Senate panel OK's Hagel nomination; GOP senators could delay floor vote

The Senate Armed Services Committee votes in favor of the nomination of Chuck Hagel as defense secretary.

After an angry two-hour debate, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to approve the nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense Tuesday, setting the stage for a Senate floor vote on his confirmation, possibly later this week.

The vote was along party lines, 14 to 11, with another likely “no” vote from Sen. David Vitter, R-La. to be added later.

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Armed Services Committee chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said although some Republican senators strongly oppose Obama’s policies, the vote on Hagel nomination “will not change those policies.”

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Former Senator Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing to become the next secretary of defense on Capitol Hill Jan. 31, 2013.

Levin added that he saw a risk that the defeat of Hagel’s nomination would leave the Defense Department “leaderless” at a time of budget pressures and when “our military is engaged in combat operations overseas.”

Levin said that especially on the day that North Korea had detonated a nuclear device, a delay in approving the nomination would “send the exact wrong message to North Korea.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., cited Hagel’s service as an Army soldier in the Vietnam War as a prime reason to vote for him. “That told me right there everything I needed to know – that he would not hesitate to defend this country,” said Manchin.

But a leading Hagel opponent, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said confirming the former Nebraska senator as defense secretary “will make military conflict in the next four years substantially more likely” because it would encourage the Tehran regime to accelerate its nuclear weapons development program.

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee engage in a sharp discussion regarding Chuck Hagel's nomination as defense secretary and his disclosure of personal income.

Cruz also insinuated that Hagel might have given as-yet undisclosed speeches to “extreme or radical groups” or received money from foreign sources or from defense contractors in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Senate rules require a cabinet nominee to disclose fees and payments he received in excess of $5,000 in the two years prior to the nomination. Hagel complied with that rule, but Cruz sought information about payments he’d gotten in the five years prior to his nomination.

Coming to Hagel’s defense, Levin countered that the nominee had told the committee that in the past ten years he has not received any compensation from foreign governments or entities controlled by a foreign government.

Following Cruz’s harsh criticism of Hagel, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., charged that “Sen. Cruz has gone over the line” by implying Hagel was too cozy with Tehran regime. “He basically has impugned the patriotism of the nominee."

Cruz then answered Nelson, denying that he’d impugned Hagel’s patriotism and said that instead he had questioned his firmness in dealing with Iran.

Levin told Cruz if he had uncovered evidence that Hagel had not truthfully answered the panel’s questions or requests for financial information, he should provide it to the committee.

Two weeks ago, Hagel delivered an often stumbling and awkward performance in his confirmation hearing before the committee, repeatedly having to retract, clarify, apologize for, or amend his views or the manner in which he phrased them.

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The low point came when Levin had to correct Hagel’s clarification on President Barack Obama’s position on Iran’s efforts to build a nuclear weapon.

“It was the most unimpressive performance that I have seen in watching many nominees who came before the committee,” said Sen. John McCain, R- Ariz., at Tuesday’s committee meeting, later adding that Hagel’s testimony was “the worst I have seen of any nominee for office.”

McCain said it was “very disturbing” that Hagel had not answered McCain’s question about the success of the U.S. troop surge in Iraq in 2007.

The Arizona Republican also condemned what he called Hagel’s “gratuitous” rhetorical attacks on President George W. Bush.

Another Hagel foe, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said “there’s the left lane in politics, the right lane, and the middle lane – and when it comes to some of the Iranian-Israeli issues, there’s the Chuck Hagel lane … There are very few people who have been this wrong about so many different things.”

Senate Republican leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R- Ky., indicated in comments to reporters a few hours before the committee Tuesday that Republican senators might insist on extended floor debate on the nomination, perhaps requiring a cloture vote, needing 60 senators, to end debate.

“I wouldn't be surprised if we do have a cloture vote on the Hagel nomination,” McConnell said.

He added that “Every time the (the Democratic) majority files cloture, they call it a filibuster. Cloture vote actually is designed to end debate and to go to a vote.”

He explained that, “Sometimes cloture is not invoked because there has not been adequate information that been requested, yet received. Sometimes cloture is not invoked because you want to kill a nomination. There are a number of members on the committee who feel the requests for information have not yet been met.”

There are 55 senators in the Democratic caucus so if the Republicans insist on a cloture vote, then five GOP senators would need to join the Democrats in ending the debate and moving to a confirmation vote.

NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Kelly O’Donnell contributed to this story

 

Discuss this post

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McCain and Graham should retire from the senate, and at least should get off Hagel's back.

It's time-honored tradition that the President should get his own trusted people to run the various departments of the executive branch. Why should the presumed party of tradition (GOP) try to violate such time-honored political tradition??

  • 47 votes
#1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:21 PM EST

Why should the presumed party of tradition (GOP) try to violate such time-honored political tradition??

Because they are the party of stupid.

  • 36 votes
#1.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:27 PM EST

hey, Job1, no name calling please...whom are you calling stuPig? Do you mean GoPigs...ok no objection! I can't believe some of my fellow pigs are so stuPig.

