Homeland Security chief skipped EunuchBomber review, shows up for SOTU
posted at 11:36 am on January 29, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
The most embarrassing thing Janet Napolitano did on Wednesday turns out not to be napping during her boss’ State of the Union speech. Instead, as CNS News reports, the Secretary of Homeland Security apparently ditched a meeting with Congress over the handling of the EunuchBomber. Even Democrats want an answer to the question, “Where the hell is Secretary Napolitano?”
Top Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee publicly scolded Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for failing to show up at a Wednesday hearing where the committee examined the attempted Christmas Day suicide bombing of Northwest Flight 253. One Democrat on the committee said he wanted to know “where the hell” Napolitano was.
That evening, Napolitiano [sic] did prominently show up at the Capitol to attend President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address. But earlier in the day, she dispatched Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute to testify on her behalf in the Homeland Security Committee on what went wrong in the homeland-security process that allowed would-be suicide-bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to board a plane bound from Amsterdam to the Detroit.
The committee has primary oversight over Napolitano’s department, and top Democrats on the panel made it clear they were angry that she failed to show up for such an important hearing.
Napolitano instead sent an aide rather than deal with the committee. Why? The first part of the clip gives us an idea. Chris Carney (D-PA) says he wants an answer to the question of why Napolitano went on television to claim that “the system worked,” when it clearly did not. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) spoke with Napolitano earlier in the week, and she had given him no indication that she would be unable to attend.
Her high-profile catnap during the SOTU speech shows pretty clearly that she didn’t use the time to get some rest. So what pressing business took priority over fixing the problems that almost led to 300 deaths and the first foreign terrorist attack in years? Because if something else takes priority over counterterrorism for the Homeland Security Secretary, then that’s just another reason why we need a replacement — now.
Blowback
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To do her job, or to hear her masters voice.
Priorities.
portlandon on January 29, 2010 at 11:38 AM
“Where the hell is Secretary Napolitano?” Obviously she’s still asleep.
alwyr on January 29, 2010 at 11:39 AM
She simply felt it was not necessary to attend because the system worked.
cibolo on January 29, 2010 at 11:41 AM
A lil off topic here, but does anyone else notice that look on Rahms face? Like an adoring, longing face? LOL Makes me wonder if Rahm is Obama’s Monica Lewinsky? LOL
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 11:41 AM
So glad the adults are in charge.
Sigh.
Totally disgusting.
pambi on January 29, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Well, she needed her beauty sleep. Yikes.
kingsjester on January 29, 2010 at 11:41 AM
How does she still have a job?
hawksruleva on January 29, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Sniffing her fingers…
… Why do you ask?
Seven Percent Solution on January 29, 2010 at 11:42 AM
I’ve wanted her fired since the gaffe of defending the notion that returning vets were potential domestic enemies. Like “the system worked” nonsense, she initially made claims that there wasn’t anything wrong with that report.
All of this shows that she has no managerial skills and is unfit for the job she holds in this administration.
highhopes on January 29, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Wake her up and tell her she’s fired.
—We the People
ted c on January 29, 2010 at 11:43 AM
This would appear the long vaunted “accountability” that Bam-bam said he would bring to Washington. Apparently Pebbles didn’t get the memo.
Archimedes on January 29, 2010 at 11:44 AM
She had her feet propped up, watching “The Young and the Restless”.
AubieJon on January 29, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Great. Now I need bleach for my eyes! I thought Valerie was bad. YUCK!
UnderstandingisPower on January 29, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Silly rabbit…there are no terrorists. Only very hariy, dirty and sticky minsuderstood people who live in sh1t huts and just wanna hug. There is no need to have a meeting about them. We need to send them IPods filled with the speeches by dear leader to inspire them and give them that “chuck on the chin” and the occasional “buck up camper” to see them through. /
milwife88 on January 29, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Sleep tight, America, your HSA chief is on the ball.
Fletch54 on January 29, 2010 at 11:45 AM
I don’t know that she’s all that awful, anymore than the last administration’s cabinet.
And this story is a cheap shot deal.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:45 AM
This would make a great campaign ad — her snoozing during POTUS’ SOTU drivel yet committeemen wondering “Where the hell is Napolitano???” [On FOX News of course! - Heh]
Bob in VA on January 29, 2010 at 11:47 AM
so embarrassed that she was our governor…
ugh
cmsinaz on January 29, 2010 at 11:47 AM
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:45 AMNot even going to dignify that with a comment.
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 11:48 AM
I personally believe that we need to stay focused on principles.
And that alone.
And blogs that derail that?
Ignore them.
Is this the real message of conservatives? Are you really worried about someone dozing off?
