Panetta comes to Hagel's defense after nominee's difficult confirmation hearing

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta came to the aid of former Sen. Chuck Hagel, the man President Barack Obama nominated to succeed him, saying on NBC’s Meet the Press, “The political knives were out for Chuck Hagel” during his confirmation hearing last week.

In nearly eight hours of testimony before the Senate Armed Service Committee on Thursday, Hagel spent much time revising and clarifying his previous remarks – including a spontaneous error at the hearing itself on whether United States policy toward Iran’s nuclear weapons program was one of containment.

Panetta complained that the members of the committee spent too little time questioning Hagel about the current challenges the Defense Department faces, such as looming budget cuts, and spent too much time examining statements Hagel made in the past.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta comments on Hagel's tough hearing last Thursday before the Senate and brings up some questions that should have been asked.

Panetta insisted to NBC’s Chuck Todd that Hagel was “absolutely” prepared to take his place leading the Defense Department.

Panetta’s backing of Hagel was seconded by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey, who said “in helping prepare him for his confirmation hearings, we had several opportunities to talk about strategy. And I found him well-prepared and very thoughtful about it.”

As the Armed Services Committee prepares to hold a hearing Thursday on last September’s attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Panetta said he looked forward “to presenting what we know about what took place.” Congressional Republicans have questioned why there were no U.S. military aircraft or other forces in proximity to Benghazi that could have been dispatched to help defend Ambassador Chris Stevens and other US personnel. Stevens and three others were killed in the attack.

Addressing the Defense Department’s airlift and intelligence-sharing role in assisting the ongoing French military intervention in the North African nation of Mali, Panetta said, “We are now working with France to make sure that al Qaida has no place to hide, even in North Africa.”

Dempsey added that in North Africa “the regimes that you used to maintain control over that space that would, in fact, be part of the solution of keeping al Qaida and its affiliates at bay are no longer there.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta discuss the threat of Al Qaeda in North Africa and regional instability associated with recent change.

The popular uprisings of the 2011 Arab Spring, Dempsey said, “stripped that away” leaving “ungoverned space” or “a period at which geography is less governed than it used to be.” That lack of control has allowed jihadist groups such as al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to flourish.

Turning to Iran and its nuclear program, Panetta said, “The intelligence we have is they have not made the decision to proceed with the development of a nuclear weapon. The regime in Tehran is enriching uranium.  They continue to do that.”

He added, “I can't tell you they are, in fact, pursuing a weapon, because that's not what intelligence says they're doing right now. But every indication is they want to continue to increase their nuclear capability. And that's a concern. And that's what we're asking them to stop doing.”

Vice President Joe Biden said Saturday that the Obama administration is “would be prepared to meet bilaterally with the Iranian leadership,” but that talks would need to be serious, have an agreed-upon agenda, and not be merely an exercise.

On the threat of spending cuts, known in Capitol language as “sequester,” scheduled to start on March 1 that are mandated by the Budget Control Act, Panetta said, “If Congress stands back and allows sequester to take place, I think it would really be a shameful and irresponsible act.”

He added that the spending cuts this year – amounting to about 12 percent of Pentagon outlays apart from overseas operations – would “badly damage the readiness of the United States of America.”

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta tells NBC's Chuck Todd if a sequester is allowed to happen it will "badly damage" the readiness of the U.S.

Panetta, who served as head of the Office of Management and Budget under President Clinton and as chairman of the House Budget Committee in the late 1980s, said, “As somebody who's worked with budgets throughout my life, in order to deal with the deficit problem, you've got to deal with entitlements. You have to deal with revenues. And you have to deal with discretionary (spending).”

Although Republicans such as Sen. John McCain of Arizona have accused Obama of failing to take the lead in finding a way to avoid the cuts required by the Budget Control Act, Panetta said, “I think he's pushing as hard as he can…. The president of the United States has indicated the concern about sequester. He's indicated his concern about maintaining a strong national defense.  And he's proposed a solution to this. The ball is in Congress's court. They have got to take action to delay sequester.”

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John McCain is a total loser. He spent his time questioning Hagel trying to justify the invasion of Iraq. Just today there was another suicide bomber. Iraq has digressed into a dictatorship. It will become another Syria in the next few years and McCain is still trying to take credit for the surge. McCain please RETIRE!

  • 81 votes
#1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:42 AM EST

Agreed !!!

McCain is one tired, grumpy, vindictive old man, who's time has come and gone. Problem is. He is so wrapped up in himself that he just doesn't see it.

  • 64 votes
#1.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:08 AM EST

John McCain has been wrong before, and he will be wrong again, but I can't help but think that the people in Arizona have got to be worst in the nation. That is of course until I consider Texas and what they have produced for polititions in the last decade. Both states electors need a healthy dose of kick ass for their poor choices

  • 55 votes
#1.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:13 AM EST

Can you just imagine a country headed by John McCain and Sarah Palin?? Holy @!$%# did we dodge that bullet!!!

What bothers me even more are these gutless bastards like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. Never saw combat or served a day in the military. They have the gall to engage in nothing more than political grandstanding at Hagel's confirmation hearing. "Men" like this are a disgrace.

  • 70 votes
#1.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:20 AM EST

McCain is not the issue here, whether Hagel is the man for the job of Sec of Def, McCain asked evidently questions that Hagel did not want to or know how to answer; there inlies the issue. As the article states General Dempsey helped to get Hagel ready for his confirmation hearing and the man still stumbled through the entire hearing.

If Hagel is the man for the job, why does he need to be prepped to explain his thoughts and beliefs? Even when Carl Levin was trying to help Hagel through that containment issue, Hagel still faltered; to me he does not seem to have what it takes. Yet I believe that if Obama wants him, let him have him; because in the end Obama will have to explain Hagel's actions as Sec of Def.

  • 22 votes
#1.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:35 AM EST

I would take Hagel over Don Rumsfeld any day. Any day!

  • 70 votes
#1.5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:49 AM EST

Big Dave, you are wrong, McCain is the issue here, and so is your hate for anything Obama, you two share the same idiotic belief. If Hagel is good enough to be picked by this president he is good enough to be confirmed, anything else is political and as Joe Biden said malarky.

  • 52 votes
#1.6 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:19 AM EST

Again, some people are blind to the issue at hand. Hagel is a joke.

  • 25 votes
#1.7 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:34 AM EST

McCain acts as if someone stole his Viagra.

  • 47 votes
#1.8 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:35 AM EST

Can you just imagine a country headed by John McCain and Sarah Palin?? Holy @!$%# did we dodge that bullet!!!

The ONE problem I have with Hagel? He didn't tell McStain to shove it up his warhawk a$$ during the hearing.

Why Hagel dodged McCain's question about the surge mystifies me. Hagel should have just come out and TRUTHFULLY said, "Even those with an I.Q. of a brick can see the surge DIDN'T work. So go f*ck yourself, and take a shower, you old geezer." I'd have a lot more respect for Hagel had he did that.

  • 31 votes
#1.9 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:43 AM EST

Hagel is a joke.

And a Republican.

  • 17 votes
#1.10 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:46 AM EST

McCain is a shinning example of why it may not be a bad idea to have term limits for all elected political offices similar to that of the presidency.

If we had term limits we wouldn't have to endure all of the antics of McCain and other's like him that make politics such a vile arena.

  • 38 votes
#1.11 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:53 AM EST

At issue here is Not whether McCain or Hagel were Right on the Iraqi Surge, which by the way, without the Sunni Awakening( by useing American TaxPayers $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to Pay them to Fight with US), would'nt have been Possible, & the Issue is Not who can Kiss Isreals A$$ the Most, the Issue is, Why has Everyone of President Obamas Cabinet picks been threatened in some way with Not being Confirmed, by the BoZo's who call themselves Part of the Most Delibertive Body on Earth?

America's Political Bodys are'nt far off from Fistacuffs being thrown on National TV, such as what we've seen from different parts of the World! The Carnival Barkers(formerly known as the MSM) are Mostly to Blame for this Ignorance, as they televise NonStop & Berate folks with MainStream ideas, while giving undeserving Political folks the Oppurtunity to throwout the Craziest ideas & the Chance to Promote those Crazy ideas, as if it's Americas Political Nature.

Just this morning CNN's Candy Crowley had "The Turtles" Wife & former Labor Sec. Elaine Chow for GWB on as a Guest with All her Expertise of Negative Job growth during her terms!

Whasssssssssssssssssssssssssup with Dat, CNN ?

Lets Hope we have a Super Bowl worth watching this evening!

You Betcha!

Occupy SoggyBottom!

  • 11 votes
#1.12 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:54 AM EST

HOTTICKET: It was a yes or no question. Such as: Do you still beat your wife?

  • 15 votes
#1.13 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:54 AM EST

Keep in mind, John McCain has an ax to grind: Hagel endorsed Obama for the 2008 presidential election, hence, McCain the same juvenile "High School Bitchy" performance we saw from Sarah Palin. Plus, Hagel criticized Bush-Cheney foreign policy - another Republican "Sin". The moral of the story: If you don't submit to being a Republican "Deaf-Mute", then your a party "Traitor"! In other words, if your a Republican, don't think for your self and especially don't speak the truth...

  • 42 votes
#1.14 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:57 AM EST

Will: Hagel's wife endorsed Obama.

  • 12 votes
#1.15 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:59 AM EST

McCain seems to think he won the Election in 08. These 2 McCain and Gram both seem to think they should pick the President's cabinet for him. Like we care if they disapprove of Chuck Hagle. Thing is, the more these 2 disapprove them more we what Chuck. McCain is trying so hard to be relevant and he is not. Its really time for him to leave. And Gram, He has such a baby face and when he tries to show his mad face, will what a laugh. He has hitched his self to a loosing cause in McCain. McCain has pulled Gram down with him.

  • 23 votes
#1.16 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:00 PM EST

Hagel could not have performed more poorly then he did. Hagel appeared totally unprepared to answer questions and was nothing less then an embarrassment to himself and Obama. It will be tough for Hagel to win over enough Democrats let alone Republicans. If he fails to be confirmed it will be simply because of his testimony, or that Obama was unable to buy enough Democrat votes.

  • 17 votes
#1.17 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:03 PM EST

Exito, you are correct. Here is my correction:

Keep in mind, John McCain has an ax to grind: Hagel’s wife endorsed Obama for the 2008 presidential election and Chuck himself, did not endorse either MaCain or Obama, hence, McCain is exhibiting the same juvenile "High School Bitchy" performance we saw from Sarah Palin. Plus, Hagel criticized Bush-Cheney foreign policy - another Republican "Sin". The moral of the story: If you don't submit to being a Republican "Deaf-Mute", then your a party "Traitor"! In other words, if your a Republican, don't think for your self and especially don't speak the truth. It is very clear that the GOP puts more importance on political vendettas than the welfare and security of the United States of America…

  • 21 votes
#1.18 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:10 PM EST

unfortunately nomoresameo, term limits may put out the trash like McCain, but it also throws away the good stuff too. We have term limits in Michigan and while it got rid of Michigan's worst governor, it also took a lot of good people with him.

  • 10 votes
#1.19 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:13 PM EST
Comment author avatarJay The FirstExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

It appears that in order to serve in this President's administration, the first criteria is to appear to be intellectually inferior to him in order for him to continue the farcical notion that he is the "smartest guy in the room". Biden certainly fulfills that requirement, as do a number of other nominees over the last four years, such as Panetta but as this "administration" progresses temporally, candidates fulfilling that requirement are becoming harder and harder to find. Mr. Hagel barely fits under the wire but his performance before the Senate certainly cemented his "qualifications" to serve according to my interpretation of the selection process.

What kind of fool would trample all over the most reliable ally we have in the Middle East? We are in a war to preserve America and American values in the face of a rapidly rising and ever more powerful religion that considers itself the ultimate answer to all the world's problems, a religion that has absolutely no qualms about using children for suicide bombs, that regularly commits horrendous slaughters of innocent people to gain submission out of fear and fear alone and that operates according to a moral code out of the 6th century!