Can Pigs fly? Have you heard about 'Swine-Flew'? It's about flying pigs.

  • 12 votes
#1.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:30 PM EST

All that hoopla just to be petulant? Republicans are good at stymie the democratic process. Lindsey Graham thought he could delay this process all by himself.

We need a Secretary of Defense especially with North Korea threatening the planet.

LOL Mitch McConnell, the turtle and the drama queen Lindsey Graham should feel really silly about now.

Country first? Not at all from these clowns!!!


  • 32 votes
#1.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:31 PM EST

Levin told Cruz if he had uncovered evidence that Hagel had not truthfully answered the panel’s questions or requests for financial information, he should provide it to the committee.

OK Cruzie, Sen Levin just told you in no uncertain terms "Put up or shut up"!

Stop with the character assassination of Hagel!

  • 30 votes
#1.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:35 PM EST

Can we get Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid out first? Talk about cooky!

  • 11 votes
#1.5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:37 PM EST

Beverly in Chicago

And you think Hagel is truthful and a good nomination?? Read the facts and you will see he does not tell the whole truth.. You libs just, just want libs in office at any cost no matter what it might do to our country!!

  • 14 votes
#1.6 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:40 PM EST

I think Nancy is going to be the next Pope.

  • 3 votes
#1.7 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:40 PM EST

freddy4life

I think Nancy is going to be the next Pope.

... and why not? You are the resident dope, so anything is possible.

  • 16 votes
#1.8 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:46 PM EST

The R's are like a bunch of spoiled brats .... they will hold their breath until everyone does what they say.

I'm not going to defend or condemn Hagel but every President deserves to have a cabinet that THEY choose to promote their vision / agenda. If they screw up then the opposing party deserves to get in power.

Do the R's want someone that will guarantee that Obama looks good??? That would be a switch - working to make the President successful.

When pigs fly...........................

  • 25 votes
#1.10 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:52 PM EST

For liberals Iran is tiny country that do not process any treat, and Jihad is a lovely thing, a religious cleanses.

What can we spec from this Government if the Iman Rahuf the Muslim who want to build the Cordova Center in from of the Twin Tower was the personal envoy for Obama to the Muslim world.

  • 4 votes
#1.11 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:03 PM EST

"GOP Senators could delay floor vote"...

Yeesh! After walking themselves willfully off the edge in an (another) apparent suicide attempt, they're STILL gonna scream noooo all the way to the ground?

Can't they make their minds up about ANYTHING?

  • 21 votes
#1.12 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:04 PM EST

cruz is a frickin' chicken hawk as*hole who dodged military service and trys to tear down a vietnam war hero....thats OK cruz, we're used to it after all this time and we know who the real chickens are....people like you who talk out of their as*ses an don't know what the hell is going on.....you kid, are a disgrace to our country and hopefully a one-term senator.....go back home to your mommy and hid behind her skirt, you chickenshi*t!!

  • 23 votes
#1.13 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:12 PM EST

Obama is going to get his nominee, what the heck, no big deal, he already go Tim Turbo Tax Cheater Gaithner , head of the Treasury .

  • 4 votes
#1.14 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:14 PM EST

Stewed pigs? Mmm....

Look at that picture of McNasty. Poor guy. Must me miserable all the time. Wonder why he even gets up in the morning anymore. Must suck, losing to Obama. Knowing, your choice of VP is what done you in. Oh well.

HEY! I just heard that cop killer guy watches MSNBC! I saw someone earlier today post that the guy also 'likes' Obama. Holy Sh*t. All the proof you need that the right is best choice for America. How could I have been so wrong all this time?

PLEASE God- bring back St Reagan.

I'll vote for him this time if you do. An' I won't say "Bush" no more.

I swear.

PLEEEAAAAASSSE, Mr Jesus!!!

  • 4 votes
#1.15 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:19 PM EST

Poster video for the party of no right here.

  • 2 votes
#1.16 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:20 PM EST

The GOP

would delay their own mother's funeral

if, they thought Obama was going to attend.

  • 18 votes
#1.17 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:20 PM EST

Oh, and Mr Jesus- I'll agitate for mo betta, mo bigga guns, so my fellow 'citizens' can kill more of your precious young creations.

Please, Mr Jesus- PLEASE let St Ronnie walk amongst us once more!! I'll be good.

I swear.

  • 7 votes
#1.18 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:22 PM EST

Hey Senators, just approve the Hegel Nomination.

BTW..I just tried to tell a joke in my comment #1.2. Obviously the joke didn't work. Sorry for disappointing you folks. My joke didn't get off ground flying. I ... Pigotry ... falls back to the ground...a reality check. I am just not a funny flying pig.

.

I am such a failure, just like McCain the McChiken - Gawk, gawk, gawk

Oink.

