Take that: President's appointment more than just filling a job

Rest easy, America. Susan Rice is on the job.

President Barack Obama took a moment away from answering the scandals that are plaguing his White House to take a stand Wednesday, appointing Susan Rice national security adviser -- avoiding a nomination process and inevitable questions that might accompany such a pick.

You see, Ms. Rice is the failed secretary of state nominee who was the mouthpiece of what was, at best, non-information after the Benghazi attack.

Seemingly determined to get her in somewhere, and without explaining fully and completely what happened the day those Americans died, the president decided now is the time to stand his ground.

So, the other guy is out and Rice is in.

Curious, don't you think?

The interesting part of this move, in addition to fact that the appointment sails through without the need for anybody's approval, is that it is more than reasonable to expect that Rice will have difficulty leading considering her role in the ongoing investigation.

What is sad is that the president is still claiming she was not part of any discussion or any mishandling of information after the attack.

Some will say he is standing up for a loyal ally.

Some will say it is payback for Rice keeping her mouth shut about the true events of that day.

But the bottom line is that it reads like a political decision and a partisan "take that" to all those who have dared to wonder if perhaps the president's staff can do anything right -- and if he knows exactly what they are doing.

She has the job. There is nothing that can be done about that.

But there are still questions to be answered and accountability to be demanded.

And those inquiries should continue, no matter where Rice moves.

Published in Editorials on June 6, 2013 11:22 AM