By

Brian Montopoli /

CBS News/ October 17, 2012, 3:45 PM

Due Diligence: Did Obama initially deem Libya attacks a terrorist act?

The most striking moment in Tuesday night's presidential debate came when President Obama and Mitt Romney argued over when the president had declared the Libya attacks an "act of terror."

"The day after the [Libya] attack, Governor, I stood in the Rose Garden, and I told the American people and the world that we are going to find out exactly what happened, that this was an act of terror," Mr. Obama said. Romney countered that "it's interesting the president just said something which is that on the day after the attack, he went in the Rose Garden and said that this was an act of terror." Romney went on to say that he wanted to "get that for the record, because it took the president 14 days before he called the attack in Benghazi an act of terror."

"Get the transcript," the president shot back. Moderator Candy Crowley then backed up the president, saying, "he did in fact" deem the attack an act of terror on that day. The president asked Crowley to "say that a little louder," prompting laughter and applause from the town hall audience.

"He did call it an act of terror," she told Romney, before adding that "it did, as well, take two weeks or so for the whole idea of there being a riot out there about this tape to come out. You are correct about that."

The president seemed to get the better of the exchange, with the moderator siding with him over Romney in a factual dispute. But Crowley's comments were not entirely accurate. Let's look at the transcript of those September 12 comments in the Rose Garden, as the president suggested.

It shows that the president did refer to "acts of terror" - but not specifically in reference to the Libya attack. Instead, he made a broader statement about American defiance.

"No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for," he said.

You can make the case that the president was referring to the Libya attacks as well as other "acts of terror," since he made the comment in the course of a statement about those attacks. But the stronger case would seem to be that the president did not specifically refer to the attack as an act of terror - as Romney said.

Libya was supposed to be a good issue for Romney in this debate thanks to the administration's questionable handling of the aftermath of the attacks. Instead, thanks to a questionable interpretation of the attacks, it ended up being the president's strongest moment.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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dgfxnhb says:
obama sucks d
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cnel77 says:
I appreciate Brian's comments to help reveal the real facts behind the dialogue during the debate. The two sides have different interpretations of Pres. Obama's statement in the Rose Garden about "No acts of terror". But what were Obama's real intentions when he made that statement? While both campaigners have minced words to deceive voters, the facts show that Obama was deceptive during the debate.

Case in point...in a 60 minutes interview shortly after the Rose Garden speech Obama was asked about the attack:

Steve Kroft: "...Do you believe that this was a terrorism attack?".

Pres. Obama: "Well it's too early to tell exactly how this came about, what group was involved, but obviously it was an attack on Americans."

CBS/60 Minutes should have released these clips (originally cut from the 60 Minutes show that aired) shortly after the debate to help us voters understand the truth. Here's the actual video:

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2012/11/05/Proof-Obama-Refused-to-Call-Benghazi-Terror-CBS-Covered-Up
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shaneo_4abetter2morrow says:
He(Obama) didn't react because he wasn't supposed to. The British. took their troops/people out weeks before and we had the choice to as well. On the anniversary of 9/11; Obama leaves an American embassy unprotected, Shocking in my opinion. Out of the "FOUR" people who were killed, Two of them were "higher up" in the US and Libya foreign relations, coincidence, of course NOT?!? The catastrophe that occurred in Benghazi was indefinably orchestrated because the Chris Stevens and Sean Smith could not be corrupted. Have some due diligence. Do your research on who the two most notable men that were killed. I mean NO disrespect to the two other lives, but when Osama, I mean Obama spoke of how honorable and decorated, and how whole-hearted and special both these two people were, He meant it these were AMAZING lives that had done work with peace corps and really cared for the people of Libya wanted to help benefit and develop the people. The TRUTH is the two deaths of : Ambassador Chris Stevens and Sean Smith "WAS" staged and foreseeable. The body was found killed and in a almost assassined like condition! The three other bodies had been shot. In a article by ABC NEWS (http://abcnews.go.com/Internat.... ** The title states that two attacks were conducted at the Libya consulate that lasted nearly 5 hours!!!! In five hours 5 bodies were found dead with little to no retaliation/ fighting back on the US side. TWO attacks were conducted, with two significant pieces eliminated, two new PEOPLE must take this place, and they either are already corrupted or will soon choose to because they know the risk by now, their LIVES. They needed to get taken out and they were targeted. Their lives were more valuable dead than alive to the "higher authorities" who work with our president These higher people want "change" and plan to do it through Obama. The real TRUTH is, no change can come from the false reality makers or from HOPE. To alter our course from fascism to freedom we the people must overcome and surpass the puppets (presidents and prime ministers) and confront the oligarchy-the real power structure of this Earth!!
So what I did, was do a little research..I knew something is up and besides trying to go into Libya for a reason which is unnecessary and corrupt! OIL, since they have Oil reserves that were untapped and undiscovered in certain parts of the country. Hasn't happened yet but it will. Also, something I'm sick and tired of hearing is the...phrase/excuse I've heard so many times over history. The so call: "Go into the country and help rebuild and mobilize them!" Bluff. They go in and tap all the resources and steal the countries natural resources and huge cash crops! Don't think it's true. Try to research who produces the most opium cultivation in the word and who is in charge of the market currently! It's the U.S. We went to Afghanistan for one intention besides oil which means very little to the private corporation that buy and sell oil today. They wanted a pharmaceutical cash crop. Opium, heroin almost all the pills Americans take that are prescribed have opiates in it. Don't be Blind people. It's a statistic that America cultivates more opium over-seas then all of South America currently cultivates cocaine!! That's unreal, and it's a fact. Now if you remember when Obama and the US government decided to go into Afghanistan in 2001, after 9/11 we'll the WAR on TERROR is a load of B.S...The word "terrorism" has been beat to death on the news. A war on terrorism won't end because it makes these people so much money! By believing this HYPE, I think that yes something may happen. We are bringing it on ourselves. We all know during times of war productivity goes up and money is issued to these sectors of the government like security, defense, and military. Obama issued/allocated 6000x's more money to these cause than he did to a simple issue like treatment for peanut butter allergies which has killed over 100% more people than the so called war on terror has in just the last 3 years. my last input would be to share this quote:
"You can assist an evil system most effectively by obeying its orders and decrees. An evil system never deserves such allegiance. Allegiance to it means partaking of the evil. A good person will resist an evil system with his or her whole s
oul". - Ghandi.