  • 4 votes
#1.19 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:29 PM EST

repubs cry all the time about the government wasting money and here they are, wasting money over their hurt feelings the the American people didn't buy their garbage. The gop, the party that praises war vets, that is, war vets who are as far rightwing nuts as they are. God forbid a decorated vet would question a republican. Why,they are traitors and need to be stripped of the medals and honor. And yet McCain talked while a prisoner of war. Had he been a Democrat the repubs would have told him he should have died first.

  • 12 votes
#1.20 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:34 PM EST

Insinuations and innuendo . . .

Cruz also insinuated that Hagel might have given as-yet undisclosed speeches to “extreme or radical groups”

Again, when you don't have a fact GOP - just make sh*t up! Works for your icons . . . Rush, Trump, Romney, etc.

  • 15 votes
#1.21 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:38 PM EST

"Can we get Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid out first?"

Well -- in the case of Harry Reid, had you run someone against him other than a fanatical, teatard idiot, he probably wouldn't be in the senate today. Nevada republicans have nobody to blame other than themselves for Harry Reid still being majority leader.

  • 10 votes
#1.22 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:40 PM EST

"For liberals Iran is tiny country that do not process any treat, and Jihad is a lovely thing..."

Jihad is a lovely thing? Post for us who said that, would you? What liberal(s) said that?

C'mon, now- y' gonna run y' mouth, y' need to back y'self up.....

  • 10 votes
#1.23 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:42 PM EST

It seems to me that this entire fiasco is only going to prove the past point that Hagel has made regarding the "Jewish" lobby's influence.

That, and Congress is in session, so they have to do something to occupy their time.

  • 8 votes
#1.24 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:53 PM EST

Layton, Cruzie is a blatant liar!.....He can't help himself, that's how is won in TX. Lying constantly to the low-information TeaPeople!

They (TeaPeople) love liars!...Hopefully Cruzie will be a 1 term Senator.

He, like Gov Oops, thinks he's ready for the National Stage......NOT!

@Kevin Q....Cruzie is Canadian.....I wonder if his mommy is there, or in TX.

  • 6 votes
#1.25 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:54 PM EST

Armed Services Committee chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said although some Republican senators strongly oppose Obama’s policies, the vote on Hagel nomination “will not change those policies.”

Of course.....if Hagel is voted down, then Mr. Obama will just find another surrogate nominee who will follow his orders to decimate the military.

Then, Mr. Obama will blame the Republicans......just as with the Sequestration Budget cuts which was Mr. Obama's idea to begin with.

  • 1 vote
#1.26 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:57 PM EST

"Americans for the Removal of Aliens" is a multiple rereg who has been banned many, many times. Moderator, please ban him again.

  • 6 votes
#1.27 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:57 PM EST

Because they are the party of stupid.

that's being kind. I can think of a few other expletives to describe them. But I won't.

  • 10 votes
#1.28 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:57 PM EST

As an independent observer, I find it all the complaints interesting. I'm sure everyone is aware that it was Charles Schumer who perfected these tactics.

  • 1 vote
#1.29 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:46 PM EST

I am a Republican. I like Kerry as SOS, and I liked Clinton. I like Lew and didn't like Geithner at SOT. I like Paneta and I DON'T LIKE HAGEL. At least I can judge people fairly, you Partisan zealots can't even do that. Everyone on the other side is bad. That is the problem in DC and you just continue that Polarization. These people are all Americans. You may not believe in their methods, but that is OK.

But I still think Hagel is the wrong guy, and unfortunately, we will find out the hard way. A soft SOD and a President who can't deal with the bad leadership in the Middle East is a bad combination. Drones, while they kill terrorists, are not the diplomatic soloution.

  • 2 votes
#1.30 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:05 PM EST

As I recall, when the Republicans were trying to persuade George W. Bush to run for the presidency, didn't he say he wasn't qualified?

  • 1 vote
#1.33 - Wed Feb 13, 2013 9:05 AM EST

The GOP is the problem... This is why nothing gets done anymore on capitol hill...

    #1.34 - Wed Feb 13, 2013 10:55 AM EST

    The Problem on Capital Hill is that both sides think they are completely right and the other side is completely wrong. Does that sound familiar to you.

      #1.35 - Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:28 AM EST

      Doesn't the gop realize they are saying, in effect, that the next time (hopefully never) they have a Republician president and control 55 senate seats, we should do the exact same thing to them? The more successful they are with that stategy now, the more tempted we will be to do that too in the future. Think of a 'future Ronald Reagan' who can't do anything he wants because of a unified group of 45 Democratic senators. Today's gop says "Forget all of that nonsense about being a 'loyal opposition' and demand it's your way or no way!".

        #1.37 - Fri Feb 15, 2013 12:36 AM EST
        Reply

        Good on you #GOP, keep truckin towards the path of electoral irrelevancy. Soon enough you'll be lucky to win the popular vote as dog catcher.

        • 30 votes
        Reply#2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:28 PM EST

        Indeed. Like an ugly person staring in the mirror hoping they get better looking.

