reality makes for the best spin. The further the spin gets from reality, the worse it is in the moment. And it will get worse still as time goes on.

The story she peddled on the chat shows was supported by intelligence community talking points, but we know now that those talking points were somehow altered as they worked their way through the system. There are now at least four versions of what agency was responsible. But even if the talking points hadn't been changed, and even if Rice had not had access to classified intelligence, which quite simply gave the lie to those talking points, the reports of the Libyan government, widespread news reports, and plain old common sense argued that she not go forth with the spin she employed.