Graham to keep holds on Obama nominees
Washington (CNN) - Sen. Lindsey Graham vowed on Sunday that he would continue to block President Barack Obama's nominations until Congress hears from Benghazi survivors.
The South Carolina lawmaker told CNN's Candy Crowley on "State of the Union" that he will place holds on any nomination put forth by the administration unless it makes available five survivors of the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, who have been interviewed by State Department investigators but remain out of Congress' reach.
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"I've been trying for a year to get these interviews without holds," Graham said.
Graham scoffed at any notion his maneuver amounts to political grandstanding, portraying his actions as a last resort and couching them as part of "trying to perform oversight."
"I don't want to hold anybody. All I want to do is talk to the survivors," Graham insisted. "I'm not trying to prosecute a crime."
Graham announced his intention to hold all of Obama’s nominations the day after CBS's "60 Minutes" aired a controversial report on the attacks. The newsmagazine has since pulled its report, saying that its eyewitness, a British contractor stationed in Libya, lied to reporter Lara Logan about what he saw on the ground.
When pressed by Crowley about whether the debunking of the piece would impact his stance, Graham told her it wouldn’t.
"I never asked for the British contractor. I didn't know he existed," Graham said.
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Lindsey Graham and others of his ilk continue to put all their efforts into discrediting President Obama and his administration, rather than working to improve living conditions for the American people. The American people are tired of these people putting down members of the other political party. Members of both parties need to learn how to work TOGETHER!!
So it only takes 1 person to derail a nomination. This is democracy, America.
well of course he is. Usual repo rhetoric . Why do we even keep these trolls around. They have taken the last 5 years and done nothing but slow government down. Have you forgotten the economy ,jobs healthcare and all the other issues that effect us on a daily basis. Aside from blocking the president and taking vacations what have you accomplished?????? Oh I forgot you did manage to shut the government down. !
Just keep doing what you do well Lindsay, obstruct, obstruct, obstruct!!! Maybe we should block your paycheck until you actually do something!
So in some universe it makes sense to block nominations that affect the normal operations of government? And would he even accept what these people have to say if it doesn't fit with his agenda? I certainly wish Graham had been as diligent about getting to the truth when all the other places were hit by terrorists, during the GOP admin. Not a peep out of him then. Check out how many terrorists acts were committed then, not even including the "big" one.
Most Americans WANT to know why our Americans in Benhazi were deserted. They died and I love it that there are still some Patriots who will not allow this to be swept under the rug. We do care and we do want to know. Those families deserve closure. Period.
The GOP, once again, holding the government hostage. This behavior should be seen as treasonous.
Sassy Little Lindsey just loves being the center of attention!
Benghazi is a GOP concoction to leverage doubts about leadership r/t S/ State Clinton. People should pay more attn. to Graham holding an assault rifle with pride in a self-glorified photo supporting the NRA 1 month after the New Town, CT tragedy. How embarrassing and insensitive. How Un-American Senator.
Under Bush between 2002 to 2008 there were 60 deaths from attacks on US embassy's under George Bush and republicans that questioned those attacks? ZERO Perhaps Lindsey Graham ought to check those out before trying to nail Obama
Who picks these guys for the talk shows?
I realize that since the time that news & news talk shows were put on P & L's they're more interested in conflict for profit-than for getting to the truth of any situation to enlighten the citizenry.
Sens Graham, McCain, & Cruz are on these shows incessently- WELL BEYOND their ability to contribute to the progress of the country, or what can be legitimately justified
Just this citizens opinion.
Unbelievable that this President has no clue regarding terrorism.. first it was a video the , a Clinton who cares.. Obstruction here.. a good impeachment hearing would be great for the US and the Democrat Party..those of us in the middle are being torn by the extremist on both parties....
Have Graham and the GOP nothing better to do than this never ending hindering? Has it ever occurred to them that in their relentless efforts to find something, anything to lay at the feet of the President that they tear open the hearts of those that lost loved ones in Benghazi? It is my understanding the added security was refused prior to this incident. If that is true, than how is the outcome of that refusal anyone else's fault? Graham, like Cruz and the other of their ilk, will do and say anything to stay in the spotlight. Enjoy your stay Mr. Graham. I do believe that voters are becoming increasing disenchanted with you and others of your bend.
we need statesman and patriots not grham and his kind
oh pleasee, another headline seeking geek. doesn't he know we've had it with government shutdowns. Hey grammy I have a novel idea for you DO YOUR JOB!
Doubling down on stupid. Way to go.
Senator Lindsey Graham is worried about his next primary election, and his constituents cannot get enough of Benghazi. Its about 25 percent of RWNJ website and blog content. Do the math.
Lindsy Graham still serves admirably as a witch-hunt leader, after losing his impassioned prosecution of Clinton more than a decade ago. I expect better of my fellow Republicans but I might be in for a long wait.
Oh, good. I'm glad the deaths of the American's at Benghazi doesn't impact your day to day life. I'm sure the surviving family members are relieved to here you are doing well.
Go get him Graham
Graham's base electorate in SC is RWNJ which is obsessed with Benghazi. Can you say primary election politics?
Senator Graham has it right. Somebody has to stand up the that lying Obama and Hilary. The current crop of Democrats are just the most despicable bunch of criminals ever to hold office in this country. Come next November they are going to be flushed out of office like the crude they are.
Tit for tat. Let's see the "proof" that there were WMD's in Iraq. That fiasco cost 5000+ lives plus many more maimedfor life. Terrible 4 lost their lives in Benghazi, but I've wondered why the Ambassador stayed there during the 9/11 anniversary, he had to understand the dangers.
The senator from South Carolina ...if you can call him that is totally grandstanding...I don’t know when his term is up...but it can’t come soon enough.
Can Graham do a single thing that can help the American people? Why in the heck do people vote for this whinning complainer.