        • 6 votes
        #2.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:53 PM EST
        Reply

        That's right, Sen. McConnell---explain those arcane Senate rules so we all understand them. We know that you are threatening an unprecedented filibuster against a qualified candidate---from your own party no less. Politics as usual from the GOP.

        • 28 votes
        Reply#3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:35 PM EST

        What "qualified candidate" you mean Hagle---you can't be serious!

        • 2 votes
        #3.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:10 PM EST

        You can't be serious to think he isn't qualified. Of course, Bush was surrounded by "chicken-hawks" calling for uprovoked Crimes Against Peace and tens of thousands of innocent deaths.

        • 3 votes
        #3.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:38 PM EST

        So what exactly is the point of confirmation hearings? Hagel to me, I have no opinion, neva hoid of em much til recently, but he seemed bumbin, stumblin, clueless, with long pauses between answers... Any of us in job interview, don't count on it, not "qualified". These hearings though, what are they, air some grievances and hire em anyway? Seems that's bout all they're good for.

        Seems to me anyone could be nominated... "Yah, mine like jews mush betta now.." Thank you and congratulations Mr Hilter.

          #3.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:40 PM EST

          its amazing the show of ignorance by the left as to the constitution. just because obozo wants hagel it does not gaurantee him the job. he has to be approved by the senate first. its a job interview,and i watched and even i wouldnt hire him. he is a dunce. gees people when the communist party and the madman in iran think he is a good choice well that would make any rational person wonder so i guess that leaves most liberals out of that equation. the speech sen. cruz is reffering is on record. being a vietnam vet with a purple heart doesnt give you instant credibility. before you go there i am a 2 tour nam vet with 2 purple hearts,bronze and silver stars. we need a knowledgeable person as sec. def and hagel doesnt have the qualifications.

            #3.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:17 PM EST

            Hagel is knowledgeable and an independent thinker, if he was stumbling, it was because of the assinine are you an Isreali zealot or not "questions", that were inane and insane. Someone who would like a non-fascist policy and is a decent, sincere and basically honest person does not fit the teanuts' definition of hatred towards their enemy of the moment, nor do they want a world not at war.

              #3.5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:24 PM EST

              It doesn't matter what the FN questions are. At that "level" should you really be thrown by a question? You think Ahmadinejad, Jintao, Putin or whoever won't ask a "weird" or difficult questions? I don't doubt his sincerity, honesty, or whatever over personal traits you mention, but he did bomb the "interview" and that should be a concern. Guess it's ok though when your shades are the right color of hack.

                #3.6 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:57 PM EST

                Hagel's honest; I think he felt he had to "pander" to some degree, getting instructions from many about inane questions coming his way. This wasn't an interview, it was a McCarthy type inquisition. I've seen him in action before, sincere and honest was how he has appeared over the last 10+ years.

                And his statements are right on about what he has said in the past; whereas the religiously, fascist "teaparty" wants us on a dishonest "foreign policy" of bigotry, hatred, and ill will towards all but their favored few.

                • 2 votes
                #3.7 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:19 PM EST
                Reply

                The GOP should have nominated Ted Nugent for SOD instead, he would have had NO problem.

                • 3 votes
                Reply#4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:35 PM EST

                we did, he's heading our militia.....

                • 4 votes
                #4.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:41 PM EST

                You better check his underwear in that case. It won't be the first time he runs.

                • 18 votes
                #4.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:49 PM EST

                The GOP should have nominated Ted Nugent for SOD instead

                Not likely. Nugent previously went on drugs and stopped bathing so everyone thought he went over to the Democrats.

                • 5 votes
                #4.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:51 PM EST

                freddy4life

                we did, he's heading our militia.....

                freddy4life,


                If I were you I wouldn't blab that over the internet. You make be pleading the 5th now that you have implicated your self as being a militia.

                • 9 votes
                #4.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:14 PM EST

                "The GOP should have nominated Ted Nugent for SOD instead, he would have had NO problem."

                SOD? Is Sorry, Old Dick a spot you can nominate someone for??

                I hear ol' Teddie was a big Donny Osmond fan in the 70's. You a big rocker, there, Teddie.

                • 1 vote
                #4.5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:28 PM EST

                sadly you are right compared to the obozo nominations. i really thought obozo would have gone for a gay rainbow warrior. then he could have threatened to scratch out nutjobs eyes

                • 1 vote
                #4.6 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:20 PM EST
                Reply

                Beverly in Chicago

                And you think Hagel is truthful and a good nomination?? Read the facts and you will see he does not tell the whole truth.. You libs just, just want libs in office at any cost no matter what it might do to our country!!

                • 6 votes
                Reply#5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:35 PM EST

                And you T baggers only want baggers .....

                That's a "world of difference"

                • 15 votes
                #5.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:56 PM EST

                "You libs just, just want libs in office at any cost no matter what it might do to our country!!"

                I don't care who you are- that right there is funny. Coming from a rightie, of course. They NEVER would do something like THAT. (think..."Our ONLY goal is one-term President", here, Screwball.....no matter what it might do to our country.)