These are wise words from Ghandi or wise words from Barrack Osama?? who is smarter. people of america wake up. Especially you so called educated people. history has never been exposed in the true light. So don't think you know everything if you only went through the education system here. Western thought is complete garbage it's fueled by corporatcy, evil, and greed.
reply
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shaneo_4abetter2morrow says:
He(Obama) didn't react because he wasn't supposed to. The British. took their troops/people out weeks before and we had the choice to as well. On the anniversary of 9/11; Obama leaves an American embassy unprotected, Shocking in my opinion. Out of the "FOUR" people who were killed, Two of them were "higher up" in the US and Libya foreign relations, coincidence, of course NOT?!? The catastrophe that occurred in Benghazi was indefinably orchestrated because the Chris Stevens and Sean Smith could not be corrupted. Have some due diligence. Do your research on who the two most notable men that were killed. I mean NO disrespect to the two other lives, but when Osama, I mean Obama spoke of how honorable and decorated, and how whole-hearted and special both these two people were, He meant it these were AMAZING lives that had done work with peace corps and really cared for the people of Libya wanted to help benefit and develop the people. The TRUTH is the two deaths of : Ambassador Chris Stevens and Sean Smith "WAS" staged and foreseeable. The body was found killed and in a almost assassined like condition! The three other bodies had been shot. In a article by ABC NEWS (http://abcnews.go.com/Internat.... ** The title states that two attacks were conducted at the Libya consulate that lasted nearly 5 hours!!!! In five hours 5 bodies were found dead with little to no retaliation/ fighting back on the US side. TWO attacks were conducted, with two significant pieces eliminated, two new PEOPLE must take this place, and they either are already corrupted or will soon choose to because they know the risk by now, their LIVES. They needed to get taken out and they were targeted. Their lives were more valuable dead than alive to the "higher authorities" who work with our president These higher people want "change" and plan to do it through Obama. The real TRUTH is, no change can come from the false reality makers or from HOPE. To alter our course from fascism to freedom we the people must overcome and surpass the puppets (presidents and prime ministers) and confront the oligarchy-the real power structure of this Earth!!
So what I did, was do a little research..I knew something is up and besides trying to go into Libya for a reason which is unnecessary and corrupt! OIL, since they have Oil reserves that were untapped and undiscovered in certain parts of the country. Hasn't happened yet but it will. Also, something I'm sick and tired of hearing is the...phrase/excuse I've heard so many times over history. The so call: "Go into the country and help rebuild and mobilize them!" Bluff. They go in and tap all the resources and steal the countries natural resources and huge cash crops! Don't think it's true. Try to research who produces the most opium cultivation in the word and who is in charge of the market currently! It's the U.S. We went to Afghanistan for one intention besides oil which means very little to the private corporation that buy and sell oil today. They wanted a pharmaceutical cash crop. Opium, heroin almost all the pills Americans take that are prescribed have opiates in it. Don't be Blind people. It's a statistic that America cultivates more opium over-seas then all of South America currently cultivates cocaine!! That's unreal, and it's a fact. Now if you remember when Obama and the US government decided to go into Afghanistan in 2001, after 9/11 we'll the WAR on TERROR is a load of B.S...The word "terrorism" has been beat to death on the news. A war on terrorism won't end because it makes these people so much money! By believing this HYPE, I think that yes something may happen. We are bringing it on ourselves. We all know during times of war productivity goes up and money is issued to these sectors of the government like security, defense, and military. Obama issued/allocated 6000x's more money to these cause than he did to a simple issue like treatment for peanut butter allergies which has killed over 100% more people than the so called war on terror has in just the last 3 years. my last input would be to share this quote:
"You can assist an evil system most effectively by obeying its orders and decrees. An evil system never deserves such allegiance. Allegiance to it means partaking of the evil. A good person will resist an evil system with his or her whole s
oul". - Ghandi.

