I guess this is the difference between a conservative talk show host and an elected Republican. Because from where I sit there was no doubt in mind Mrs. Clinton was emotionally invoking the deaths of four Americans to deflect criticism. I realize Johnson can't say he knows what her motives were, but clearly she played the "Americans were dead what difference does it make" card to cut him off; in fact, she interrupted him to deliver that line.

But this is the eggshell walk that Republicans appear to be on these days. And it's also the advantage liberals have these days. If Republicans attempt to hold Democrats accountable, the media treats the Republican as the villian. And Republicans seem very warn down by this. You saw it in the "cliff debate" you're seeing it in the debt ceiling debate and that's the way this walk back feels to me.