I don’t think so.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:48 AM
lol *throws popcorn*
Midas on January 29, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Hillary OTOH attended the conference on Yemeni security in London over the SOTU….glad someone is following up…
HRC also had State add Yemen AQ to the terror list she had too bad DHS is in charge of the visa cross reference….I dont miss Janet as our Gov though….and Holder is calling the shots on interrogations …God help us
ginaswo on January 29, 2010 at 11:49 AM
What a defense. They’re better than the worst (in your opinion) cabinet in the history of mankind! Is that what you’re saying?
strictnein on January 29, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Let me get this straight: this is the woman that some say will be the next nomination to the Supreme Court?
Agent of the Cross on January 29, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Is someone forcing you to visit here? Bye.
Johnnyreb on January 29, 2010 at 11:49 AM
I doubt she knows anything about the inner workings of Homeland Security. She’s a figurehead, just as are Panetta and Sebilus. Perfect examples of the Peter Principle.
a capella on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Beauty fades, dumb is forever.
Knucklehead on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
scary huh?
cmsinaz on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Oh I see some stern talkings too concerning a certain someones position.
upinak on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
I think blogs that try to distract people with these stories need to be called in.
This is not what the discussion is about.
And this is not what will help the country.
I may disagree a LOT with those who think otherwise, but I do know this: This is not an issue.
Anyone else agree?
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Odd – this post seems to be about her skipping out on a meeting with Congress, not about her falling asleep. You sure you’re in the right place?
Midas on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Would you be allowed to make uneducated, error laden blanket statements regarding the security of your workplace – and then skip a meeting centered around a subject that deals directly with your job – and then appear at a board meeting where your boss presided and all you did was catnap – and expect folks not to wonder why you’re still employed??
AubieJon on January 29, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Under her desk, scarfing down a bag of cheetos, and a diet coke, while she goes thru the booklet on how to do her job properly.
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 11:51 AM
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
No. Go away.
kingsjester on January 29, 2010 at 11:51 AM
I will, of course, if this blog subscribes to this type of story as relevant.
Do you? Really?
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Thank the good Lord that She in no longer the Governor of Arizona……
Bad that she is the head of our Homeland Security!
hawkman on January 29, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Yep, their boss Obama being the supreme example.
Wonder who will get fired first, Napolitano or Holder? I vote for Janet. Someone is going under the bus soon.
Missy on January 29, 2010 at 11:52 AM
National Security is ALWAYS an issue!!!
You work for Holder too? Sheesh.
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Maybe her girlfriend was ill that morning or something.
SouthernGent on January 29, 2010 at 11:52 AM
She dreams, “Wha, your house got blowed up? Mine’s still standin’, sucks to be you—now lemme sleep…”
ted c on January 29, 2010 at 11:52 AM
It’s called accountability. Holding those who have power accountable for their actions or non-actions. Is that so difficult to understand?
Dear Liar does not hold Himself accountable for anything, and now it appears that His Cabinet also thinks it is above the petty concerns of elected representatives.
Pure arrogance.
rbj on January 29, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Did you read the story? It is about her not showing up for a Congressional meeting on the Christmas Day bombing attempt. She is the Director of Homeland Security. Do you think it truly isn’t relevant that she didn’t attend?
Missy on January 29, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Yep. The story is about her missing a meeting that was going to directly ask her about what she said on national TV. I think that is extremely relevant. Not sure why you can’t see that.
Johnnyreb on January 29, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Attention Attention
Security breach and thread derailment at 11:45 pm.
This is a Public Service Announcement. Proceed at your own peril.
Knucklehead on January 29, 2010 at 11:54 AM
A perfect symbol for the alertness in protecting our nation.
I know I feel safer.
MassVictim on January 29, 2010 at 11:54 AM
OK.
You guys buy this?
You are so right. I don’t belong under this small tent, I guess.
I’ll leave this blog to you.
I will always say, btw, you so missed the boat.
There is a HUGE middle group, including me, who are not right-wing or left wing, and we would love to be invited or at least, comfortable.
But if you want only right-wingers?
I don’t pass your purity test.
And I will exit.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Knucklehead on January 29, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Beat me to it.
Danger…Will Robinson…Danger…Danger!!!
kingsjester on January 29, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Since that’s obviously not working, she needs to try coma.
Liam on January 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM
My small tent thanks you.
Johnnyreb on January 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM
I don’t pass your purity test.
And I will exit.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Promises…promises…
kingsjester on January 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM
How about ignoring Congressional hearings? Oversight? Didn’t have it down on her schedule? Or didn’t want to explain her foolisness?
a capella on January 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM
You are truly dense.
Fletch54 on January 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM
BTW, I think you’re going to blow this opportunity by pushing us out.
I think you’ll really rue this partisanship move.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:56 AM
No, you guys have spoken.
