An unexpectedly defensive President Obama yesterday dared Capitol Hill Republicans to “go after me” on the Benghazi consulate intelligence debacle.

Well, he can’t say he didn’t ask for it.

“Whoever was at fault must be held responsible, and most importantly the president, who is commander-in-chief,” said Sen. John McCain, as he called for creation of a special Senate investigating panel.

Indeed, he charged, the president either has shown “colossal incompetence” or has “engaged in a coverup” — adding, “The president did not tell the American people the truth.”