Rice spoke according to talking points
Afterwards, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff said Morell told the panel that Rice was given an initial assessment that a spontaneous protest over an anti-Muslim video evolved into an attack on the consulate. Rice’s comments on national talk shows five days after the attack has drawn fierce criticism, with some Senate Republicans vowing to block her nomination if she is tapped to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Schiff said the ambassador’s interview remarks were based on the “best initial assessment.” [1. The Guardian – David Petraeus denies classified leaks as Benghazi hearings begin http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/15/david-petraeus-benghazi-hearings-live]
This was also confirmed by CBS News, which got hold of Rice’s talking points. The talking points, which were also given to members of the House intelligence committee, make no reference to terrorism being a likely factor in the assault. [2. CBS News -CIA talking points for Susan Rice called Benghazi attack “spontaneously inspired” by protests http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57550337/cia-talking-points-for-susan-rice-called-benghazi-attack-spontaneously-inspired-by-protests/?tag=AverageMixRelated]