I'm watching the beginning of the HRC SFRC hearing on CSPAN

[Luftmensch067]

I knew JK wouldn't be chairing, but I'm not sure if he's there at all. I didn't spot him during the setup, but he may be there in some capacity? Sen. Menendez gave a good opening statement, though he'll take some getting used to -- I'll miss JK's gimlet gaze.

I hadn't been paying attention to who the new members of the committee will be and found an article about it here: http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/01/03/sfrc_gets_four_new_republicans

McCain, Flake, Johnson and Paul -- if I were JK, I'd want to hightail it out of that cesspool, too -- especially after hearing Corker's (the new ranking member, farewell to the courtly Lugar) opening statement today, which was graceless and sour. Yikes, what a crew!

Looking forward to JK's hearing tomorrow, even if just to see him in that chamber one more time.

[Mass]

1. He wont be there at all.

I've read somewhere that he recused himself completely.

Corker was horrible, attacking Biden and Kerry (not by name) for not having an authorization bill in 6 years, though he tried to say that politely.

[karynnj]

4. I don't get that as I saw Lugar and Kerry get the fp appropriations bills passed

Did they fail to pass a reconciled bill?

[Mass]

5. They were talking about authorization, not appropriation.

Appropriations are not done by the SFRC.

This said, not sure what this was about, but Clinton confirmed, so there must be a whiff of truth, even if details often matter.

[beachmom]

2. Not watching but saw this on Twitter from Michael Hastings:

https://twitter.com/mmhastings/status/294105860173598720

Hillary just shredded the Fox News inspired DoD-fueled action film Special Forces Benghazi rescue fantasy.

(Argh, wingnut replies to him are, well, nutty, and highly offensive. Benghazi is 9/11???)

Sounds like Hillary is doing well, and Sen. Johnson is ... not so much.

Edit:

TPM has video:

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/hillary-clinton-fires-back-at-gop-senator-at?ref=fpb

Also, I miss Russ Feingold. He would have asked tough questions, but there would have been a point to them.

[karynnj]

3. What a change in the committee Republicans!

With the exception of DeMint, they at least were somewhat in touch with reality. They seemed to have picked up a tea party contingent in Paul, Johnson and Flake. Not to mention the flakier and flakier McCain, who "joked" about bringing waterboarding back for just one day - tomorrow. I suspect that there will be a lot of playing to their loony base before voting to confirm him.

I do not think tomorrow will be a picnic for Kerry.

I think Clinton did a good job - though I only saw it starting with Flake. (It is amazing how many of the Republicans are new to the committee - so I missed Corker and Johnson - and the top Democrats.

I miss Feingold too. More than anyone, you knew he was speaking based on his true feelings, without political posturing --- McCain and Rand Paul were the opposite. The sad thing is that had he won and stayed in the committee, he would be the new chair.

[Mass]

6. Johnson was an idiot and the only one who got Clinton mad.

McCain and Paul were a disgrace. It was actually too bad concerning Paul, because the core of his question could have been valid, but the way he broached it was totally ridiculous (If I had been the president, I would have fired you).

Chris Murphy is a good addition to the committee, I think.

Also interesting that Clinton will introduce Kerry tomorrow.

[Inuca]

9. Agree with the exception of what

you said about Paul. He is an arrogant idiot and AFAIK his question was based on equally idiotic speculation from extreme right sources; CLinton's expression when she heard the question was priceless.

I was at work so I only followed on Twitter (the only way, unfortunately that I will be able to follow today's confirmation) and then watched snippets at night. I can't believe I am saying this but, unless Biden's chances get better, I hope Clinton will run. Still not much of a fan, but she is extremely smart, a workhorse, and likely to turn her opponent into minced meat.

[wisteria]

7. What a strange bunch of Republicans on that committee now. I really miss Sen. Lugar. n/t

[JI7]

8. it is a rather ugly ignorant bunch isn't it