We already have the "American Ayatollah" in the White House! He is in process of gathering his "Imams", of which Mr. Hagel is one. Obama is not a fool, but he hires them regularly. He is, IMHO, a cunning proselytizer for Islam who intends to help spread the religion of his childhood over the entire planet by slowly weakening the most powerful country on it. Remember, it is perfectly OK to lie to non-Muslims in the pursuit of their defeat by Islam. That's in the Koran! (or Q'uran, if you prefer the todying "mysterious" spelling that supposedly lends gravitas to the group), and therefore one cannot really believe anything they say to us, as we are the "enemy".

I often wonder if that caution applies to Obama and his "administration" as well.

  • 12 votes
#1.20 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:23 PM EST
Comment author avatargringo-3955109Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

My lord liberals act as if stupidity is a virtue.

  • 15 votes
#1.21 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:35 PM EST

Of course he defends him. Would one loser failure want anyone competent to succeed him and show just how bad a choice he was?

  • 9 votes
#1.22 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:51 PM EST

McCain wouldn't shut-up long enough to let Hagel answer. He was a bully, and he was unreasonable, and he was very disrespectful.

  • 28 votes
#1.23 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:51 PM EST

Johntho............. We have term limits in Michigan and while it got rid of Michigan's worst governor, it also took a lot of good people with him.

Hi Johntho. Here in CA we also have certain term limits and I too have seen some good people ousted because of that. But I have also seen some very good people replace them. The new people have fresh and innovative ideas and are not as stuck in the mud with their alliances to special interest groups and beholding to others in Congress.

Term limits for U.S. senators, state senators and the congressional seats helps to keep people like McCain from disrupting so much of the activity that could and should help move this country forward.

  • 14 votes
#1.24 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:54 PM EST

Agreed Blue lake. Hagel is a true American patriot, not only for his heroism in Vietnam, but in his willingness to stand up tot the Bush status quo and question the stupidity of invading Iraq in response to 9-11. I remind everyone here that we were attacked on 9-11 by 19 hijackers, 15 of which were from one country alone, Saudi Arabia. The rest were from Pakistan and small gulf states. Not one from Iraq. And Hagel was right in that taking out a Sunni dictator in a majority Shia country would have terrible consequences. Now the Shias control Iraq and are giving their Shia brothers in Iran support. Bush did Iran a huge favor in getting rid of Saddam. Whimps like Cruz and Rand don't even deserve to be in the same room with an American like Hagel

  • 19 votes
#1.25 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:56 PM EST

Rick: Hagel appeared totally unprepared to answer questions

That's because the questions being asked had nothing to do with the job. Did they ask about military cuts? Did they ask about Afghanistan? No! They asked about foreign policy. They asked about Hagel's position on Israel. They asked about things that have nothing to do with defense.

It was a political witch hunt, not a job interview.

  • 32 votes
#1.26 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:00 PM EST

We need term limits on the Republican party, every 100 years the Dem's Rule we give the GOP 4 years, this is more than fair !!!

  • 14 votes
#1.27 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:11 PM EST

Hey Gringo:

"We've got to stop being the stupid party."-Bobby Jindal.

Nice try at projection, but your party owns the word "stupid" and they admit it. When will you?

  • 19 votes
#1.28 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:19 PM EST

Hagel lost before he got out of the gate.

The Zionazies and AIPAC, who own the GOP party, will make shure of that,

Just because he is not chomping at the bit to tell Israel to attack Iran and throw US soldiers into the fray

  • 16 votes
#1.30 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:41 PM EST

The popular uprisings of the 2011 Arab Spring, Dempsey said, “stripped that away” leaving “ungoverned space” or “a period at which geography is less governed than it used to be.” That lack of control has allowed jihadist groups such as al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to flourish.

Yep, support the "POPULAR (????) Arab Spring" rebels without knowing who they were, then coming to a conclusion that al Qaida has NOT BEEN DECIMATED.

Typical for this administration.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yep, Americans are getting "tired of this cr*p".

  • 8 votes
#1.31 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:52 PM EST

Geezes, I can't believe the blind allegiance of Commisaar Obama's lemmings in anything that he does...in this case, to make a really bad cabinet choice. Anybody who actually watched the hearings saw Hegal sit there like he was in some kind of trance; he either had no response, or said something embarrassingly ridiculous. At one point, some Dem had to interrupt the hearing and hand him a correction to one of his gaffes. But, as a lib on This Week said this morning, Hegal is obviously the best choice, because he was an enlisted man! Good grief, is the idea of Obama's appointment to achieve some more of that all important inclusion and equality, or to appoint someone with the ability to effectively lead the most powerful miltary force in the history of the world?

  • 8 votes
#1.32 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:53 PM EST

John McCain took it upon himself to once again put another distinguished American smack dab in the middle of John McCain v. Barack Obama, while Hagel and the nation had to sit back and take the crap thrown by McCain as his jealousy and his incompetence took center stage, as always.

Great article about McCain's sad bitter twilight -

At any rate, what happened yesterday wasn’t about Hagel at all. It wasn’t even about the Iraq War’s 2007 “surge,” which McCain is desperate to justify because he can never justify the war itself, which finds Hagel moved to the right side of history while McCain remains stubbornly on the wrong. It’s about that junior senator from Illinois who crossed McCain early in some obscure backroom Senate deal no one can remember anymore, then denied McCain the presidency in no small part because Obama understood the folly of Iraq better than McCain can allow himself to.

McCain’s personal honor in Hanoi was too hard won to be stained now by almost anything he does, including how he’s allowed temperament, pique and ego to steamroll the judgment and perspective that we hope all of our elected officers have, let alone presidents. But his political honor, not to mention whatever might once have recommended him to the presidency, has fallen victim to the way that Obama has gotten fatally under his skin. Even if this once-noble statesman should succeed in denying Hagel’s nomination as he denied Susan Rice’s prospects for Secretary of State (and even the most devout Hagel supporter would have to acknowledge that the Defense nominee’s performance before the Committee was often a shambles), McCain’s unrelenting obsession with the grievance that Obama has come to represent to him is the saddest legacy in memory. The very fact of Obama and all things Obamic has turned McCain into something toxic, maybe even to himself.

http://www.salon.com/2013/02/02/the_bitter_twilight_of_john_mccain_partner/

  • 22 votes
#1.33 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:54 PM EST

Johntho, you wrote "people in Arizona have got to be worst in the nation." I am deeply offended to hear you say that, especially since a lot of the folks you are referring to came from your state. Snowbirds and citizens of the plant Kolob make up the largest part of our incredibly backward political process, and those of us who are not part of that bunch of pseudo-religious redneck hillbillies are upset that you would lump us all together. The chairman of the Keating Five is not someone I ever voted for, so I want an apology, Mister!

  • 14 votes
#1.34 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:57 PM EST

I just wanted to say I thought Chuck Todd did a great job on Meet the Press today.

  • 12 votes
#1.35 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 2:02 PM EST

tonyb -- since you agree that obama has picked a "joke" to be his defense secretary i a curious who you think would be a better choice.

  • 3 votes
#1.37 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 2:29 PM EST

lisa s - Chuck was a welcome improvement over David Gregory. Too bad they can't get a true moderator to take David' place, permanently.

Ido - again, with every post you look more and more moronic.

JoAnn 666 - the joke is the entire group of Republicans who are focused on defeating everything Obama proposes instead of doing their job and working for the country. Oh, and you are a joke!

Saw today that even FOX called out Wayne LaPierre for the NRA ad about guards for President Obama's daughters. Wow! You know you've struck rock bottom when FOX fights back against a far right group!

  • 20 votes
#1.38 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 3:43 PM EST

Leon got the word from his boss to defend Hagel despite his bumbling and demonstrated lack of knowledge during the confirmation hearings. When selecting such candidates, Obama will always choose ideology over competence.

  • 3 votes
#1.40 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:01 PM EST

For once I think Obama did choose the right person for the job. Hagel is a self thinker and does not always go with the crowd. He is no puppet like so many politicians and voters.

  • 11 votes
#1.41 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:01 PM EST

I sure hearing lots of criticism today from right wing posters [as usual]. One thing that I have noticed, their all experts on how the State Department and Executive branch of our government should be run but never seem to have ANY answers on how to do that.

These Fox News viewers seem to have ALL the answers.......... except for when it comes to specifics. I may be over reacting because I know many of these mindless right wing posts come from PAID trolls.

I watched the hearing with Senator Hagle; whatI saw was Republican losers like John McCain playing gotcha politics. The Republican Party and all it's members are so desperate to be relevant again that they'll do or say anything. It's sad seeing a once proud political party being controlled by a bunch of rodeo clowns that couldn't govern their way out of a paper bag.............................

  • 22 votes
#1.42 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:04 PM EST

John McCain conducts himself like a sore loser. "Who dare question my decision of sending more troops into Iraq?" attitude. He is nothing but an angry old man who is still resentful of Hagel for not endorsing him, McCain has shown poorly every time he has ran for anything outside of Arizona not to mention his poor choice of Palin as a running mate. If I was Hagel I would have responded what about your choice as a running mate for the presidential election? Talk about poor choices and I could not vote for someone who had chosen such a bimbo for a running mate. Your age was a factor as I thought what if you passed away and left us to the like of Sarah Palin as Commander in Chief?, asked Hagel in this scenario. It is time for bitter old McCain to resign as the loser he is and retire back to Arizona. McCain is a total loser only a Minuteman from Arizona could admire.

McCain is probably bitter because he had to sit out the war in Vietnam, squealed on his fellow POW's while Hagel was fighting during the war. Hagel would have more first hand experience in combat than McCain and therefore would not be so willing to put our young people in harms way like his former Chicken-hawks always seem to do whenever they can. I vote for Hagel any day due to his honesty about war.

  • 18 votes
#1.43 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:28 PM EST

This country is in big trouble when you hear so many people complain because a man was asked tough questions to see if he is capable of performing the job he was selected to do. Hagel blew it big time and as I saw on MTP this morning during the round table discussion the only one defending Hagel was Gibbs. Gibbs would defend a rock if Obama selected that rock to high position in his administration. I can't believe the sheep in this country today. Pathetic sheep, I might add.

  • 7 votes
#1.44 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:39 PM EST

The fact that Pinheada backs Hagel just shows he is another mindless bot of the Obama administration. I have never seen a group of mindless idiots in so many places this high up in our political arena. Didn't like Bush ok so didn't a lot of us but stupidity should not make us settle for further stupidity. This guy not only couldn't intelligently defend himself but he flat out didn't even appear to have any intelligence. Sure that's who we want in this position... damn you libby's just defend and attack at will without thought for what the hell you are defending other than he's liberal he has to be good, right??? Mindlessly giving up your futures.

  • 5 votes
#1.45 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:41 PM EST

I feel badly for John McCain. He is an embarrassment to the proud maverick he once was in the Republican party. Some of us don't know when to move on. He has become a very bitter old man unfit for public service. It's hard to believe that those much closer to him (in his own home district) fail to see the same. They are as much a disservice to him as he is to the United States Senate. Thanks for your service, Sen. McCain. It's past time to go now.

  • 17 votes
#1.46 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:01 PM EST

Dempsey added that in North Africa “the regimes that you used to maintain control over that space that would, in fact, be part of the solution of keeping al Qaida and its affiliates at bay are no longer there.”

The popular uprisings of the 2011 Arab Spring, Dempsey said, “stripped that away” leaving “ungoverned space” or “a period at which geography is less governed than it used to be.” That lack of control has allowed jihadist groups such as al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to flourish.

Sounds like an indictment of Obama’s foreign policy to me. So now that those regimes are gone who’s gonna replace them? France? We’ve seen this movie before in Afghanistan.

I like Pannetta. He did a good job. God help the guy who replaces him. God help our military men and women who will be called upon to hunt down islamo terrorists without adequate resources. By allowing the the sequester to occur instead of addressing budget busting entitlement spending, it appears that Obama certainly won’t.

  • 2 votes
#1.47 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:04 PM EST

U.N. Panel Says Israeli Settlement Policy Violates Law

ISRAEL: SENATOR GRAHAM SHAMES AMERICA

“The political knives were out for Chuck Hagel” Leon Panetta

Senator Graham's insistence on Chuck Hagel making apologies to a ROGUE NATION, was an indecent act committed by an American leader under the direct supervision of the Israeli Lobby.