These are wise words from Ghandi or wise words from Barrack Osama?? who is smarter. people of america wake up. Especially you so called educated people. history has never been exposed in the true light. So don't think you know everything if you only went through the education system here. Western thought is complete garbage it's fueled by corporatcy, evil, and greed.
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
shaneo_4abetter2morrow says:
He(Obama) didn't react because he wasn't supposed to. The British. took their troops/people out weeks before and we had the choice to as well. On the anniversary of 9/11; Obama leaves an American embassy unprotected, Shocking in my opinion. Out of the "FOUR" people who were killed, Two of them were "higher up" in the US and Libya foreign relations, coincidence, of course NOT?!? The catastrophe that occurred in Benghazi was indefinably orchestrated because the Chris Stevens and Sean Smith could not be corrupted. Have some due diligence. Do your research on who the two most notable men that were killed. I mean NO disrespect to the two other lives, but when Osama, I mean Obama spoke of how honorable and decorated, and how whole-hearted and special both these two people were, He meant it these were AMAZING lives that had done work with peace corps and really cared for the people of Libya wanted to help benefit and develop the people. The TRUTH is the two deaths of : Ambassador Chris Stevens and Sean Smith "WAS" staged and foreseeable. The body was found killed and in a almost assassined like condition! The three other bodies had been shot. In a article by ABC NEWS (http://abcnews.go.com/Internat.... ** The title states that two attacks were conducted at the Libya consulate that lasted nearly 5 hours!!!! In five hours 5 bodies were found dead with little to no retaliation/ fighting back on the US side. TWO attacks were conducted, with two significant pieces eliminated, two new PEOPLE must take this place, and they either are already corrupted or will soon choose to because they know the risk by now, their LIVES. They needed to get taken out and they were targeted. Their lives were more valuable dead than alive to the "higher authorities" who work with our president These higher people want "change" and plan to do it through Obama. The real TRUTH is, no change can come from the false reality makers or from HOPE. To alter our course from fascism to freedom we the people must overcome and surpass the puppets (presidents and prime ministers) and confront the oligarchy-the real power structure of this Earth!!
So what I did, was do a little research..I knew something is up and besides trying to go into Libya for a reason which is unnecessary and corrupt! OIL, since they have Oil reserves that were untapped and undiscovered in certain parts of the country. Hasn't happened yet but it will. Also, something I'm sick and tired of hearing is the...phrase/excuse I've heard so many times over history. The so call: "Go into the country and help rebuild and mobilize them!" Bluff. They go in and tap all the resources and steal the countries natural resources and huge cash crops! Don't think it's true. Try to research who produces the most opium cultivation in the word and who is in charge of the market currently! It's the U.S. We went to Afghanistan for one intention besides oil which means very little to the private corporation that buy and sell oil today. They wanted a pharmaceutical cash crop. Opium, heroin almost all the pills Americans take that are prescribed have opiates in it. Don't be Blind people. It's a statistic that America cultivates more opium over-seas then all of South America currently cultivates cocaine!! That's unreal, and it's a fact. Now if you remember when Obama and the US government decided to go into Afghanistan in 2001, after 9/11 we'll the WAR on TERROR is a load of B.S...The word "terrorism" has been beat to death on the news. A war on terrorism won't end because it makes these people so much money! By believing this HYPE, I think that yes something may happen. We are bringing it on ourselves. We all know during times of war productivity goes up and money is issued to these sectors of the government like security, defense, and military. Obama issued/allocated 6000x's more money to these cause than he did to a simple issue like treatment for peanut butter allergies which has killed over 100% more people than the so called war on terror has in just the last 3 years. my last input would be to share this quote:
"You can assist an evil system most effectively by obeying its orders and decrees. An evil system never deserves such allegiance. Allegiance to it means partaking of the evil. A good person will resist an evil system with his or her whole s
oul". - Ghandi.