                • 6 votes
                #5.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:49 PM EST

                hey bev i dont hide the fact that as an ex army sniper that i am a member of the illinois militia. there is nothing to hide. in fact i have helped my local sheriff and police chief. both are oath keepers. something libertards know nothing about. your oath is as long as i get my free @!$%#

                • 1 vote
                #5.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:24 PM EST

                what the hell they let a nother jew in to kill off the white man

                  #5.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:42 PM EST

                  "You libs just, just want libs in office at any cost no matter what it might do to our country!!"

                  Richard.... You're aware that Hagel is a Republican, yes?

                    #5.5 - Wed Feb 13, 2013 10:14 AM EST
                    Reply

                    "Every time we do something you tell me America will do this and will
                    do that . .. I want to tell you something very clear: Don't worry about
                    American pressure on Israel. We, the Jewish people, control America, and the
                    Americans know it."

                    Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, October 3, 2001, to
                    Shimon Peres, as reported on Kol Yisrael radio.

                    If Hagel's nomination fails to be confirmed, it will be proof positive that Sharon was correct. The opposition to Hagel is all about Israel. This is a test of our political system. Will our Congress allow our country to be dictated to by Zionists?

                    • 12 votes
                    Reply#6 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:36 PM EST

                    Well Ralph,.....don't worry,.....your Muslem is in the White House. In the 1950s our Defense Budget was OVER 85% of our budget and you're pissin' and moaning now? Get a life.

                    • 6 votes
                    #6.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:43 PM EST

                    We, the Jewish people, control America, and the
                    Americans know it."

                    See you are quoting Obamas web site again.

                    www.intifada-palestine.com/2009/05/ariel-sharon-we-the-jewish-people-control-america-and-the-americans-know-it/

                    • 2 votes
                    #6.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:55 PM EST

                    See you are quoting Obamas web site again.

                    The World Net Daily is worst aka World Nut Daily

                    Chuck Hagel mauled in Bizarro World

                    http://www.wnd.com/2013/02/chuck-hagel-mauled-in-bizarro-world/

                    Before voting to confirm, Republicans in the Senate may want to question Brennan about the role he played in Obama’s 2008 campaign, specifically his potential involvement in the multiple breaches of the presidential candidates’ passport records in March of 2008.

                    Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/01/brennan-must-answer-for-passport-breach/#zzLfkRomcw5EwIej.99

                    Take your pick from any crackpot investigation from these nuts.

                    http://www.wnd.com/?s=breanan

                    http://www.wnd.com/?s=hagel&sort=&order=&from=&to=&category=&author=

                    • 2 votes
                    #6.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:27 PM EST

                    Sharon either said it or didn't; it doesn't matter whose website it's on. Hagel is extremely qualified; unlike the Cheney-Rumsfeld era of lies and felonies, war crimes. We need someone who makes us more peaceful to the world and yet can still be effective.

                    It sure as hell isn't all these "chicken-hawk" war monger, fascist killer types.

                    Hagel was impressive as a Gop senator, but evidently was too honest for that fascist "party".

                    • 3 votes
                    #6.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:46 PM EST

                    better get your dictionary out libertard and look for the definition of zionist. and by the way ask any knowing carrer. military spec ops if the u.s would still be a country if the israelis had not warned us more than 50 occasions. you have no idea the number of attacks that were prevented by mossad against us. sleep tight libertard better and smarter men risk their lives so you can spew your stupidity

                    • 1 vote
                    #6.5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:30 PM EST

                    I'm not buying your "facts" or your "conclusions", not that you care, but that's ok.

                    • 1 vote
                    #6.6 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:26 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Senate Repubs are just annoyed that Hagel did not back McCain or Twit and backed Kerry in Nebraska for the Senate instead of that midget minded T-pot that NeNitwits elected. They see him as a turncoat and maybe, pleasantly, he is. If he has the brains to turn his back on Repub. policies, he certainly has my respect and my vote should he ever run for office again. In the meantime, he is an excellent choice for Defense as someone who actually cares about the grunts on the ground, present and former. Republicans only care about defense as corporate welfare and never about those that serve.

                    • 12 votes
                    Reply#7 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:36 PM EST

                    Hell, I didn't back McCain.

                    • 1 vote
                    #7.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:44 PM EST

                    Doesn't mean much... You also can't spell Muslim.... A misspelled insult is like a boomerang. Dang!

                    • 3 votes
                    #7.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:14 PM EST

                    well dude when my youngest son was seriously wounded in iraq for the 3rd time i got a personal call from bush and he moved mountains to get me on a flight to germany so i could be there when my son got there. when my oldest son was killed in afghanistan didnt hear nuthing from obozo.

                    • 1 vote
                    #7.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:34 PM EST
                    Reply

                    I'll bet Israel is nervous.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#8 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:37 PM EST

                    I'll bet Israel is nervous.

                    but Iran is happy since they expended political capital backing Obama on this nomination.