Senator Graham is the one who should apologise to the American people, for advancing an Israeli policy accused of committing the act of WAR CRIMES.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense should never apologize to a nation, under UN investigation for violating International Law!

  • 13 votes
#1.48 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:24 PM EST

JW-1532016

No apology, if it was just you in AZ, maybe, but the majority of voters keeps choosing John McCain, which to me makes AZ, right next to Texas in the name of stupid. Texas is first because of the worst president ever that they voted to be their governor and look at the idiot that replaced him. Yes, a majority of Michigan was stupid enough to vote Snyder in as governor, we will see in 2014 just how stupid we are.

And here is a clue you right wing idiots, just about every one of you repeat the words you hear on hate media, I bet if you were honest the closest thing you came to in seeing that hearing was the sound bites that was shown on hate. All of you are big on stupid, that is why they call you the republican party and one of your own calls you the party of stupid. From the sounds of things, you are not going to improve, you are just going to keep on losing.

  • 11 votes
#1.49 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:26 PM EST

Monterey, you must be one of those fascist idiots that thinks that corporate America likes you, and no, 51% of the people voted for progress, 47% voted against it.

  • 15 votes
#1.51 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:54 PM EST

How can anyone vote Republican is beyond me, this party is nothing but losers !!!

  • 14 votes
#1.52 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:10 PM EST

Johntho, your comment at #1.6

Big Dave, you are wrong, McCain is the issue here, and so is your hate for anything Obama, you two share the same idiotic belief.

You faaaaaaaar left liberals think the conservatives hate Obama more than you hate EVERYTHING conservative or republican. The hate and vitrol coming from the likes of you, Feisty, and Beverly to name only three is more than a human should express. You must be on tranquilizers constantly or your skull would burst wide open from constantly slapping yourself.

  • 6 votes
#1.53 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:16 PM EST

JH - pathetic sheep is an apt description of you! Surprised you admitted it!

  • 9 votes
#1.54 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:17 PM EST

Jan, you have got to realize that the republican/teabag philosophy today is not your grandfathers republican party, This once proud party has degenerated due to the constant lies and half truths being told by the likes of Rush Limbaugh. Those that were republicans before Ronald Reagan, cared about this country and its people The fascist of today that call themselves republicans today couldn't carry water for those of yesteryear. They only care about themselves and big money.

  • 15 votes
#1.55 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:19 PM EST

Imnotlost, you sure are lost in a sea of stupid, Jindal said so himself. You are right about one thing, I have absolutely no use for the likes of you. Quite frankly you hate America, wanting Obama to fail and with him America fails is a good example. You are nothing more then another bigot and if you were honest you would admit that your hate for Obama is based on that.

  • 9 votes
#1.56 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:24 PM EST

Rep loved Hagel now that Obama nominated him, a REPUBLICAN< he must be evil.

FLIP FLOP

Proof they hate any sign of bipartisanship

THeir way or the highway.

Party of No

Party of NO WE DON'T WANT THEM

  • 12 votes
#1.57 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:44 PM EST

TYPICAL THOSE WITH NO FACTS, UNEDUCATED, ILLITERATES, POST THEIR NON FACTUAL EMOTIVE OPINIONS ON NEWSVINE'S "GET SMARTER HERE".

Just like Secretary of Defense Gates Tendering his Letter of Resignation due to his opposition to President Obama's Policies, regardless of President Obama's pleading for him to stay on.

So now Secretary of Defense Penetta is defending anyone to replace him so that he can Tender his Letter of Resignation so that "he can work with a different kind of "nut"", take a rough guess which "nut" he is referring to (research Secretary of Defense Penetta's Interview). It normally takes years for the Secretary of Defense to learn that job, so now Secretary of Defense Penetta is leaving after finally learning the job (research Secretary of Defense Penetta Interview).

Secretary of Defense Penetta better hurry or he will be blamed for President Obama's Policies of: The Destruction of the US Military as chopped in half (50%); the President Obama Demanded (Ordered as Commander In Chief) 11% US Defense Budget Cuts (Secretary of Defense Penetta's Public Opposition as, 2012, "A 10% Defense Budget Cut will result in a Million (US) Civilians becoming Unemployed").

To the Uneducated, and too lazy to do the research, the US Defense Budget is MORE than just the US Military.

AND STOP YOUR UNEDUCATED B!TCHING AND MOANING ABOUT IRAQ:

President Clinton's 1998 State of the Union Address demanding support of the Holy Warriors of Islam at Bosnia, demanding the Overthrow of President Hussein justifcation WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.

Translation for the uneducated demanding the Overthrow of a Soveign Nation's Government IS a Declaration of War with that Soverign Nation, just like if the Chinese or Russians Declared the Overthrow of President Obama.

READ ALL OF PRESIDENT CLINTON'S 1998 State of the Union Address (two pages):

http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/01/27/sotu/transcripts/clinton/

The US Law Demanded by President Clinton's 1998 State of the Union Address, as "Iraqis Liberation Act of 1998" that later became 2003 US Military Operation Iraqis Freedom.

http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1057063/posts

President Clinton as Commander In Chief Failed 1998 US Military Operation Desert Fox to accomplish his US Law, H.R.4655 Section 3 US Policy Overthrow President Hussein, that resulted in the over 1.5 Billion Islamic Believers condeming the US as the Great Satan.

In response Osama Bin Laden plans his attacks on the Great Satan, the same targets as the 1993 First World Trade Center Bombings as the later 9/11 2001 Attacks after President Clinton refused US Ally offered extradiction of Osama Bin Laden, and President Clinton refused to provide Osama Bin Laden's involvement with the 1993 First World Trade Center Bombings. That US Ally was an Islamic Nation had Osama Bin Laden in detention, they wanted the US to deal with the Holy Warrior of Islam's Superstar Osama Bin Laden so that the Islamic Citizens would not overthrow them.

President Clinton continually refused Presidential Authorization for the termination of Osama Bin Laden, using the US No Assassination Policy as his excuse. The frustrated US Military Teams later go public about that after following Osama Bin Laden to many Nations that refused to provide him Asylum.

Due to President Clinton's Gutting of the US Intelligence Agencies, the local intelligence assets were no longer funded Worldwide, this left the US Blind and Deaf to the Events leading up to the 9/11 2001 Attacks. So once Osama Bin Laden received Islamic Sanctuary from the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government, no one knew where Osama Bin Laden was or what he was doing. After the Bipartisan US Congressional 9/11 Commission (Committee) Investigations, Findings, and Recommendations former President Clinton saying, "I'm a so sorry".

Prior to President Clinton, the Director of the CIA Bush that was later President Bush (41) had built up the US Intelligence Agencies that was the Envy of the World after the Fall of the USSR and the KGB. It was President Clinton's belief that the Cold War Era US Defense was no longer needed, so he Chopped the US Defense Budget, Gutted the US Intelligence Agencies, and Cut the US Military to the Bone.

The US Defense Budget chopped by President Clinton included the recommended funding for the US Army Corps of Engineer Infrastructure Projects within the US likeIrrigation Canals (Droughts), Bridges, Berms (Earthen Levees like at New Jersey that saved homes from Hurricane Sandy), Dredging of Stream and Rivers (droughts and flooding), Water Reserviors, etc. and according to the US Congressional Katrina Hearing the US Army Corps of Engineers maintenance, repairs, building new, retrofits, etc. of the Levees of New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina, the US Congressional Hearings later exonerating the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Just another President Clinton f**k up, just like his elimination of the US Laws that made Illegal the Cause of previous Depression, resulting in the current $60 Trillion to $100 Trillion Global Economic Crisis consisting of the Mortgage Crisis, Wall Street Crisis, Financial Crisis, Banking Crisis, Credit Crisis, etc.. And to make the Mortgage Crisis worse (time bomb) President Clinton demanded Loans (Mortgages) be made to those without a viable means of repaying those Loans (Mortgages). Like before after the US Laws that made Illegal the Causes of the Great Depression (1929-1939), it took years to see the Results; so after President Clinton removed (1999, 2000) those same US Laws, it took years for the Results to be seen (2008).

Again the Demoncrap LIES "Inherited from Bush"; so as usual because the Demoncraps do not know the Causes (too lazy to do the research) they do not know how to fix the problem (US Economy, President Obama after being Reelected asked Repugnant Presidential Candidate Romulan for his solutions, because President Obama and the Demoncraps have no Solutions, just the no results blame game, deflection of blame game, deflection from the actual issues, the this equals that of two mutally exclusive and unrelated things, appearance (looks and popularity) without substance (facts, logic, results) and against the Demoncraptic Party the Repugnants did it so the Demoncraps can to).

9/11 2001 Attacks. In September 2001, after the 9/11 Attacks, President Bush (43) sent in this Executive Intelligence Agency, the CIA, to Locate and Capture Osama Bin Laden; and Overthrow the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government that provided him with Islamic Sanctuary. This failed miserably, since President Clinton had previously Gutted the US Intelligence Agencies, the CIA had no local Afghan intelligence assets to link up with, no current "on ground" situational intelligence. In October 2001, we attached to the CIA's SAD/SOG go into Afghanistan with the Mission of the Overthrow of the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government, eliminate the Al Quada and Islamic Jihadist Training Camps for sponsoring the 9/11 2001 Attacks.

unclassified reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arxKhJIjIiY

In 2001 Operation Viking Hammer to eliminate the Taliban, Al Quada, Islamic Jihadists chased into Northern Iraq, that combined with the Fundamentalist Islamic Kurdistanis PKK, HPG, KGK and became Ansar Al Islam. Operation Viking Hammer almost succeeded until the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran gave them Islamic Sanctuary, many then returned to Afghanistan. Being a United Nation's Mission, NATO appointed British General McColl that did nothing to stop the Taliban, Al Quada, Islamic Jihadists from returning to Afghanistan, his British Idealistic Academic belief in Fair Fight. Many of the Holy Warriors of Islam also fled to the Shia of Iraq for Islamic Sanctuary.

The Demoncrap Propaganda (LIE) of no Taliban or Al Quada at Iraq.

To accomplish President Clinton's US Policy Section 3 US Policy Overthrow of President Hussein, Operaton Hotel California is started. After it took President Bush (43) from 2001 till 2003 to rebuild the US Military that was Cut to the Bone by President Clinton's (42) Reduction In Forces (RIFs) of the US Military to Accomplish President Clinton's Overthrow Policy as 2003 US Military Operation Iraqis Freedom.

President Bush's Mission Accomplished (Overthrow of President Hussein in accordance with President Clinton's Policy and President Clinton's US Law, H.R.4655):

Unedited Transcript (Read all five (5) pages:

http://articles.cnn.com/2003-05-01/us/bush.transcript_1_general-franks-major-combat-allies?_s=PM:US

Once again more Demoncrap Proganda (LIES) about "Mission Accomplished". President Obama's Reelection Campaign and Presidential Debates Propaganda (LIES) "Bush Unilateral Invasion of Iraq", as Iraq was a United Nation's Mission that included the "Coalition" (President Bush's Mission Accomplished Speech above link), including even the unarmed Japanese Defense Force Engineers.

The President Bush (43) gives Presidential Authorization (Executive Order) for the Mission to Locate and Capture Osama Bin Laden to the Director of the CIA, Commander US Military Special Operation Command, Commander US Military Joint Special Operations Command. It was absolutely necessary to Locate and Capture Osama Bin Laden to gain his thought processes and planning process for the US to preemptively interdict all Al Quada Activities Worldwide.

In 2006, President Bush (43) Amended the US No Assassination Policy (President Bush (43) Executive Order). Failing the Capture of Osama Bin Laden the Standing Presidential Authorization to Terminate Osama Bin Laden, as a Mission Failure (Located and Capture). President Obama just happened to be in Office when the previously Presidential Authorized (Standing President Bush (43) Executive Order) Mission was accomplished.

Reference: Harvard International Review, 2006, Article, "US No Assassination Policy On The Offensive".

BEFORE ALL THE TYPICAL NAME CALLING, DO THE RESEARCH AND OBEY THE RULES IMPOSED ON THE DEMONCRAPS BY YOUR MESSIAH AND MASTER (Everyone else that did not vote for Obama can continue the name calling, etc. without being Hypocrites):

From President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Speech:

We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate.