Only purists allowed.
I exit.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Maybe Jane Holl Lute should PERMANENTLY replace Napolitano. There’s no excuse for her not being there. Get rid of her. Obama has a fairly good cabinet, for all its faults, but Napolitano needs to go. She has virtually no experience in national security. Appoint someone who does.
NathanG on January 29, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Ann,
DEMOCRATS are complaining that she didn’t attend.
Read the story.
Please explain again how drawing attention to this is some kind of rabid right-wing partisan move.
Missy on January 29, 2010 at 11:57 AM
“Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty.”
Eh… too expensive.
MassVictim on January 29, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Principles like Provide for the common defense of America?
You mean blogs that point out that she can’t even answer questions from Congress on her pathetic handling of a terrorist attack?
You are right, the real message of conservatives is PROTECT AMERICANS AND STOP BEING A PARTISAN HACK!
uknowmorethanme on January 29, 2010 at 11:58 AM
An expert told me that we had an abundance of gifted and highly qualified Democrat state officials arrive on the scene in the last decade or so. They even had some facts to support the contention. They were also “diverse” and ambitious and would be ablaze on the scene.
I don’t see that they are altogether living up to the early billing.
IlikedAUH2O on January 29, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Congratulations, you are dumber than a box of rocks and never even read the article.
Now leave as you promised.
Knucklehead on January 29, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Tell that to Chris Carney (D-PA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS),
and everyone aboard that flight in Detroit.
pambi on January 29, 2010 at 11:59 AM
No, you guys have spoken.
Only
puristscommone sense and reading comprehension abilities allowed.I exit.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:57 AM
uknowmorethanme on January 29, 2010 at 11:59 AM
BTW, I think you’re going to blow this opportunity by pushing us out.
I think you’ll really rue this partisanship move.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Rue? Just a tad melodramatic.
kingsjester on January 29, 2010 at 11:59 AM
I’m pretty sure the problem is the fact she did not show up to do her job, prolly cause she has no idea how to do her job, not the fact that her fat ass fell asleep during the assclowns lie-A-thon.
But then, I’m just a red neck, what the hell do I know.
nwpammy on January 29, 2010 at 12:00 PM
She saw the picture and thought it was a story about Napolitano sleeping at the SOTU.
AnninCA, you didn’t read the article, did you?
Missy on January 29, 2010 at 12:00 PM
I told you the other day you’d be happier on a liberal site, didn’t I?
Liam on January 29, 2010 at 12:01 PM
It IS an issue. The head of Homeland Security who’s already under fire for a series of blunders(“the system worked”, “man-caused disasters”, the report targeting returning vets) now fails to show up for a Congressional meeting regarding an aborted terrorist attack that nearly killed 300 people? Hell, for her reputation and job security alone, she should’ve been there.
Doughboy on January 29, 2010 at 12:01 PM
AnninCA, please don’t speak for all independents. I personally don’t care what you classify yourself as, but you don’t speak for all.
As for this thread, it’s NOT about her dozing off at the SOTU. It’s about her skipping out of an important hearing on her actions , or lack there of, on Christmas day, when a terrorist tried to blow up a plane with a lot of people on board.
I imagine, that so many independents have fallen away from Obama in the past several months, means they feel the same way we do. So how you can say you sit here, and speak for those people, is beyond me.
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Reminds me of another “flounce” in the recent past. I suspect the two know each other.
Johnnyreb on January 29, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Quit being a drama queen.
The story is that a cabinet secretary refused to meet with Congress, not AnninCA.
rbj on January 29, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Napping Nappie couldn’t miss Christmas dinner worrying about a lil’ ol’ bomb in a plane, could she?
GOP campaign ad:
Announcer: It’s 3 A.M., and America has been attacked
(Phone rings)
Napolitano: Zzzzzzzz
Steve Z on January 29, 2010 at 12:03 PM
“called in” to whom? The Obama Snitch Line? lol
Midas on January 29, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Hey Ann, are you moving back to CA?
The Califonia Senate has passed a single-payer health bill.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9DGVV0G0&show_article=1
uknowmorethanme on January 29, 2010 at 12:03 PM
If she can’t stand the heat, she should get out of the kitchen. Give her a pink slip.
Steve Z on January 29, 2010 at 12:04 PM
/Throws whats left of his Pop Tart at Ann…
FOOD FIGHT!!!
Romeo13 on January 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM
AnninCA, please don’t speak for all independents. I personally don’t care what you classify yourself as, but you don’t speak for all.
_________________________________
Ann is one of those bleeding heart liberals who’ve realized that liberal is now a bad word in America, so they call themselves independents, but we know the truth.
uknowmorethanme on January 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Jane Holl Lute has more experience than she does, serving on the National Security Council for George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
NathanG on January 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Obviously not.
