WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton turned an 11-hour congressional grilling into a campaign call to action on foreign policy, using a make-or-break appearance before the Republican-led Benghazi committee to display a commanding, presidential presence under a barrage of questions.

For months, Clinton’s campaign had circled Thursday’s hearing on the calendar as a key hurdle for a candidate who has struggled to fend off a flood of criticism over her use of a private email system as secretary of state. Instead, amid questioning that often bordered on a courtroom-style interrogation, Clinton avoided any major gaffes, and sought to portray herself above the partisan fray as committee members bickered. At points, she dipped into her campaign arguments, declaring that the U.S. must promote American exceptionalism around the globe.

“Retreat from the world is not an option. America cannot shrink from our responsibility to lead,” said Clinton, seated before the House panel investigating the September 2012 attack at the diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya, in which four people were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.

Yet the hearing likely did nothing to change the minds of Republicans or other voters who already distrusted and disliked Clinton. But there were some early signs that it may have helped Clinton solidify support within her party, with some donors and activists who were backing other primary candidates pledging their support for Clinton after the hearing.

Clinton’s hearing came at an important juncture in her campaign, a day after Vice President Joe Biden announced he would not challenge her for the party’s nomination and a week after a solid performance during the first Democratic debate.

With those obstacles behind her, Clinton turns her focus back to the campaign, addressing Democratic women on Friday and then holding a rally with Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, her longtime friend and 2008 campaign chairman. She gets a big stage in Iowa Saturday, where more than 6,000 activists are gathering for an annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner that will feature the four major Democratic candidates.

The upcoming events have a celebratory feel, packed with appearances by celebrity backers and longtime allies. Former President Bill Clinton will make a rare appearance on the campaign trail, attending a kickoff concert in Des Moines on Saturday with pop star Katy Perry. On Sunday, Hillary Clinton will attend a fundraising bash in New York with comedian Amy Schumer and singers John Legend and Demi Lovato to mark her 68th birthday Monday.

During Thursday’s hearing, Clinton watched with a bemused smile as the committee’s Republican chairman and top Democratic member heatedly argued about making public the panel’s earlier private hearings. She repeatedly urged the lawmakers to honor the memories of the four Americans killed in the attacks.

“I will continue to speak out and do everything I can from whatever position I’m in to honor the memory of those we lost,” Clinton said.