If you don't obey your Messiah and Master he will have his "Army" "Take You Out" (Murder you):

"President Obama, this is your army. We are ready to march. Let's take these son of bitches out and give America back to an America where we belong," US Labor Union Leader Jimmy Hoffa Junior during President Obama's Reelection Campaign, (President Obama clapping).

Chancellor Hitler, "All Loyal Germans must take back Germany from the Jews". In his speech to his Political Labor Union, National Socialist German Workers Party aka NAZIs.

  • 4 votes
#1.58 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 7:01 PM EST

Johntho:

You are nothing more then another bigot and if you were honest you would admit that your hate for Obama is based on that.

You don't even know me and yet you judge me. ou are one sorry soul.

BTW, you just proved everything I said about you is true.

  • 3 votes
#1.59 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 7:26 PM EST

David - the cuts you're whining about were suggested by and agreed to by the Republicans. The rest of your post is just nonsense. It shows you've been listing to Hannity, Beck and Limbaugh - not unexpected for low information voters as your post shows you appear to be.

imnotlost - everything Johntho said about you is right on target! Nothing you've said about him is remotely true!

  • 11 votes
#1.60 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 8:07 PM EST

Republicans attacking one of their own for being a moderate with military experience they could only wish for. Sounds like they're envious of him.

Heard on the grapevine they're also afraid that after the sequester is finally addressed, Hagel would reduce orders for the manufacture of big ticket items (new jets, new destroyers, new tanks) from the DoD's budget, but still maintain the pay and benefits of the troops. As I've heard others on the NewsVine say, anti-labor conservatives that are bought and sold by the multi-billion dollar arms industry hate people like that, and will do everything they can to support lobbies in DC, and pay off politicians, to prevent sensible war veterans like Hagel, getting into power in the DoD.

  • 8 votes
#1.61 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 8:08 PM EST

Still SeekingSanity, you won't find Sanity hanging around with the insane, uneducated, ignorant, emotive, non factual, illogical, academic idealists, etc., and all of those traits tend to rub off on you due to peer pressure.

How about this you answer these questions:

1. What was the primary reason for the Rich Elitist Founding Fathers for starting the American Revolution.

2. Why did the Rich Elitist Founding Fathers create the Republic of America (NOT a Democracy). What were the Rich Elitist Founding Fathers discussing (arguing about) when they stated, "The average citizen is too ignorant to determine the Highest Offices of the Land, President and Vice President", also name what they created as a result.

3. What later Event proved that that Rich Elitist Founding Fathers were correct about "Democracy is Mob Rule".

4. What Political Party opposed the 13th Amendment (Elimination of Slavery) and sided with the Southern Demoncraps as the Confederated States of America. And previously created the KKK to capture runaway Slaves.

5. After the US Labor Unions were destroyed as well as their previous gains by the massive Unemployment of the Great Depression, who took them over as "Profitable Businesses with Political Clout". What successful model(s) did the US Labor Unions adopt to recreate themselves, as the model(s) they us currently.

6. During what year did the US Labor Unions side with the Demoncrap Party and why.

7. To get the US out of the Great Depression what actions did President FDR do:

a. Successes:

b. Failures:

8. What event(s) occurred that Caused the Demoncrap Party to welcome the US Communist Party Members, US Socialist Party Members, etc.. State the year(s) also.

9. What President Clinton actions resulted in the Outsourcing to China, and what did President Clinton get from the Chinese in return. What did US Congress name that as.

10. Prior to and during the 2008-2009 President Campaign, why did Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton file against Candidate Obama's Violating US Law. And name that US Law.

11. According to PBS what did President Obama get in return for pushing his President's Proposal of ACA. And from whom did he get the quid pro quo. What was the primary motive for President Obama requiring the quid pro quo (state the dates (years) and quantity).

12. Name President Obama's Buddy "Mr. Corporate America", and "Mr.Corporate America" activities and what were the results (state the years also).

13. What measures have been taken by President Obama that are Unconstitutional (provide links also):

a. 2009:

b. 2011:

c. 2012:

McCullough: We are raising children in America today who are by and large historically illiterate.

By the way while answering the questions, "I think" as a non Historical Documented Opinion or Guess, is not a Fact nor Valid answer.

SeekingSanity - David - the cuts you're whining about were suggested by and agreed to by the Republicans.

Nope, go read President Obama's President's Proposal to US Congress, as used as a threat or bluff to the US Congress. With the Repugnants coming up with alternatives and after President Obama refused their alternatives, they called his Bluff. Then afterwards, the Repugnants instead of going off of President Obama's created "Fiscal Cliff" (demanded spending of unbudgeted $2.1 Trillion, in his previous President's Proposal to US Congress), the Repugnants delayed the "Fiscal Cliff" until March 2013.

Name the Dates of President Obama's President's Proposals and what they pertained to.

  • 2 votes
#1.62 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 8:32 PM EST

SeekingSanity: You too are judgemental without credentials. Please keep seeking, there is help out there for you.

  • 4 votes
#1.63 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 8:43 PM EST

David your post is absurd but nothing I don't expect from you. However, you and imnotlost are perfect examples of the fact that no matter how much I seek sanity in the Republican party, there is absolutely NONE to be found.

imnotlost - sorry, there is NO help for someone like you!

  • 9 votes
#1.64 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:00 PM EST

rradiko - Heard on the grapevine

What's the matter, rradiko, no facts to add to the discuss of Newsvine's "Get Smarter Here". So now you have to resort to rumors, scuttlebutt, uneducated emotive non factual opinions.

Answer these questions:

1. How many Too Expensive Overpaid "Fair and Living Wage" US Citizens work for US Defense not including the US Defense Industrial Complex manufacturing, you can round the numbers down if you want.

2. These numbers should not include the US Citizens employed by the US Contractors. Provide their numbers.

3. Pertaining to the US Defense Industrial Complex define

a. GOGO and

b. GOCO.

4. And who created the current US Defense Industrial Complex and why.

5. Name the date (Month, Year) of the Previous President Obama as Commander In Chief Ordered US Defense Budget Cuts and what were the results (who suffered the consequences and how many).

rradiko - still maintain the pay and benefits of the troops

6. How many US Military will remain after President Obama as Commander In Chief Ordered Reduction In Forces of the US Military, with the remaining US Military having more Deployments for Longer Tours:

President Obama's Ordered Reduction In Forces:

a. US Military __________— thrown on Unemployment further straining Veteran's Affairs.

b. DOD Civilians _____________— thrown on Unemployment.

7. Currently there are ____% of US Citizens Serving in the US Military.

8. While ______% have NEVER Served.

9. During the 2008 Campaigns what did Presidential Candidate Obama say US Military Service is as a ______— Duty for all US Citizens. And what are the Presidential Candidate Obama quotes.

10. What was Candidate Obama's Solution to force more US Citizens to US Military Service, as opposed by Presidential Candidate McPain.

Too many voters embrace feel-good propaganda that they want to hear instead of learning the basic facts about issues they care about. They should do a better job of calling out dishonest politicians -- and shunning media outlets that stoke political food fights.

http://money.msn.com/investing/11-things-wrong-with-congress

  • 1 vote
#1.65 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:07 PM EST

SeekingSanity - David your post is absurd but nothing I don't expect from you.

What's the matter too lazy to do the research to answer the questions at my post #1.62; so you must resort to personal attacks, so typical as the Demonizing of Demoncraps.

SeekingSanity Give me a H.

SeekingSanity Give me a Y.

SeekingSanity Give me a P.

SeekingSanity Give me a O.

SeekingSanity Give me a C.

SeekingSanity Give me a R.

SeekingSanity Give me a I.

SeekingSanity Give me a T.

SeekingSanity Give me a E,

WHAT ARE YOU SeekingSanity. H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.T.E. Yeah cheer, cheer, cheer.

BEFORE ALL THE TYPICAL NAME CALLING, DO THE RESEARCH AND OBEY THE RULES IMPOSED ON THE DEMONCRAPS BY YOUR MESSIAH AND MASTER (Everyone else that did not vote for Obama can continue the name calling, etc. without being Hypocrites):

From President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Speech:

We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate.

  • 2 votes
#1.66 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:17 PM EST

Well hey, if Panetta says the guy's okay then he must be, right?

It doesn't matter if Hagel is competent, it only matters that he does what he's told. So when the crap hits the fan, and it will hit the fan, they have a nice convenient little patsy to blame it on.

  • 4 votes
#1.67 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:36 PM EST

David - LOL! Your post totally proves my point. The post shows just another low information voter who looks under his bed at night for the boogeyman Rush, Hannity and Beck told him were coming to get him. So sad some people are sooooo lacking in intelligence that they actually believe such tripe!

Just another childish post! But, we expect nothing more from you!

Imnotlost - let me guess, related to David are ya? Sooooooo sad!

  • 7 votes
#1.68 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:37 PM EST

David & Imnotlost - you two aren't even a challenge so I'm saying "adieu" - play with yourselves, you're the only two who think either of you has anything to say. Back to Super Bowl!

  • 4 votes
#1.69 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:42 PM EST

Hi Markin,

Wait a second if you don't mind. McCain might be a loser. I never thought he was as bad as many conservatives thought, and he certainly isn't as good as leftists USED to claim he was when he was "The Maverick". Still, the question about Iraq isn't how THIS president has handled the war there since Bush left office, but rather how Hagel, who supported the war in the first place, was wrong in his prediction that the "surge" would be the worst foreign policy mistake since Vietnam. Hagel could have, and I think could have gained support for doing it, simply relied that his prediction was wrong, but was made in good faith.

If I were a senator I would vote "Aye" for Hagel. He will be, I think, a terrible SecDef, but he is the president's choice and the people unwisely re-elected this president. Mr. Obama's foreign policy is an evolving disaster in a great many ways, and Mr. Hagel will help produce that disaster as well. He agrees with the President, despite not knowing what the President actually thinks on major topics, and for that reason alone the President should get what he seeks. If Republicans want to control foreign policy then they should make better arguments to voters who are, unfortunately, far more interested in continuing the free lunch era of American politics.

Short of that, voters deserve the government they elected. You, and people like you, deserve the mess being created, or made worse, by Mr. Obama and his choices for leadership.

  • 1 vote
#1.70 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:49 PM EST

Hi cynical1,

I would like to ask you the same question that Lindsey Graham asked of Chuck Hagel. Can you name anyone owned by AIPAC in the US Senate? If you are right, and I think you are completely wrong, then Hagel missed a great opportunity. See, your claim is that Hagel lost from the get-go because the Zionazies (whoever the heck you think they are) and AIPAC own the GOP. So why would Hagel then be unable to identify a single person in the US Senate (let alone anoyone in history) who fits that bill?

Hint: Maybe he couldn't because it was an irresponsible comment, similar to yours, without a basis in fact, and was said for political effect. Which, oddly when you think about it, would imply you are owned by the anti-Israeli lobby.

  • 2 votes
#1.71 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:26 PM EST

Folks, Johntho and Seeking never found sanity are left wing thugs who come on here to argue not provide sensible thought provoking conversation. If it is left and liberal it must be great is all they can think. Personally I am a libertarian and find some things good from both parties but I have yet to find anything accurate in their comments that would provoke me to consider their party as forward thinking, and in most part today's version is not. They want to enable rights of pot smokers but take away rights of gun owners, think that the taxable income of Americans is endless and that not having a budget is a good way to run a budget, oh that's right what budget. As for Obama well he only brings onto his cabinet those who will follow and parrot without question so from that front these two wingnuts (LEFT) are the perfect ideological soldiers. It's too bad though that Johntho comes on here just pressing and trying to brow beat everyone like he is some sort of tough guy. I imagine quite the opposite is true, that being said don't waste your time trying to reason with those who aren't capable of such a process.

  • 3 votes
#1.72 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:34 PM EST

Seeking after reading those post I have to agree with you.

imnotlost- I know you like I shoveled the sh!t to make you. You are a right wing wonk that has nothing but a ditto mind with no ears. Your brain in your skull if shook would make the sound sound of a b b bouncing around in a box car. Whether you like it or not Obama is president and if I had my way I would declare him king for life as he is so much better then the last guy. Matter of fact Bush makes Obama look like Roosevelt. Idiots like you can not spoil my day because I do have compassion for the mentally handicapped. In my opinion anybody that isn't a billionaire ought to vote republican and if you do you are too stupid to tie your own shoes or do basic everyday task.

