I think Condoleezza Rice did well in maintaining her composure:
Senator, I have to say that I have never, ever lost respect for the truth in the service of anything. It is not my nature. It is not my character. And I would hope that we can have this conversation and discuss what happened before and what went on before and what I said without impugning my credibility or my integrity.
Let me translate: “Senator, if you want to call me a liar we can step outside and I’ll pound a few facts into that pea brain of yours.”
I don’t remember the station I was listening to — probably NPR — but they ONLY played Senator Boxer’s slander, NOT Dr. Rice’s response. I considered the slander to be fighting words, but assumed that Dr. Rice would do what it seems too many of President Bush’s nominees have done: let the slander pass, unanswered. Whereas my reflex would have been to cut loose on Senator Boxer.
Dr. Rice nicely found the middle ground, slapping Senator Boxer down, and doing it with class.
Comment by UML Guy — January 22, 2005 @ 9:10 pm