Sorry to be so cynical – – but against the backdrop of Ahmed Abu Khatallah’s arrest, and reports he is giving intel to interrogators, and knowing what White House risk is potentially present within that intelligence, it’s a little curious that half of the “Gang of Eight” would be summoned to the White House.

President Obama is notorious for ignoring congressional leadership.  As a matter of historical reference he *rarely* (twice in six years) summons them for conversation.   Consequently, amid the slow boat back from Benghazi, the transparency of this takes on a whole new meaning…

WASHINGTON DC – President Barack Obama told Capitol Hill’s “Big Four” leaders Wednesday afternoon that he doesn’t intend to seek congressional authority for any action in Iraq.

Returning to the Capitol after huddling with Obama at the White House for about an hour, both Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the president had pledged to keep Congress in the loop. But McConnell said that the president won’t ask lawmakers to weigh in on whatever course of action he chooses.
“We had a good discussion,” McConnell said, adding that Obama “indicated he didn’t feel he had any need for authority from us for steps that he might take. And indicated he would keep us posted.”
McConnell declined to answer follow-ups on what options Obama is weighing, or what the GOP leader told the president. On Tuesday, he had urged Obama to lay out a concrete plan, warning that Afghanistan could become the next Iraq if the U.S. withdraws its military at the end of the year and criticizing the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq.
Though there was no separate statement from Speaker John Boehner, an aide said the speaker agreed with McConnell’s sentiment. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi also attended the meeting and applauded Obama after he “reiterated his assurances that he will not send U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq.”
“I do not believe the President needs any further legislative authority to pursue the particular options for increased security assistance discussed today. I am pleased by the President’s efforts to secure strong Congressional support, and I look forward to additional consultation,” Pelosi said.
The White House said after the meeting that Obama told the leaders that his administration is pushing Iraqi leaders to “set aside sectarian agendas,” and reviewed possible assistance to Iraq. (continue reading)

HatTip MoonBattery for the graphic