  • 4 votes
#1.73 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:46 PM EST

"but take away rights of gun owners" This is where you are wrong, it is not taking away anybodies right to regulate those guns off of the street. It is giving 1st graders the right to go to school without getting shot multiple times. Speaking of can't have a decent conversation. When somebody is stupid enough to believe they have a right to a tank, rocket launcher, bazooka, etc. Those guns are weapons of war, they have only one purpose and that is to kill as many 1st graders as possible in a short time. You have no right to do that, nor to own the tools that makes it all possible. I personally hope that they do ban them and start building prisons for people who resist turning them in.

  • 4 votes
#1.74 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:51 PM EST

Stop Funding - your moniker says it all. First, I've never ever mentioned pot in any post. And, I have no problem with anyone owning a handgun or hunting rifle as long as they pass a background check and register the gun. Not taking away anyone's rights.

As for a budget, the President has proposed one every year. After that it is up to congress to either pass it or propose an amended one. I find it funny that you support Republicans who don't give a d*mn about any of you and say so during every campaign .

I pay taxes and think everyone who is working should. And, I think the Republicans in Congress should get off their a**es and pass the proposals the President has made to increase jobs instead of tabling them - 7 times, the last time in November.

No go away because you show - yet again - that you have nothing of value to say - that your posts are lies and nothing more. Again, no sanity in the GOP as you prove every time you show up!

Bye bye LITTLE boys! LOL

  • 6 votes
#1.75 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:52 PM EST

OH GOD, is this what it has come to? Trying to defend an A-hole who blunders in his comments is a very foolish enterprise. As far as McCain goes, he has been lost to himself since Viet-Nam.

    #1.76 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:21 PM EST

    Hi Johntho,

    I don't know what you are talking about. Who wants a tank? Or rocket launcher? These things are legal if you want to jump through all the hoops it would take to get them. But this debate isn't about those things. And, truly, I do wish you wanted only to protect those little kids (or any other innocents). I don't think this is the case, and I take no pleasure in that conclusion.

    I would like to be wrong, but I think the problem isn't guns. If it were then we should be seeing lots of girls or women shooting the hell out of schools, malls, theaters, etc. We don't. If guns were the problem we should be seeing lots of older and married men doing the same. We don't. And yet leftists, like you, want to focus on the guns. How about the culture instead? Gun crimes shot up in the mid-60s. And until 1934 you could even buy a machine gun and have it mailed to you, yet except for criminal to criminal violence there wasn't much gun vioence to face. Something happened. And while gun violence is less today than 30 years ago it is still higher than 50 years ago. If you REALLY cared about those little kids you would ask, and try to answer...why?

    Some of it is mental health. Some of it is cultural violence in movies, music, games, etc. I think some of it is single parenthood. And perhaps the self-esteem movement which favored given self esteem over earned self esteem. Maybe the educational system too, where so many people emerge functiionally illiterate. How about computers too, which allow people who are dislocated in the first place to isolate themselves yet further? The point is that there are many causes, none of which are the guns themselves, since if the problem were guns then we should've seen higher rates of gun violence when, in the past, guns were both more available and just as lethal.

    Are you prepared to talk about all the causes? I ask because most of them, from my view, are positions held by liberals in America more than conservatives. Like welfare, abortion, and so on.

    • 2 votes
    #1.77 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 12:03 AM EST

    SeekingSanity, rradiko and those that voted for you Uneducated Posts.

    *******************************YOUR GRADES: F MINUS****************************

    Lack a Cognitive Research Skill, cannot Research Basic Information.

    Cannot provide Basic Information.

    Cannot Research Basic History.

    Cannot provide and proof nor evidence of unsupported uneducated non factual opinions.

    example:

    SeekingSanity - As for a budget, the President has proposed one every year.

    As voted against by the Demoncraptic Party Controlled US Senate. Same with President Obama's "Jobs" Bills. Same with the US House of Representatives "Jobs" Bills.

    • 1 vote
    #1.78 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 3:32 AM EST

    add to post#1.78

    typo correction: SeekingSanity, rradiko and those that voted for you your Uneducated Posts.

    • 1 vote
    #1.79 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 3:39 AM EST

    I find it humorous that SeekingSanity's only response was to say others were uneducated, yet... totally lacked an educated thought or idea that contradicted.

    Actually, David was spot on with historical data, especially Clinton. Heck, anyone just has to look up Clinton's repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, and follow the dominoes to the forming of the Hybrid FHA loans.. the very same loans blamed for the Housing Crisis...

    Also, still waiting to see if Sanity really knows what US Law Hillary Clinton accused Obama of, in 2008. And the major source of tension.

    Then again, maybe sanity doesn't wish to know the real truth of what he backs. It's easier to accuse others of being unintelligent, all the while the real intelligent people are laughing out loud...

    But, still holindg out that he might have enough courage to try and attempt to find justification... heck, at least bluff, or lie, like the rest of the Democrats do... then accuse the rest of the same. So the rest of the sheep can echo your lies.

    Just FYI, thousands of people echoing the same untrue statment, does not qualify it as truth... it's still a lie and when you support it blindly, you bear equal burden to their lies.

    • 1 vote
    #1.80 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 3:59 AM EST

    Rich-281385 - Are you prepared to talk about all the causes?

    You cannot have an actual discussion with them. You can even post links, show them pictures, videos to show them the facts, does not matter "Don't confuse me with the Facts, My mind (lack of) is made up" (they have been brainwashed with feel good propaganda).

    They MUST have Omamabird reguritate into their mouths, or predigest everything then sh!t into their mouths. That is because they lack cognitive reseasoning skills as proven by their posts above, they are also worse than Islamic Jihadists and will defend President Obama Wrong or Right to their Deaths, as Islamic Jihadist Suicide Bombers or the National Socialist German Workers Party aka NAZIs.

    example:

    "President Obama, this is your army. We are ready to march. Let's take these son of bitches out and give America back to an America where we belong," US Labor Union Leader Jimmy Hoffa Junior during President Obama's Reelection Campaign, (President Obama clapping).

    It does NOT matter as to the Facts, like:

    “This isn’t just about guns,” Biden said on Thursday at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. “It’s about the coarsing of our culture.

    “Yes, that’s what I said, the coarsening of our culture, whether it’s with video games or movies or behavior,” Biden said.

    And why is that (Cause), go ahead and ask some US Citizens who the Vice President of the US is.

    That is the proof of the Dumbing down of the US, as Caused by those worse than Islamic Jihadists (Following Blindly, a Psychological Profile) like SeekingSanity, rradiko, Johntho, that never had any Leadership Skills (that require a high level of personal responsibility and being held 100% accountable).

    And it does not matter the Documented Historical Facts like those US Laws Restricting the Ownership of those weapons that Johntho mentioned, those without cognitive reasoning skills must state the extreme emotive examples due to their own lack of any individual thought, logic or capabilities to even do basic research. So lacking Higher Intelligence Skills, the uneducated like Johntho MUST state their Emotive Non Factual Opinions.

    Just observe for yourself, their typical behavior (in writing posts) as Emotion not Logic, Appearance (looks) not Substance (Actual Performance, Results), Opinions not Facts, Excuses not Results, Academic Idealism Not Real World Experience, Popularity not Reason, etc..

    example of proof post#1.146:

    Sarah-3043284 - "academic idealism" the rest of the world calls FACTS.

    http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/31/16790696-under-fire-from-republicans-hagel-ends-marathon-confirmation-hearing?threadId=3657058&commentId=73932215#c73932215

    Good luck Rich-281385 in having any logical adult discussions with them.

    • 2 votes
    #1.81 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 4:56 AM EST

    If Panetta likes him, find someone else.

    • 1 vote
    #1.82 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 5:26 AM EST

    ljstauth,

    Do not give them the answers (spoon feed them). Maybe, just maybe, they might develop their own cognitive research skills or cognitive reasoning skills; and gain some firsthand experience as survival mechanisms (as the means not to win a Darwin Award).

    In the future if they ever develop their cognitive research skills and or cognitive reasoning skills, maybe when anyone mentions Causative Timelines (determine Causes as Historical Forensics, in order to determine how to fix or repair the problems, as Cause + Effects (Symptoms) = Results so Cause + Effects = Result therefore no problem (adverse Result).) or Predictive Timeline Models (Logic including human behavior (Logic (including advanced mathematics, symbolic), Philosophy (ultimate truth, grandfather of the sciences), Psychology (individual thought processes), Sociology (group thought processes and dynamics), History (including previous documented decision making), and the Interrelated Systems Management Approach) determining what happens next), they will not respond with "Ah, duh, what's that?",

    or start their name calling as failed attempts to make themselves appear smarter, by denigrating others just like my previous students being called "Uppity N word" by other African Americans or "Urkels" while being beaten before and after school, some murdered for refusing to dumb themselves down and "making everyone else look stup!d" (comment made in Court by one of those (separate trials for the others involved) convicted for the murder of one of my students). I used to teach before at Inner City Combat Zone Schools (pre Metal Detectors) until the constant Recalls to Active Duty ended my Civilian Teaching Career (previous US Military Program for US Military Retirees and Former US Miltary to become Teachers), so now my passion for Teaching has me as part of our Humanitarian Assistance Mission of US Military Asymmetric Mountain Warfare teaching Afghans to develop their own cognitive skills so that they can get out of here or figure out how to fix and repair their own Nation (A Strategic Asymmetric Warfare Goal as to why we will be still here for decades after our supporting US Military Conventional Warfare Forces abandon US Ally Afghanistan again by 2014, due to the United Nations, US and NATO Losses of the necessary supporting US Military Logistics Support Bases at Pakistan due to President Obama's Failed Foreign Policies (the first failed Policy February-March 2009, of course most will refuse to research since this did not affect them directly by getting people killed yet (will happen within the US soon, fact not opinion refocus of their efforts after President Obama's Reelection "Osama Bin Laden is Dead, GM is Alive", resulting in the response "Obama Declared War Against Islam", "Obama, Obama, We Are All Osama" and the actions of violent demonstrations, and the attack of the US Consulate Benghazi (causative timeline)(predictive timeline, their decision matrices (options) and Perth Charts (based on previous actions and decisions), refocus attacks at the US).

    Of course we could always end up like Kurt Vonnegut's 1961 Book, Harrison Bergeron (if you ever read that, Kurt Vonnegut mentioned in his "fictious" History: "The Great Recession", something similiar to the Occupy Wall Street aka "99%ers" (not really the actual 99% as a vocal small percentage lacking cognitive reasoning skills to figure out where their own money is coming from) with their "Equality Riots" demanding the "Equality Laws") or the 2006 movie Idiocracy (ljstauth and I with today's average cognitive reseasoning skills would be geniuses, and you can see that happening with SeekingSanity, rradiko et al posts.).

    You will bust out laughing go watch the 2006 movie Idiocracy while thinking of SeekingSanity, rradiko et al.

    Good luck ljstauth convincing them.

    • 1 vote
    #1.83 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 7:00 AM EST

    Rich-281385

    Everything but the real problem. GUNS, not hunting and sporting rifles and shot guns but weapons of war on the streets of our cities and in our towns in the country. Not guns for shooting Bambi but guns for shooting 1st graders, shooting each one as many as 11 times. How sick of you to think anything different. Yes, the shooters were nuts but the common denominator was assault rifles, guns capable of killing a lot of humans in a short time. Guns in the wrong hands are the problem and they get into the wrong hands as easy as money. Guns, not my double barrel 20, or my Winchester 30-30., five shots. But a gun capable of 30-100 rounds as fast as one can pull the trigger, faster if one learns bump shooting. Guns

    • 1 vote
    #1.84 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 8:56 AM EST

    Even your casual followers of political news know that the Obama position on Iran is not one of containment. So the very fact that Hagel did not know that,. among other things, should disqualify him for the position. In fact, his performance was so dismal that Mr. Obama should be embarrassed and withdraw the nomination. What Senator, right or left, can vote in favor of such incompetence?