Midas on January 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM
FIRE…………NAPOLITANO………NOW!!!!
What more is it going to take to convince B.O. that this woman is totally unqualified to be in the position she is in?!!!
pilamaye on January 29, 2010 at 12:06 PM
She is the one who gets the 3AM call. From what we have seen so far, she takes the phone off the hook and hits the snooze button.
This isn’t some low level lackey, this is the Security Secretary!
portlandon on January 29, 2010 at 12:06 PM
You are making this thread irrelevant. As usual.
upinak on January 29, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Wow, lefties really shouldn’t hit the bong so hard before lunchtime.
Midas on January 29, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Holy Moley! Do they have broccoli for brains?? That legislature just doesn’t seem to comprehend the trouble they’re in.
MassVictim on January 29, 2010 at 12:07 PM
She is meditating.
Closing the eyes just make her more concentrated on the Force.
Even master Yoda closed his eyes attempting to see into the future.
Sir Napsalot on January 29, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Janet Neopolitano (or Janet Reno or whoever the f she is)is clearly, crystal clearly (AnninCA,) not doing her job. If even Democrats are commenting it is time for her to join the party under the bus.
Although this administration is so inept I’m not sure it matters what sleepy stiff is in the position. They will still be appointed by The (incompetent) Won.
ORconservative on January 29, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Never saw AnninCA get angry before. Interesting…
Imagine if Cheney skipped an appearance before a Congressional committee. The Dems would be screaming ‘coverup!’ soon as they could get in front of an MSM camera.
If someone in Bush’s cabinet nodded off during a SOTU, the MSM would be reporting on that for a week.
Like with Chrissy Matthews’ silly statement Weds. night, nothing will come of this. Too bad. These people need to be called on their stuff, and with penalties.
Liam on January 29, 2010 at 12:08 PM
How can CA pass a single payer……..aren’t they broke?
Is China the single payer?
ORconservative on January 29, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Yeah, because I am SOOOO sure that you were willing to give Karl Rove a pass for not testifying before Congress… even though he is Constitutionaly protected as he is Residential Staff, and not a Dept. Head.
This is about a lack of accountability… about the Head of Homeland Security blowing off Congress, while we are in a WAR!
Romeo13 on January 29, 2010 at 12:08 PM
For Janet, beauty would require an enormous amount of sleep.
As for AnninCA, yes the story is relevant. Napolitano skipping out on her meeting with congress is a big deal. A congressional meeting isn’t like skipping a basket weaving class. Although, given her level of competency, I’m certain she wouldn’t have missed that class, and probably wouldn’t have slept through it either.
anXdem on January 29, 2010 at 12:08 PM
I really do wonder, do you, Grow Fins, and crr6 work for Holder? Hmmmmm.
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Napolitano looks as comfortable as a passenger in an airline seat. BOOM! That will wake her up.
Electrongod on January 29, 2010 at 12:09 PM
I think the single payer will be the federal bailout for CA. Which means the payer is you.
MassVictim on January 29, 2010 at 12:10 PM
I love this part from the article:
“We are spending $200 billion currently,” Leno said. “It is the same $200 billion used in a more efficient, cost-effective fashion.”
Like the government makes anything more efficient.
Johnnyreb on January 29, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Since when to liberals care if there’s money or not? My guess is, this will just bust every citizen, and business in CA, if they grow thru with this. Everyone under liberal/socialist/communist control is the goal.
capejasmine on January 29, 2010 at 12:12 PM
I’ve never understood how Napolitano can continue to fail upwards. She waltzed into the AZ Attorney General, then waltzed into the governor’s office. Her greatest achievements were renaming a mountain and getting all day kindergarten. She actively thwarted border security measures. Now she is in charge of the nation’s security.
azkag on January 29, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Well, she needed her beauty sleep. Yikes.
kingsjester on January 29, 2010 at 11:41 AM
In that case she’ll be asleep for a few hundred years !!!!!!!!!!!!
LODGE4 on January 29, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Every
party
has
a
pooper
or
attention
whore
thread
derailer…..
Cheese & rice lady, you are really a product of lousy liberal public education. Do you have any writing skills, such as sentence structure and paragraph constructions ??
I bet all your homework didn’t come marked with A’s, B’s, etc, but with stars and smiley stickers.
Jerome Horwitz on January 29, 2010 at 12:16 PM
Maybe AnninCA saw this coming, and so moved to TX.
the plan will be more efficient only in the sense that the libs will know exactly from where the money will come this time: the taxpayers. Assuming there are any left after people start moving out.
Maybe the WH can send Napolitano to CA and help them through this impending disaster. Near-disasters seem to be her forte.
Liam on January 29, 2010 at 12:16 PM
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