                    • 3 votes
                    #8.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:47 PM EST

                    Do you honestly think Iran backs any American whether it be a Democrat or a Republican? FYI They hate ALL Americans.

                    • 4 votes
                    #8.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:51 PM EST

                    Do you honestly think Iran backs any American

                    "reported comments about Iranian leaders praising Hagel backs up Cruz's claim. ''You can't get cozier,''"

                    http://bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2013/02/12/senate-panel-approves-hagel-for-pentagon-chief/jGw4Oux7xm5UlQcMTalJrL/story.html

                    • 2 votes
                    #8.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:59 PM EST

                    Seriously? You believe Iranian state tv? Well considering I'm guessing you are a fox fan you would believe anything that fortified your point of view. You do know Hagel is a Republican right?

                    • 8 votes
                    #8.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:15 PM EST

                    And what effect does "Jesus" have on Israeli foreign policy, or for that matter their "religious" policy. Also, Iranians don't hate Americans, however the fascist, killing teanuts hate all Muslims and appear to hate all Iranians.

                    I suppose that's the "Jesus", who taught love, and turn the other cheeck, who is represented by the teanuts as a killer in waiting. Christianity has never been more perverted. It's like the "Bible" was turned into the novel "1984".

                    "Jesus" means hatred, bigotry, killing, yeah, in your "dreams".

                      #8.5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:54 PM EST

                      no we just hate all radical islamist because they dont play nice. but in my personal opinion the crusadea ended to soon. but you libertards love them. i just dare a gay person to walk through dearborn mich singing i am gay and proud.

                        #8.6 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:39 PM EST

                        They were referred to as "Arabs", hate is hate, not Christian, right, but right-wing "Christian", wrong.

                          #8.7 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:32 PM EST

                          "but you libertards love them [Iranians]"

                          ...yeah, ...right ...we liberals love Iran. The Iranian government is so liberal on issues such as womens' liberation and the separation of church and state. In fact, we love Iran so much, we sold them American missiles. You know, one of those liberal presidents. Maybe Obama? No. Was it Clinton? No. Possibly Carter? Again, no. What about Dubya, he was kind of "liberal" wasn't he? Well, he did a lot of things, but n0t that. It was Ayatollah Reagan, patron saint of the, what do you call yourselves, "rightards" or some such.

                          But selling the enemy our weapons wasn't treason, it had an important reason. We had a secret army to pay off. Remember Reagan saying, "I'm a Contra too!"? Those were the heroic freedom fighters called the Contras. They didn't do too much fighting other soldiers, but they were very good at raping and murdering nuns. And everybody knows that those nuns are really scary.

                            #8.8 - Fri Feb 15, 2013 5:11 AM EST
                            Reply

                            Leaderless,..... Peneta,......?....they are one and the same.

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#9 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:39 PM EST

                            Obama wants Hagel as DS because he wants to blame a "Republican" for screwing up the military. Hagel should NOT be confirmed, but even if he is, it's still Obama's gutting of the military. Remember, sequester was a WH idea, not from Congress. The doofus GOP bought into it, though, and shame on them for that.

                            • 4 votes
                            Reply#10 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:42 PM EST

                            .....AMEN.....

                            • 1 vote
                            #10.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:47 PM EST

                            So are you saying you are for big government as long as it is in the military? Remember the military is part of the government and takes a big chunk of our taxes.

                            • 6 votes
                            #10.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:48 PM EST

                            "Gutting our military"? The largest cut I've even heard about is $50 billion so how is that "gutting"? The military budget was $630+ billion plus all the add ons from NASA, VA, DOE, etc. so even at $630B it's an 8% cut max. Do you really believe there's less than 8% fraud, inefficiency and waste in the military budget? Not to mention the scam no-bid contracts, having military bases in countries who have been our allies for almost 70 years (yet we have no bases in Israel -- why?) and from whom we borrow money to keep them safe, etc. Please if you believe there isn't that much waste etc. there must be a Bush you'd love to vote for.

                            • 8 votes
                            #10.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:04 PM EST

                            LOL!! You sound as crazy as Rove did on FAUX on election night! The Party of ????? I wouldn't even call it a "party" anymore!

                              #10.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:43 PM EST

                              What exactly constitutes gutting the military? Bush inherited a force from Clinton that demolished Sadam's army in 30 days. He then tripled the defense budget, so that we are spending more than all other countries in the world combined. [And remember, that includes Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Israel, all on our side.] Do you honestly believe that we need to spend a trillion dollars a year to defend ourselves? From whom? This is pure corporate welfare, to benefit Lockheed and General Dynamics and Raytheon. Stop this insanity. Bring the troops home; let's fix our problems and let the rest of the world work on theirs.

                              • 1 vote
                              #10.5 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:56 PM EST
                              Reply

                              soldier in the Vietnam War as a prime reason to vote for him. "That told me right there everything I needed to know – that he would not hesitate to defend this country

                              You mean like John (Shopping for Purple Hearts) Kerry.