    The more interesting comments to come out of the Meet The Press interview were those of Gen Dempsey, who refused to outright endorse Hagel. Of course Panetta is going to endorse him. he is an Obama appointee. No surprise there. But Dempsey, on the other hand, is not willing to say that he is confident that Hagel is the right guy for the job. Not to mention that he implicitly states that Hagel didn't do his homework. Is this the guy, someone that doesn't do their homework, we want heading the military? Mr. Obama, do us all a favor, withdraw the nomination.

    GEN. DEMPSEY: I spent some time with Senator Hagel-- well, I have spent time with Senator Hagel including when he was teaching over at Georgetown on strategic issues. And in-- in prep-- in helping prepare him for his confirmation hearings, we had several opportunities to talk about strategy. And I found him well-prepared and very thoughtful about it.

    TODD: Was his answers to you better than the answers you saw there?

    GEN. DEMPSEY: Well, I’m not going to grade his homework. But I will say that in my conversations with him, he was well prepared, articulate, concise...

    TODD: And you’re confident that he can do the job?

    GEN. DEMPSEY: I’m not going to speak about confidence. He’s-- he could be my boss. And then when is the last time you saw a subordinate discuss their confidence in their potential boss? But I think he’s got great credentials. My personal contacts with him have been very positive. And if he’s confirmed, I look forward to working with him.

    • 1 vote
    #1.85 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 10:02 AM EST

    LOL! SeekingSanity's posts have been the equivalent of "I'm rubber, your glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you!"

    @Johntho. Wow, king for life? Scary! Of course, having Bush as king for life would have been equally as scary.

    • 1 vote
    #1.87 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 12:45 PM EST
    Reply

    Doesn't matter who President Obama would have picked, McCain would have issues with him or her. If I was going in front of McCain I would just simply not answer his questions and only answer others Senators. McCain needs to eat a healthy bowl of STFU.

    • 47 votes
    #2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:43 AM EST

    There were other, better-qualified candidates without the self-imposed albatross around the neck. Please do not oversimplify the fact Hagel is the nominee and he has serious perspective issues that need examination. It is NOT that POTUS nominated him. Thanks.

    • 8 votes
    #2.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:13 AM EST

    If anyone watched Hagel mumble and stumble through the senate hearings last week then how can they say he is going to make a good SecDef?? I doubt that they even watched that farce or how can they defend Hagel who was probably so bad it is all the talk in Washington DC??

    • 11 votes
    #2.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:16 AM EST

    McCain is ans has never been relevant. I about passed out when he picked Palin. OMG he lost the Party in a moment of no intelligent analysis. Thought if he picked her then the rest of a Cabinet was sure to take the Country down! He needs Graham to be at his side to bring up any points at all.

    I do agree with the Graham comments about hagel. Hagel is pathetic.

    • 7 votes
    #2.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:32 AM EST

    You have to question McCain's judgement. After all he put the Nation in danger by picking Sarah Palin as a running mate.

    • 30 votes
    #2.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:57 AM EST

    Anybody notice that this election year all we heard about was if the candidates supports Israel. Netanyhoo openly backed Romney and Romney went to Israel just prior to running for the presidency. Hagle was grilled by the people bought and paid for by AIPAC. I wish so bad that when he was asked who AIPAC intimidates, he would have told them McCain,Gram and many others. Lets stop supporting the biggest terrorist in the middle east, Israel and we will have peace and prosperity. Read "If Americans Only Knew" to find the truth about Israel.

    • 6 votes
    #2.5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:39 PM EST

    I don't care whether It's Panetta, Hagel, or God. Disagreement and non justification of Bush/Cheney militarism before a gang of republicans is akin to a chitlin slinging among a pack of dogs. Won't have much to cook when you're done.

    • 3 votes
    #2.6 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 2:41 PM EST

    the Marxist - you're an ignorant buffoon who doesn't even know what half the words you post mean. Our President is very good for the country. The anti-American here appears to be you. Plus, you clearly lack the intelligence of a rock!

    • 19 votes
    #2.8 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 3:45 PM EST

    A John McCain and Sarah Palin ticket would have destroyed us, thank God that didn't happen !!!

    The Republican war on the American people will fail, this party has become the enemy of our Nation !!!

    GOP wishes only harm on our Country and accomplished nothing except bankrupting our Nation !!!

    • 14 votes
    #2.9 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:17 PM EST

    @Obama the Marxist: If stupidity sells you got rich's galore.

    • 16 votes
    #2.11 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:14 PM EST

    Mac - Isn't that the truth?

    the Marxist shows how totally looney he is every time he posts. His hatred of Obama is clear and the reason even clearer. He would have voted for McCain and Romney. Pretty much say everything about the Marxist, doesn't it? LOL

    • 12 votes
    #2.12 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:43 PM EST

    Let me get this straight, Obama the Marxist, an obvious high school drop out is calling a Harvard Law School graduate a f-ing moron. Must of got that from Rush, because he couldn't possible understand the ramifications and isn't intelligent enough to make that sh!t up. Hmmmm. Let me see here, OtM, when and if you ever accomplish anything in life, except of course the usual fox news hate oratory, perhaps you will be good enough to clean this presidents toilets. Until then I suggest you let the grownups talk before you get slapped back any more. A huge dose of STFU for you.

    • 14 votes
    #2.13 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:50 PM EST

    Johntho - well said! You can't see me but I'm giving you a bow!

    • 9 votes
    #2.14 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:21 PM EST

    Thanks Seeking, well time for the Super bowl. Go Lions, well, oh well. Go ravens, next best thing to what could have been.

    • 8 votes
    #2.15 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:29 PM EST

    Maran

    There were other, better-qualified candidates without the self-imposed albatross around the neck.

    Right, this from the idiots who wanted Palin to be our Vice President. Anybody that the cons would want is automatically disqualified because of the McCain/Palin debacle. Their idea of qualified is a sad, sad commentary on the Republican Party.

    The GOP. They might be "Old" but they sure aren't "Grand" any longer.

    • 6 votes
    #2.16 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:24 PM EST

    Dennis - GOP - Grumpy Old Perverts!

    • 6 votes
    #2.17 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:39 PM EST

    @SeekingSanity

    The sad fact is, this country needs two healthy parties to balance each other. Unfortunately the Republicans have gone from being the "Loyal Opposition" to the "Disloyal Obstructionists." They have stopped caring about what is best for Americans and only care about what is best for their party, which doesn't translate into good news for Americans.

    Considering everything, if the cons on this vine hate Hagel, he's a great choice in my book. A decorated Vietnam Vet, he's one of us. I love that.

    Obama the Marxist

    You wouldn't know a Marxist if one was slapping you upside your ignorant head. You clowns don't even know one from the other.

    • 5 votes
    #2.18 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:59 PM EST

    Dennis - we do need two healthy parties but the GOP hasn't been healthy for a long time. There are more and more people leaving the party because it is only representing the far right and has stopped being viable. It is sad but I think they are near the end of their time. I wouldn't be surprised if another party emerged to replace the GOP because they are so out of touch with reality!

    • 3 votes
    #2.19 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:55 PM EST

    Hopefully the new party will think more of the American people and less of people like Grover Norquist/Rush Limbaugh.

    • 5 votes
    #2.20 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:07 PM EST

    SeekingSanity

    It is sad but I think they are near the end of their time. I wouldn't be surprised if another party emerged to replace the GOP because they are so out of touch with reality!

    ROTFLMAO!!! Ummm, speaking of being out of touch with reality. Take a history lesson if you actually think things are all that bad now!

    • 2 votes
    #2.21 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 12:26 AM EST
    Reply

    I like Panetta,but Hagel is a joke.

    • 8 votes
    Reply#3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:03 AM EST

    So true! I agree with you!

    • 3 votes
    #3.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:25 AM EST
    Reply

    I thought Hagel gave a horrific performance during the Senate Hearings to confirm him as the next SecDef and if he is confirmed it will be an insult to those in the military or served in the military. Hagel is not capable or equiped to be the SecDef IMHO

    • 8 votes
    Reply#4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:14 AM EST

    Hagel just looked stoned! He gave non specific answers and acted as if he did not want the job. No enthusiasm. I so hope he is not voted in! Obama is insulting the American Public. No discussion on the coming budget. What's with that?

    • 8 votes
    #4.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:19 AM EST

    Damn'd if it ain't Crash and Eddy, I suppose that you sat in front of your TVs for 8 Hrs and watched with nail biting intensity. You are just like all the Trolls, pack up you keyboards and go to Fox. I promise I won't bother you there. You're just jealous that the Republicans didn't get their ring in the nose guy put up. LOL

    • 17 votes
    #4.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:42 AM EST

    It was difficult for Hagel to answer the questions, because he didn't really believe in the answers they wanted. Hagel's concerns are for the welfare of America, McCain and Graham are concerned for their perceived notions of what is good for Israel.

    Both McCain and Graham are firmly in the pocket of AIPAC and Israel. They both want to see America attack Iran, just as they were for the war in Iraq. They are neoconservatives, just like Paul Wolfowitz and Douglas Feith, 2 architects of the war in Iraq.

    Hagel had to attempt to pacify the chicken hawk, neocons, who want more wars for Israel.

    When Graham asked Hagel to name one Senator who was afraid of AIPAC, Hagel could have named just about everyone in the Senate, but he chose to defer. He wants the post and I hope he gets it.

    I thought McCain and the mealy mouthed Lindsey Graham looked pretty stupid, with their blatant pandering to Israel on full display for all of America to view. I believe it put many Americans on notice that we have a problem in the USA and the problem is our unconditional support for the parasitic Nation of Israel.

    No more wars for Israel and vote out Israeli suck ups like McCain and Graham. That is the only way to end the madness.

    • 17 votes
    #4.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:56 AM EST

    An insult to the military. You tell that to the platoon he saved while earning two purple hearts in an extremely unpopular war. This man put his money where his mouth is. McCain did too, but the senility is hurting his judgement. Hagel was dead on right about Iraq and 9-11 and that's why the repubs hate him. He stood up for America instead of the party like he did when he was in Vietnam

    • 18 votes
    #4.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:05 PM EST

    Ralph, you obviously are not aware that the prime qualification to serve in the Obama regime is to appear to be more stupid than he is so it becomes a little easier for Axelshaft to continue his farcical contention that he is the "smartest guy in the room". Hagel firmly established his bone fides on the stupidity count before the Senate Armed Services committee.

    I think you need a primer on the consequences of what you are saying, as you "sheep" the party line for the President. I heartily suggest you read THE GRAND JIHAD by Andrew McCarthy to get some idea of what our Country is up against. Right now Israel is the ONLY reliable ally we have in that area, up against the bed of Islamic death and destruction that is being mounted for an eventual world-wide "grand Jihad" meant to have Islam completely run the planet.

    My own belief is that we already have our "Ayatollah" lurking at 1600 Pennsylvania and Hagel will be one of his Imams.

    You want to "end the madness"? You haven't seen the "madness" in store for all of us at the hands of people who think nothing of using children for suicide bombs and the surreptitious slaughter of millions of people who refuse to "submit", who intend to keep women in abject ignorance and forever slaves to men and who live by a moral code designed in the 7th century. Now, THERE'S madness!!

    • 3 votes
    #4.5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:21 PM EST

    Jay - apparently in order to make a post like yours you have to truly be the more ignorant person in the room. You've shown that now, twice. It isn't a better post this time than it was the first - it's purely idiotic - much like you come across as being. so, go away and try to actually grow some intelligence. It's definitely too late but at least try.

    You look just like the town fool!

    • 13 votes
    #4.6 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 3:48 PM EST

    @Jay the First: Being the first does that mean you're the only? If so, I'll give you $10.00 to leave it that way. Don't procreate.

    • 6 votes
    #4.7 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 5:53 PM EST

    Freedoman, you are dead-on right about Hagel. Before the Iraq war started, Hagel gave a very in depth, knowledgeable and intelligent talk on why getting involved in the Iraq war would be a terrible mistake, and everything he said came true. Hagel is a proven fiscal conservative, including and most importantly concerning the military as well. Our federal debt crises require we cut spending. Republicans seem to want to cut spending only by robbing seniors of their lifetime investments of 15% of their incomes to provide the most vital safety net for those who are old and feeble and to take away the ability to pay for healthcare from future seniors and by starving poor children, seniors and handicapped people. Hagel has enough integrity to also look at one of the biggest sources of federal debt that that can be cut without hurting America, and that is defense spending, and that makes the warmongers and military-industrial complex supporters seethe with insane rage.