These are wise words from Ghandi or wise words from Barrack Osama?? who is smarter. people of america wake up. Especially you so called educated people. history has never been exposed in the true light. So don't think you know everything if you only went through the education system here. Western thought is complete garbage it's fueled by corporatcy, evil, and greed.
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
shaneo_4abetter2morrow says:
He(Obama) didn't react because he wasn't supposed to. The British. took their troops/people out weeks before and we had the choice to as well. On the anniversary of 9/11; Obama leaves an American embassy unprotected, Shocking in my opinion. Out of the "FOUR" people who were killed, Two of them were "higher up" in the US and Libya foreign relations, coincidence, of course NOT?!? The catastrophe that occurred in Benghazi was indefinably orchestrated because the Chris Stevens and Sean Smith could not be corrupted. Have some due diligence. Do your research on who the two most notable men that were killed. I mean NO disrespect to the two other lives, but when Osama, I mean Obama spoke of how honorable and decorated, and how whole-hearted and special both these two people were, He meant it these were AMAZING lives that had done work with peace corps and really cared for the people of Libya wanted to help benefit and develop the people. The TRUTH is the two deaths of : Ambassador Chris Stevens and Sean Smith "WAS" staged and foreseeable. The body was found killed and in a almost assassined like condition! The three other bodies had been shot. In a article by ABC NEWS (http://abcnews.go.com/Internat.... ** The title states that two attacks were conducted at the Libya consulate that lasted nearly 5 hours!!!! In five hours 5 bodies were found dead with little to no retaliation/ fighting back on the US side. TWO attacks were conducted, with two significant pieces eliminated, two new PEOPLE must take this place, and they either are already corrupted or will soon choose to because they know the risk by now, their LIVES. They needed to get taken out and they were targeted. Their lives were more valuable dead than alive to the "higher authorities" who work with our president These higher people want "change" and plan to do it through Obama. The real TRUTH is, no change can come from the false reality makers or from HOPE. To alter our course from fascism to freedom we the people must overcome and surpass the puppets (presidents and prime ministers) and confront the oligarchy-the real power structure of this Earth!!
So what I did, was do a little research..I knew something is up and besides trying to go into Libya for a reason which is unnecessary and corrupt! OIL, since they have Oil reserves that were untapped and undiscovered in certain parts of the country. Hasn't happened yet but it will. Also, something I'm sick and tired of hearing is the...phrase/excuse I've heard so many times over history. The so call: "Go into the country and help rebuild and mobilize them!" Bluff. They go in and tap all the resources and steal the countries natural resources and huge cash crops! Don't think it's true. Try to research who produces the most opium cultivation in the word and who is in charge of the market currently! It's the U.S. We went to Afghanistan for one intention besides oil which means very little to the private corporation that buy and sell oil today. They wanted a pharmaceutical cash crop. Opium, heroin almost all the pills Americans take that are prescribed have opiates in it. Don't be Blind people. It's a statistic that America cultivates more opium over-seas then all of South America currently cultivates cocaine!! That's unreal, and it's a fact. Now if you remember when Obama and the US government decided to go into Afghanistan in 2001, after 9/11 we'll the WAR on TERROR is a load of B.S...The word "terrorism" has been beat to death on the news. A war on terrorism won't end because it makes these people so much money! By believing this HYPE, I think that yes something may happen. We are bringing it on ourselves. We all know during times of war productivity goes up and money is issued to these sectors of the government like security, defense, and military. Obama issued/allocated 6000x's more money to these cause than he did to a simple issue like treatment for peanut butter allergies which has killed over 100% more people than the so called war on terror has in just the last 3 years. my last input would be to share this quote:
"You can assist an evil system most effectively by obeying its orders and decrees. An evil system never deserves such allegiance. Allegiance to it means partaking of the evil. A good person will resist an evil system with his or her whole s
oul". - Ghandi.

These are wise words from Ghandi or wise words from Barrack Osama?? who is smarter. people of america wake up. Especially you so called educated people. history has never been exposed in the true light. So don't think you know everything if you only went through the education system here. Western thought is complete garbage it's fueled by corporatcy, evil, and greed.
reply
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Freeandthink says:
Regardless of the outcome of the election, Obama's corruption will eventually come to light. Maybe he should start hanging out with Lance Armstrong. Just saying
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oblomov222 says:
Notwithstanding this debate point is stupid, but there are actual technical and legal questions that might need to be answered for the sake of the preservation of international law if anyone were serious about calling all terrorism by that name.
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tonyjan4 says:
Thank you CBS Jan Crawford for investigating the truth about Libya. Finally we can start to trust the media.
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bellaanna-2009 says:
Ms. Crowley came back later and said that Romney was right, but she had done the damage. She lost respect of the American people who have kept up with his Libya terrorist killing. Had Obama said that on Fri. why would he have sent out Susan Rice on Sunday with her story of he video, he sent Jay Carney out with the same story, all of his people had the same story, but it was not true, only when Congress had a meeting on the hill and we were told "I would have to say that it was terrorist" did Obama's camp admit it.
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