                              • 6 votes
                              Reply#11 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:46 PM EST

                              yeah the surgeon covered kerrys wound with a band aid. my first took 125 stitches to close. the second took about a thousand but my purple heart is no different than kerrys

                              • 1 vote
                              #11.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:42 PM EST
                              Reply

                              This makes absolutely no sense.

                              (But a leading Hagel opponent, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said confirming the former Nebraska senator as defense secretary “will make military conflict in the next four years substantially more likely” because it would encourage the Tehran regime to accelerate its nuclear weapons development program.)

                              So if we do nothing about Iran we will have a more likely chance of military conflict? But if we do something about Iran (military conflict) we won't have a more likely chance of military conflict?

                              • 9 votes
                              Reply#12 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:46 PM EST

                              Don't try to make sense of anything Ted Cruz says. Living in Texas, I had to sit through an entire electoral season of his campaign ads, wherein he basically called his opponent David Dewhurst (a conservative-but-within-the-bounds-of-sanity Republican) the most evil thing since Obama's bedside Koran. He won his election on nonsensical fearmongering, and he's going to govern on nonsensical fearmongering. I wouldn't be surprised if he takes Bachmann's neo-McCarthyism fling from last year and runs with it.

                              Also, on behalf of all Texans I apologize to the rest of you for anything he does.

                              • 8 votes
                              #12.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:15 PM EST

                              yeahbuhwha?

                              I feel your pain! I have been represented by MIchelle Bachman since her first victory in her run for the House. Be patient, Cruz will follow the same path to irrelevance like MIchelle did and end up the same way. She has been pretty quiet since her trouncing and near loss in the 2012 election. She lost many of her standard bearers and with luck we will succeed in removing her in 2014!

                              Poor MIchelle, her only piece of proposed legislation "to save the incandescent lightbulb" never made it to a vote! To the dim witted do not belong the spoils!

                              • 2 votes
                              #12.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:35 PM EST

                              I am from Texas too. So I have to apologize for cruz,perry,bush-twice,rove-?. And any other rwnj that may be from here. Sorry America to inflict that much damage to you. It is not the sensible people of Texas who elect these idiots. It is just that the dumbass,red neck, uninformed idiots outnumber the rest of us.

                              • 1 vote
                              #12.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:56 PM EST

                              darn you sound just like a dumb ass libertard that lives in his mommies basement. are you really that much of an underachiever. ooops thats right i forgot you are a dimorat. the party of unachieving moochers lookinf for free stuff. hey give me a call if you got any minutes left on your obozophone

                                #12.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:48 PM EST
                                Reply

                                Hagel may have met w/ "extreme or radical groups"? Cruz says this? Did Mr. Cruz take him to one of his Tea Party meetings? That would be worrysome.

                                • 10 votes
                                Reply#13 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:48 PM EST

                                I agree with pigotry that the president should get the people he says he needs to work with. However I watched Hagel's confirmation hearing and I have to say, he did have the deer in the headlights look. Levin spent all of his allotted time correcting what Hagel had said. Manchin says that because he served his country is the only reason he needs to get his vote; hell I served my country,how many votes can I get.

                                • 4 votes
                                Reply#14 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:48 PM EST

                                You agree with me? Why?

                                • 1 vote
                                #14.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:33 PM EST

                                dave he works for we the people not obozo reread the @!$%#ing constitution are are you just brain dead from the kool aid

                                  #14.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:45 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  This is the type of Democrat crap that goes on since 2009. Put somebody in a Cabinet position that will lick our Arab loving president's boots!

                                  • 4 votes
                                  Reply#15 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:51 PM EST

                                  So you hate all Arabs, must be a teanut. Would you like someone who hated all Arabs and wanted to kill them all, another teanut "Christian". It was always someone, the Russians, the Chinese, you've got to hate someone.

                                  Instead of competing peacefully with all nations, let's denigrate them all and show what a-holes we are so they will fear, hate and "respect" us. The "respect" comes until they can turn the tables, what a world. Paranoia - "starts when you're always afraid"; that's the way the world should run.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #15.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:06 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  Ted Cruz never wore the uniform of the United States military. Inofe was in the US Army during those trying war years of 1958 to 1959: one year. Graham served in JAG...hardly hand to hand combat. McCain was a war hero, though he just seems a bitter old man now. So when the "gentleman" from Oklahoma refers to Hagel's exemplary combat medals as 'and all that stuff:' and when Cruz, who never defended our country and who's daddy fought for Castro because he didnt' know he was a communist (Scooby Doo voice here), tries to insinuate the former Senator would be more interested in helping foreign interests; and when Graham says he is troubled about anything (from the black guy in the White House that is); and McCain leans back in his chair in triumph against a former colleague and brother in arms just because he came to conclusion that most of America did about an ill-conceived war and a badly managed one...I find such behavior and comments disgraceful and a blemish on the Senate, disrespectful to the Office of the Presidency and dishonorable for all who choose or chose to serve in our military and in public service.