    • 3 votes
    #4.8 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 8:11 PM EST

    Ralph wins this thread by a mile. Jay leave this nation now, you obviously care more for another nation in the ME than you do for the welfare of this country.

    • 3 votes
    #4.9 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:44 PM EST
    Reply

    The next time Hagel testifies to Congress, he needs to borrow a set from Hillary.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:18 AM EST

    Hagel has more testes than Paul or Cruz will ever have.

    • 3 votes
    #5.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:45 PM EST
    Reply

    There is nothing wrong with Hagel. America continues to witness idiots who were once revered as good politicians whom have become non productive seniors getting paid big bucks to "control" and "are dis-enchanted" with our President. Frankly, they have become stupid and continually miss opportunities to focus on positive political achievements. Sooooooooooooooo bitter they are (McCain, McConnell, Boehner, etc...) Absolutely hilarious. Their legacy will be NEGATIVE and they will be forgotten. That's the truth.

    • 26 votes
    Reply#6 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:18 AM EST

    Hagel did not appear engaged! Wet Noodle. Not interested in the job. Would not be surprised if he withdrew his nomination. Think McCain and Graham got this one right!

    • 6 votes
    #6.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:21 AM EST

    Don't forget Lindsey Graham. Not as old, but headed that way.

    • 15 votes
    #6.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:21 AM EST

    And Lindsey should just come out of the closet and be done with it.

    • 6 votes
    #6.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 4:06 PM EST

    @don'tlikehypocrites#6.3: Graham and McCain are enjoying too bawdy a time with each other in that closet to come out any time soon.

    • 3 votes
    #6.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:00 PM EST
    Reply

    Why haggle over Hagel? All are mere puppets and will dance to the dangler.

    • 4 votes
    Reply#7 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:19 AM EST

    I really don't consider you and the other Trolls here to be Americans. That includes Boehner and his Cronies. I wish you'd all take a Flying F**K on a rolling doounut.

    • 11 votes
    #7.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:45 AM EST

    I love how everyone else is a troll to you. Like its YOUR article. Do yourself a favor. Get out of grandmas basement for a couple of hours and see the sun. Maybe meet a REAL girl. Actually talk to another person face to face. The only people that call other people trolls are recluses and head cases. God, please dont let this idiot reproduce!!!

    • 3 votes
    #7.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:32 PM EST

    Finally! Some intellectual offering by all a Lib is capable of...

      #7.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:34 PM EST

      Jay - you've said nothing intelligent in your posts so you are definitely not the person to put anyone down. You apprear to be nothing but a right wing clown who isn't capable of a rational thought.

      • 10 votes
      #7.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 3:50 PM EST
      Reply

      Interesting that nomination of a man decorated for combat in a war would be considered an "insult to those in the military or served in the military." I would consider it just the opposite, an honor.

      • 24 votes
      Reply#8 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:19 AM EST

      I served in the military, and received a medal, does that mean I am a good candidate for the job as Sec of Def?

      • 2 votes
      #8.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:39 AM EST

      Sorry Big Dave, I don't think it make you a True American either. What was that award "National Defence?"

      • 6 votes
      #8.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:47 AM EST
      Reply

      Hage'sl performance at the Senate hearings was pitiful. He didn't show signs of a leader, must less the SecDef. If they confirm him, the panel is pitiful and America will be in trouble.

      McCain should be ousted from the Senate. What a bitter, old man. I can't understand why Arizonians keep electing him! They must be as ignorant as he is!

      • 6 votes
      Reply#9 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:20 AM EST

      McCain is pathetic! I do believe that he got it right about Hagel! No discussion on getting out of Afghanistan this year as we should! Just a pathetic hearing! Hagel not on his game

      • 3 votes
      #9.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:23 AM EST

      You got that right. McCain is pathetic! And so are you. No discussions on the important things because they were not initiated by your idiots McCain & Graham. Duh! Your IQ is lower that your shoe size.

      • 5 votes
      #9.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 2:48 PM EST

      Hagel was a platoon leader in real combat, your point about his leadership capabilities is invalid.

      • 3 votes
      #9.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:48 PM EST
      Reply

      Serving our country in the military, doesn't necessarily make you a good politician!

      • 2 votes
      Reply#10 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:22 AM EST

      Certainly doesn't. Consider McCain! Nevertheless, to call this nomination an "insult" to our fighting men and women is over the top.

      • 16 votes
      #10.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:24 AM EST

      Don't agree. the person should at least show some enthusiasm for the job. My god Hagel acted as though he was going to go to sleep. Pathetic. Obama is way out there on this one!

      • 3 votes
      #10.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:27 AM EST

      Donald Rumsfeld showed a lot of enthusiasm, yet I considered his service an insult to the fighting men and women.

      • 18 votes
      #10.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:30 AM EST

      You make a point. I did not like Rumsfeld either. So it's the sum of the parts for Hagel. No answers, pathetic appearance. Just a yawn in his ability to convince anyone. No over the top ideas on how to reduce the military or how to stop the wars. Hell there is nothing about this person that seems to show leadership. Powell sure seems to be better informed and a leader! This is what I look for. Obama should be admonished for this pick! So Tony what do you see in Hagel that you like??

      • 2 votes
      #10.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:37 AM EST

      Tony if you consider Rumsfeld was an insult, that is your choice. How do you fell about Hagel's answers at his hearing, that is what I would like to hear you answer.

      • 2 votes
      #10.5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:43 AM EST

      See my post #15 below.

      • 1 vote
      #10.6 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:46 AM EST

      schwtz, and being a Troll does. Enough of the likes of you, Take a long walk off a short pier.

      • 3 votes
      #10.7 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:49 AM EST

      Big Dave, how could he answer, in court that would be called badgering the witness. You listen to way to much hate media.

      • 10 votes
      #10.8 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:23 AM EST

      The Sec. of Defense is not a politician, it is a political appointment. You need to go back to school and learn about your government and how it was designed.

      • 2 votes
      #10.9 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:49 PM EST
      Reply

      Hagel is even further out there left than Obama is. "Provide for the common defense" I doubt hagel even knows what that means or where it came from!

      • 2 votes
      Reply#11 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:43 AM EST

      I don't know where those exact words came from so why don't you enlighten all of us.

      • 5 votes
      #11.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:51 AM EST
      Reply

      This is how a country kills itself from the inside out like Rome found out many many years ago. You elect leaders who have never served in the armed forces, ones that never held down a steady job and you elect the ones that have the money to buy their way in and then you let them start telling you that this is wrong and that we should do things that way and then we let them start taking our rights away as they start giving themselves things beyond most of the people and you start making the people dependent on you for food and housing and jobs and people loose their edge and respect and their will to move forward and just want to bury their head in the sand and they pull more and more under each day. lol its so easy to see and so many people think this is a good and great thing i just hope it hits you'll first.

      • 2 votes
      Reply#12 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:43 AM EST

      Trolls and lack of Patriotrism and knowing who you true enamy really is what brings a country like this down. You are to dumb to realize what is going on. All your looking at is what the Republicans want you to look at. Look beyond the Republicans and Government and you will see.

      • 8 votes
      #12.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:55 AM EST

      tony hanners - I totally disagree with your summation. It's people like you who are destroying this country. Your uneducated babble is proof that we as a nation are suffering from a disease known as "dumbedownitis" Please expand beyond what you hear repeatedly on FOX.

      • 11 votes
      #12.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:44 AM EST

      tony hanners - your post was totally ridiculous and I'm sure you know it. You show your dislike for our country so why would anyone take anything you post seriously.

      Tonybeeerm - you're right on target. And OMG it was TOTAL babble!

      • 7 votes
      #12.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 3:54 PM EST
      Reply

      John "Lucas" McCain the N.R.A. 's "Rifleman" -N.R.A. means Noxious Republican A$$holes should stay in Arizona and retire. His ridiculous treatment of Chuck Hagel is pure B.S. I think it was great that Panetta stood up for Hagel.

      • 16 votes
      Reply#13 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:44 AM EST

      At least McCain could express his thoughts and feelings, Hagel just sucked. Like the article said, Hagel was prepped by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey, and still had that deer in the headlights look.

      • 6 votes
      #13.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:48 AM EST

      I will give this much. Hagel has been away from Politics for a while and like anyone has to be brought up to speed ( Breifed) to what has been going on. That doesnot mean that he is ignorant to what has been going on. Like you and me there are a lot of details that he privy to now that he wasn't before. Do any of you Trolls have even one funtioning Brain Cell?

      • 10 votes
      #13.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:59 AM EST

      My guess is Hagel was prepped by General Dempsey on questions that could expect to be asked by reasonable people, thus he was at a loss when he was asked totally unreasonable questions. One would think in a confirmation hearing one would be asked questions about how he would do the job and what he thinks about the problems facing the country and the military. Instead he was asked about things he said and what he thought about things that happened years and years ago. I don't blame him for being off his game.

      • 9 votes
      #13.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 1:25 PM EST

      Hagel said all that he had to say, no wasted effort and no rolling in the pig @!$%#e like you seem to enjoy doing.

      • 2 votes
      #13.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:52 PM EST
      Reply

      I am a Veteran and just know if I was in now I would not be comfortable with this guy at the lead. I would be concerned about the family, my pay no evident leadership, no discussion about what the new Army..or Service Branches need to look like. Just plain dry lacking answerer's. Being shot is a huge sacrifice for your country and I acknowledge him for that. That said you must be a leader and there is nothing that changes my mind about that

      • 3 votes
      Reply#14 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:45 AM EST

      You're still Eddy, I am a Vietnam Vet along with Desert Sheild/Storm and a couple of undiserable places inbetween. Being shot is not a sacrifice it is a hap hazard of the profession. I would tell my troops to get your gear were moving out and where we were going and what we were going to do was none of their business til we were somewhere else. The less said the safer it was for us. A leader doesn't say anything til the time comes, things are more secure that way, so aren't lives.

      • 4 votes
      #14.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:07 AM EST

      Chuck Hagel led a combat platoon. Did you?

      • 4 votes
      #14.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:53 PM EST
      Reply

      super x and schwtz72, thanks for your civility thus far. I expected this conversation to go up in a flame war like most every other topic discussed on Newsvine. Pleasant surprise.

      I think Hagel was probably prepared to go into a lot on current problems and challenges to the military and was caught flat-footed when Senators McCain and Graham insisted on asking questions about our military of the past. The nominees don't get to direct the conversation. I'm not particularly invested in Hagel, I just think he was unfairly ambushed.

      • 17 votes
      Reply#15 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:45 AM EST

      Tony. I think you have a point. Don't know how Hagel could have changed the conversation. I think his demeanor was not that of a leader. No enthusiasm. What is your opinion?

      • 3 votes
      #15.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:51 AM EST

      Tony don't you think a guy going from this job should be well versed in all military matters past present and future. I think the sad part was when McCain simply asked yes or no, do you stand behind your past remarks, never answered the question.

      • 2 votes
      #15.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:51 AM EST

      super x, I think you have a point too, so there are points on both sides of this issue. Sorry I can't discuss further, but I have to go.

      G'day.

      • 1 vote
      #15.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:56 AM EST

      Mc Cain has seamed to become the King of Ambushers lately. living in the past on decissions is not going to correct the mistakes caused by them.

      • 11 votes
      #15.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:10 AM EST
      Reply

      I agree with you about McCain. I don't about Hagel! Panetta was more prepared for the job. What is it that you see in Hagel that you think shows leadership. Mr 60' Veterand please articulate??

        Reply#16 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:49 AM EST

        he's not willing to go to war with Iran for Israel That's a huge plus.

        • 3 votes
        #16.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:03 PM EST
        Reply

        For all of you who feel you could do a better job throw your name in the hat!!!

        • 3 votes
        Reply#17 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:49 AM EST

        Hagel didn't throw his name in, Obama nominates a person for this position. Since Obama does not know any of us, you are talking irrelevancies.

        • 1 vote
        #17.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:54 AM EST

        I am not a Doctor but trust that people are trained to be one! The same with this job. Panetta was a obviously good fit. Hagel not so. Panetta threw his hat in the ring. Hagel acts like he want his hat pulled out of the ring!

