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Johnny Isakson, GOP Senator, Says Susan Rice 'Thrown Under The Bus' Over Benghazi

GOP Senator: Susan Rice 'Thrown Under The Bus'
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Politics Reporter, The Huffington Post

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While some Republicans continued to criticize Susan Rice Wednesday over her now-infamous Sunday show appearances in the aftermath of the attacks in Benghazi, Libya, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) came to her defense.

"A lot of people are raising concern because of Benghazi, but I have said from the beginning that I think she was thrown under the bus and given the information that she repeated on the Sunday shows," Isakson said on MSNBC's "Jansing & Co." "She's a competent individual ... this is a nonconfirmable position, so she's going to be the security adviser."

Indeed, Republicans can do nothing to stop her appointment since it does not require Senate confirmation. That did not stop Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), who choked up during a Benghazi hearing last month, from tweeting, "Judgement is key to national security matters. That alone should disqualify Susan Rice from her appointment. #benghazi #BadChoice." Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said on Fox News Wednesday that he "can't imagine" promoting Rice to the position. "I really question the president’s judgment in promoting someone who was complicit to misleading the American public," he said.

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) tweeted a middle ground. "Obviously I disagree w/ POTUS appointment of Susan Rice as Nat'l Security Adviser, but I'll make every effort to work w/ her on imp't issues," McCain said.

Ayotte tweeted, "Amb Rice did a disservice to the nation when she made misleading stmts abt #Benghazi.However, its POTUS' call & I'll work with her going fwd."

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Before You Go

Reaction To Susan Rice's Withdrawal
President Barack Obama(01 of05)
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Today, I spoke to Ambassador Susan Rice, and accepted her decision to remove her name from consideration for Secretary of State. For two decades, Susan has proven to be an extraordinarily capable, patriotic, and passionate public servant. As my Ambassador to the United Nations, she plays an indispensable role in advancing America’s interests. Already, she has secured international support for sanctions against Iran and North Korea, worked to protect the people of Libya, helped achieve an independent South Sudan, stood up for Israel’s security and legitimacy, and served as an advocate for UN reform and the human rights of all people. I am grateful that Susan will continue to serve as our Ambassador at the United Nations and a key member of my cabinet and national security team, carrying her work forward on all of these and other issues. I have every confidence that Susan has limitless capability to serve our country now and in the years to come, and know that I will continue to rely on her as an advisor and friend. While I deeply regret the unfair and misleading attacks on Susan Rice in recent weeks, her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first. The American people can be proud to have a public servant of her caliber and character representing our country.
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Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)(02 of05)
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“I've known and worked closely with Susan Rice not just at the UN, but in my own campaign for President. I've defended her publicly and wouldn't hesitate to do so again because I know her character and I know her commitment. She's an extraordinarily capable and dedicated public servant. Today’s announcement doesn't change any of that. We should all be grateful that she will continue to serve and contribute at the highest level. As someone who has weathered my share of political attacks and understands on a personal level just how difficult politics can be, I've felt for her throughout these last difficult weeks, but I also know that she will continue to serve with great passion and distinction.” (credit:AP)
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)(03 of05)
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"Senator McCain thanks Ambassador Rice for her service to the country and wishes her well," the senator said in a statement from his spokesman. (credit:AP)
Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.)(04 of05)
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“I respect Susan Rice’s decision and appreciate her commitment to public service,” Ayotte says in a statement. “However, my concerns regarding the terrorist attack in Benghazi go beyond any one individual. I remain deeply troubled by the continued lack of information from the White House and the State Department. With four of our public servants murdered, it is critical that we get to the bottom of what happened.” (credit:AP)
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)(05 of05)
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“I am profoundly disappointed that Ambassador Rice, such a well qualified woman of color, would be denied the opportunity to become our next Secretary of State due to the baseless and manufactured allegations of the radical right.“I have known and worked closely with Ambassador Susan Rice for many years—on many global issues. From the genocide in Sudan to the ongoing violence in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the global HIV/AIDS crisis. Ambassador Rice works each and every day to advance the highest ideals of our country and would have been an outstanding Secretary of State.” (credit:AP)
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