Hillary Clinton almost lost her calm, collected cool while testifying today on Capitol Hill about the Benghazi attack that killed four Americans and somewhat scarred her otherwise A++ track record as Secretary of State. (And possible 2016 presidential candidate. If we should be so lucky.)

"I stood next to President Obama as the Marines carried those flag-draped caskets off the plane at Andrews," Clinton said in a wavering voice. "I put my arms around the mothers and fathers, the sisters and brothers, the sons and daughters, and the wives left alone to raise their children."

There's an inherent risk in choking up while the entire nation is watching you. If you're a man, you can be mocked for being weak. If you're a woman, you're mocked for being "emotional." But Hillary struck a perfect balance by accepting responsibility as one of our country's leaders while also letting go a bit to express remorse.


"For me, this is not just a matter of policy — it's personal," she said.

You can read her prepared remarks here, and read live updates at The Atlantic Wire.