        • 2 votes
        #17.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:54 AM EST
        Reply

        This is yet another example of why the GOP is not fit to participate in government. This was nothing less than political retribution for Hagel's DARING to express opinions that do not follow the strict right wing extremist line! Seems to me that Republicans in Congress are making a habit out of trashing wounded war veterans. Im just happy that the country is watching. Soon, we'll be rid of this version of the GOP and begin to address the many disasters they have inflicted on this great nation! They've given us nothing but death, debt, war, debt, catering to big business, debt, extremism and still more debt. Ive never seen such a dangerous political party!

        • 17 votes
        Reply#18 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:49 AM EST

        John McCain is an angry old man who probably is pissed off because he didn't get nominated for any post at the White House. When McCain ran for president, he was asked if he got elected would he recommend Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense. McCains response was Chuck would make a "great Secretary of Defense". McCain also lacked good judgement when he picked Sarah Palin for VP. She was ill qualified, quit her job as governor in the middle of her elected term leaving Alaskans in a lurch about Palins problems left behind with legalities of the way she operated while in office, and she did not have enough experience in world affairs. Now looking back, when you think about it, McCain was loosing good judgement, which has carried over to the present time. The republican senate is in jeopardy if McCain remains in office.

        After both McCain and Hagel having served in the senate for several years as republican senators, McCain threw his friend Chuck under the bus. I believe Chuck Hagel was shocked with the demeaning, scarcastic attitude McCain displayed during those proceedings. It was easy to see McCains trained mouthpiece, Kelley Ayottes questions were not much different. Her reputation is in serious question if she persues further asperations in politics. McCain's actions in the senate are not doing his party any good. He is out of control. My spouse thinks McCain has delayed PTSD.

        Chuck Hagel kept his cool during those proceedings. We now know this man does have a tough hide, which he will need when it comes to making hard decisions when it comes to the defense of this country.

        I hope Hagel gets confirmed! Others besides Panetta should step forward to give Hagel their support. I noticed John Warner, retired former Senator and others who worked in the senate with Hagel also recommended for Hagel's confirmation.

        • 14 votes
        Reply#19 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:50 AM EST

        It is true that McCain is totally irrelevant. He is an embassassment to the Republican party. He and his other two hatchmen were on a political witch hunt. They never asked any questions about current policy or current problem areas. They did a very BAD job of checking Hagel's readiness.

        • 12 votes
        Reply#20 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:52 AM EST

        They were asking about things that Senator Hagel about things he has said previously, what is the point of asking him hypothetical questions. They were trying to see what his positions are so they can cast a vote for him.

        • 1 vote
        #20.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:57 AM EST

        I agree with you on checking Hagels readiness. No questions about current policy. Hagel got a by on that!

        • 2 votes
        #20.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:59 AM EST

        Big Dave are you serious? Trying to see what his positions are? mccain has worked with him forever. mccain threw his "good friend" Hagel under the bus, he barely let the man speak. Then mccains parrots echoed his squawking nonsense.

        • 9 votes
        #20.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:32 AM EST

        Exactly, forkup, in court that would be called badgering the witness. In congress it is just called being McCained.

        • 7 votes
        #20.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:54 AM EST
        Reply

        Another point. Scott Brown has declined to run for another term in the Senate. He said it was partly because of the hyperpolitical nature of present congress. So McCllennan was trying to bobby trap Obama to show him up as bad..BUT what has happened is that good people do not want anything to do with this congress.

        THANK YOU

        Mr. SOURPUSS!

        • 4 votes
        Reply#21 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 10:56 AM EST

        You know I can't think of a Congress that would get high marks other then in WW2

        • 3 votes
        #21.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:01 AM EST

        I give this country high marks on the war in the Pacific but not in europe in WWII or WWI.

          #21.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:12 AM EST

          We are not talking about high marks. What you have missed is that this congress has the lowest approval in history.

          I think the republicans keeping our country down to prove the black man can't lead in their efforts to make him a one term president has failed badly. Why else would our re-elected President Obama have a 60% approval rating while congress is at 11%?

          Just when are the republicans going to grow up and start working for America? Our social programs and taking care of our own people did not create this debt. Starting wars and then cutting taxes so you would have no way to pay for them did. So when the market crash hit we were already behind with staggering debt brought to us by the republicans with their votes.

          But it seems the republicans only answer is to drive us into another recession with Ryans new budget and then the republicans will turn and say it is President Obama's fault and he can't lead just like we have been telling you all along.

          • 8 votes
          #21.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:22 AM EST

          Exactly! It's inconceivable to me that so many are fooled by the traitorous republican actions and misdeeds. Americans are so vain they never wonder about the worlds opinion in these matters. Foreigners who back America are appalled by the numbers of Americans who vote against their own best interests. Congress has some of the worst approval ratings of all time yet were reelected by a large margin.

          http://www.huffingtonpost.com/todd-phillips/congress-election-results_b_2114947.html

          • 5 votes
          #21.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:44 AM EST

          I can think of a congress that deserved high marks superx, the congress that put aside politics to pass civil rights legislation, and the voting rights legislation. That was a congress that cared about America more then they did their party, or being re-elected. It was very unpopular in parts of the country, but these people stood up to that. The unpopularity of today's congress can be traced to the Grover pledge and the republican party's absolute refusal to participate in doing the work of the people.

          • 8 votes
          #21.5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:52 AM EST

          Republicans couldn't be elected dog-catcher if it weren't for them gerrymandering congressional districts. Quit asking why we keep electing these losers - the game is rigged. We need to take re-districting out of the hands of politicians, and give it to non-partisan or mixed party commmittees.

          • 7 votes
          #21.6 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:57 PM EST
          Reply

          McCain, Cruz, and Ryan...You showed the american people during these confirmation hearings just what politicql whores you have become. You all need to find another job cause we dont want you anymore.

          • 12 votes
          Reply#22 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:00 AM EST

          Great post.

          • 2 votes
          #22.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:02 AM EST
          Reply

          I think Hagel would make a good sec of def as he is against war. War would be his last choice. And that my friends is why McCain (bomb, bomb Iran) hates him.

          I think I would trust the judgement of our president way before I would trust the man who picked Sarah Palin to be Vice President.

          While you seem to like Powell, the republicans threw him under the bus to start a war based on lies. Those same people who lied us to war in Iraq are still lying to us today, but only the republicans seem to believe them anymore.

          Anyone with brains can see that the republican party that lurches from one conspiracy theory to another doesn't have a clue most of the time what exactly they are talking about. Live feed from the Benghazi attack? Really a elected senator thinks that we have the whole world on live feed to be watched from the White House whenever they choose because they read it on a right wing web site. Stupid is as stupid does.

          Meanwhile back at the ranch the republicans are steadily state by state taking the rights and the health-care away from women. Women's bodies are a little more complicated than men's and yet we have men in power taking the very health-care a woman needs to live away from her. All while claiming they are the party of freedom and personal choice.

          • 13 votes
          Reply#23 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:01 AM EST

          America first I would like to say that Powell has stated a few times recently that there was true intel that he believed, as did Bush, Joint Chiefs, FBI, CIA, and many other nations; but don't believe me google a video of Mr. Powell and see it yourself.

          As for Mr. Hagel and you agreeing on no war, that is fine; but with all the issues in the world today Hagel needs to be to adapt from his preference of no to fit the needs at the time.

            #23.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:08 AM EST

            I like your main Point that he does not like war. This is important!

            • 3 votes
            #23.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:08 AM EST

            I agree Saddam was a bad guy was as much real intel they could have had. But when Americans tortured and killed in the same prisons Saddam used, I had a hard time thinking we were much better than him. I mean really, Saddam bad torture, America good torture brought to us by the bush/cheney era.

            And don't forget Saddam was also the main power in the region to keep Iran in check. And don't forget the evidence that now we know their were no weapons of mass destruction. Those moving chemical labs also didn't exist. Can't forget the aluminum tube and yellow-cake lies.

            You really think that over 4000 dead Americans and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis dead was worth it to take out one guy for oil contracts for American companies?

            Well that and the base the neo-cons were building to have a base in which to take over Iran and then take their oil too. Think of where our country could be if we had taken those billions of dollars and developed alternative energy here instead of a lied to war to take the energy resources from others.

            Hagel will be just fine, most of us lived through the neo-cons didn't we? Its the ones in congress trying to destroy all the social programs to pay for their tax cuts and wars of choice that worry me now.

            • 9 votes
            #23.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:56 AM EST
            Reply

            Like I said, I don't think Hagel is that guy; but I hope Hagel gets in but Obama needs to be ready to take to the mic and explain when Hagel makes a boo-boo.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#24 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:02 AM EST

            Obama will never take the mike and take responsibility for anything!

            • 6 votes
            #24.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:08 AM EST

            your an idiot

            • 2 votes
            #24.2 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:07 PM EST

            Brad - 1037441 - oh, like Bush took the blame for 9/11 when he ignored the CIA warnings???? If you had been paying attention, President Obama HAS taken the blame for several situations. Oh, that's right - you just don't bother to listen!

            • 2 votes
            #24.3 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 6:28 PM EST

            what has he taken the blame for? give me one example. Blaming Bush does not count.

            • 2 votes
            #24.4 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:13 PM EST

            Obama has taken the responsibility of blaming George Bush

            • 2 votes
            #24.5 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 9:28 PM EST
            Reply

            I know this is not relevant to this discussion but I think Menendez is not fit for the Senate either. My what a terrible example of a Top Leader. He will go down. Not good when the FBI is looking into your status!

            Some leaks from his Staff Classified as whistle Blower are to come forward. Lets see what that is about. This is rumored to come out in the next week

            • 2 votes
            Reply#25 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 11:04 AM EST

            Leaks and rumors. Sounds like just another conspiracy theory to me until we get the real facts. If someone made a false claim and the FBI has to look into your status, why is Mendendez the bad guy?

            Whats that old adage, a lie is in the next county while the truth is just putting on its shoes.

            • 4 votes
            #25.1 - Sun Feb 3, 2013 12:18 PM EST

            Americans First 3238795----Will never happen-----Kerry made a statment that------ The United States needs to be more generous with its foeign aid---with Americans living tents--cars---in the Daytona beach area---also New Smyrna Beach--Edgewater-Florida areas--also women living in the woods---while Obama just gave Turkey $175,000,000,00 dollars to take care of the Syrian refugees---$125,000,000.00 to Myanmar----And thousands of immigrants are coming from Syria --Iraque--Myanmar--all to feed and cloth Our Federal Goverment is scred up--sending Americans to die fighting in Afghanistan--while the President of Afghanistan called the American fighting men ( DEAMONS ) and that all of the coruption is caused by the Americans--they hate us but we keeping doling out money and equipment to the Afgans

              #25.2 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 2:58 AM EST

              Alan - How come you didn't mention the 4 billion ( 1 billion for "Iron Dome") we gave to Israel last year and every year before for the past decades?You just mentioned the chicken feed to nations truly in need. We also guaranteed loans, with America picking up the tab for fees and interest. Israelis really love us.

              If we were to adopt an even handed approach to the countries in the ME, I am quite sure you would see Israel turn on us like the mad dog nation they have become. Here is an example:

              Preeminent military Israeli historian, Martin van Creveld, in 2010 said Israel could
              find itself one day forced to exterminate the European continent using all
              kinds of weapons including its nuclear arsenal if it felt its demise neared,”
              and stressed that “Israel also considers Europe a hostile target.”

              “We have hundreds of nuclear warheads and
              missiles that can reach different targets in the heart of the European
              continent, including beyond the borders of Rome, the Italian capital,” Creveld
              said, adding that most of the European capitals would become preferred targets
              for the Israeli air force.

              He has close ties with the Israeli military.

              Israel's economy is
              thriving in a global economic meltdown. The Jewish state's 2009-12 economic
              growth of 14.7 percent leads all the advanced countries of the world, followed
              by Australia with 10.7; Canada 4.8; United States 3.2; Germany 2.7; France 0.3;
              European Union minus 1.5 percent.

              • 1 vote
              #25.3 - Mon Feb 4, 2013 12:00 PM EST
              Reply
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