                                  • 9 votes
                                  Reply#16 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:53 PM EST

                                  I must have missed Obama's military service, and Biden dodged the draft 5 times in 1968....so shut up about Cruz's record.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #16.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:13 PM EST

                                  It was former Vice President Cheney that dodged the draft five times Sir, and President Obama was too young to serve during the draft years of the Viet Nam War.

                                  • 3 votes
                                  #16.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:30 PM EST

                                  Cruz was born in 1970. I guess his mother didn't fight in Nam while pregnant?

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #16.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:47 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is throwing around a lot of baseless allegations about Sen. Hagel. It's a disgrace to the honor of the Senate. Cruz should be censured.

                                  • 13 votes
                                  Reply#17 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:54 PM EST

                                  Couldn't agree more Steve. Cruz is an embarrassment and should be sued for liable.

                                  • 11 votes
                                  #17.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:56 PM EST

                                  Cruz is yet one more Chicken Hawk Righty who has never served a day in the military and yet is only too anxio9us to impune the patriotism of veterans like Kerry and Hagel. It's truly astounding at how few Republicans in office today have ever served in the military and yet simply cannot wait to drag us into yet another shooting war.

                                  • 7 votes
                                  #17.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:21 PM EST

                                  Agree with you SteveR.

                                  Rubio and Cruz are being used supposedly to garner the Latino vote and keep the TeaPeople chompin' at the bit with their inflammatory slurs.....

                                  Epic fail on all levels!

                                  • 3 votes
                                  #17.3 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:13 PM EST

                                  well sir i do not believe anything coming out of d.c. so i fact checked ted cruz and he was right on. sorry heard the speech

                                    #17.4 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:52 PM EST
                                    Reply

                                    Sen. Cruz of Texas questions whether Chuch Hagel has received any funds from extreme or radical groups is quite ironic since Cruz himself is the paid political gofer of the radical and extreme Tea Party of the Republican Party.

                                    • 10 votes
                                    Reply#18 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:57 PM EST

                                    Ceelle- great post! That Scooby Doo voice can be used for SOOOOOOO many of GOP/fox news talking points!

                                    • 7 votes
                                    Reply#19 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:59 PM EST

                                    Really?

                                      #19.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:06 PM EST
                                      Reply

                                      It is unbelievable to see that these GOP senators so desperate.

                                      Hope they retire or get their sanity back.

                                      There is not an issue where they don't make noise.

                                      People are sick and tire of these drama everyday.

                                      • 7 votes
                                      Reply#20 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:01 PM EST

                                      One more idiot in a seat of power in Washington won't make a difference to the sinking ship. Who cares?

                                      • 4 votes
                                      Reply#21 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:02 PM EST

                                      The No Party and Baggers have lost all credibility...

                                      • 7 votes
                                      Reply#22 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:06 PM EST

                                      Whats sad is that Obama couldnt find a more competent person to nominate, even Hillary's experience was poor at best, the most work she ever did was to run the war on women during old billies reign.

                                      • 2 votes
                                      Reply#23 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:08 PM EST

                                      DEADBEAT RIGHTY and who the hell is your notion of a competent SOS or SOD, Condi Rice of Dandy Don Rumsfeld, the geniuses who lied us into a war with Iraq??? You've got some pair of stones for criticizing a guy like Hagel, who unlike draft dodgers Cheney and Bush volunteered for Viet Nam and is a decorated combat vet.

                                      Notice how under Obama, we are winding down Republican wars and trying to end senseless wars and instead concentrate on our nation's needs at home??? I'm sure you can't wait for a nice little shooting war with Iran. My suggestion would be to send you and the rest of the gung ho, Chicken Hawk Republicans to get your sorry assess shot off. Guys like Hagel and Kerry who actually served have a far more sober outlook on war and view it as a last resource.

                                      • 8 votes
                                      #23.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:16 PM EST

                                      STOPFREELOADERS: You are right but "WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?" (hillary clinton, 2013.)

                                      • 1 vote
                                      #23.2 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:18 PM EST
                                      Reply

                                      A good start would be to Vote out all Republicans

                                      Boehner, Cantor, McConnell, all have no cerdibility, they only want to End America , crush the American people, take rights away from the working Americans, Women, OLD Poor.

                                      Down with the Republicans

                                      • 4 votes
                                      Reply#24 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:18 PM EST

                                      And just WHO would the Repugnants support? Genghis Khan? Ivan the Terrible? Someone whom they think like.

                                      • 7 votes
                                      Reply#25 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:21 PM EST

                                      mike as usual your stupidity shows. both men were brilliant tacticians and military leaders. but the dimorat cowards wouldnt know about that. as far as kerrys purple heart his flotilla surgeon handed him a band aid. you guys are really amazing how you regurgitate obozo talking points but have no intellectual honesty to see the stats on obozo. he is a total failure so i guess you are in good company

                                        #25.1 - Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:00 PM EST
                                        Reply
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