing

[karynnj]

33. It was a completely ridiculous attempt to get attention - now reissued for 5/29

Last edited Thu May 15, 2014, 05:44 PM - Edit history (2)

The subpoena was ordered before even asking Kerry to testify -- and then without asking the State Department about his schedule. The State Department IMMEDIATELY responded that Kerry had a commitment to be in Mexico. This apparently did not phase Issa. In addition, Kerry was then in Africa - working on little things like Sudan and the Great Lakes region and Ethiopia. The State Department told the media that they did not know - at that point (when it was the middle of the night in Africa) - if the Secretary knew of the subpoena.

The reaction on the right was completely idiotic at that point - threatening that Issa should order Kerry arrested. (The idea that it would be an enormous insult to Mexico to cancel for a political dog and pony show was completely missed.)

When Kerry returned, his response was very polite that he and state would respond and do what the law requires. State did get Issa to rescind the subpoena for the date Kerry is in Mexico.

At this point, State is also questioning if Kerry is the right person to testify. What Issa wants answers to is why they did not get the letter the FOI got. Obviously, Kerry did not personally do the data pull for any of the requests. The fact that it was released for the FOI suggests there was no attempt to hide it. I assume that all that can be asked that relates to Kerry was any directives that he gave to the State Department employees with regards to complying or if he (in his spare time I guess) got personally involved.

Today, mad that State suggested Kerry might not be the most appropriate person to testify on this -- while NOT saying he wouldn't - Issa reissued the subpoena. http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/GOP-chairman-revives-Benghazi-subpoena-of-Kerry-5481057.php Again he did not check the date with the State Department. He also put out word of the subpoena by twitter -- just like the first time. Nothing says serious, non partisan hearing like putting it out to his followers on twitter first!