Republican Hagel is likely pick for Pentagon post

Former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel is likely to be President Barack Obama's next pick for Secretary of Defense, although the White House has yet to finalize its decision for the cabinet appointment. 

A former Pentagon official tells NBC News that Hagel is the likely pick for the post, while another White House insider says that, while Hagel is a top candidate, it's unclear if the president has made a final decision. 

A senior administration official tells NBC News that "no decision" has been made on the nomination. 

Bloomberg News reported Thursday that President Barack Obama spoke to Hagel about the position on December 4. 

Hagel, who served two terms in the United States Senate representing his home state of Nebraska, has been a member of the president's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board as well as a member of the faculty of Georgetown University since leaving Capitol Hill in 2009. 

He also accompanied then-Senator Obama on his campaign trip to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East in the summer of 2008. 

While in the Senate, he was a member of four Senate committees, including the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Intelligence. 

NBC's Carrie Dann contributed to this report. 

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WHOO HOOOO!

Most excellent choice, Mr. President!

Let's git er done...

Chuck Hagle represents the days when the once Grand Old Party had some integrity and will be a fine addition to this administration!

  • 72 votes
#1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:34 PM EST

Let’s see just how critical the Republican are with one
of their own … it will be similar to Gates don’t ya think?

  • 36 votes
#1.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:39 PM EST

I'll bet he never signed a pledge to Grover Norquist. Good choice, Mr. President.

  • 55 votes
#1.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:42 PM EST

How bipartisan the President has been all along....

Just Ask Chuck...

  • 35 votes
#1.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:58 PM EST

Can't think of a better and more qualified choice than "Chuck Hagel".

  • 27 votes
#1.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:19 PM EST
Comment author avatarStarlight75Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

Holy cr*p - Feisty had something other than venom and hate to say about a Republican. I think someone needs to pick me up off the floor.

  • 13 votes
#1.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:32 PM EST

@Starlight75 #1.5: Feisty doesn't care for Bullsh^t. Doesn't mean She has anything against a good steak though. Hell, She likes leather handbags, and fashionable leather shoes too.

  • 13 votes
#1.6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:40 PM EST

I think that this means that John Kerry will be the nominee for Secretary of State. There had been talk of Kerry becoming Secretary of Defense when Rice was the odds on favorite for Secretary of State. I think that this means that Obama realizes that he will never get Rice confirmed as Secretary of State and is going to go with Kerry, who will fly through confirmation without a hitch. I think that this is a smart move by Obama. He would have wasted a lot of political capital trying to get Rice confirmed and probably would have lost the fight anyway. I think that Hagel is a much better choice for Secretary of Defense than Kerry would have been, so this looks like a very likely scenario.

  • 14 votes
#1.7 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:44 PM EST

Ditto that Feisty. A good man and great choice. Would like your thoughts on the possibility of Jon Huntsman as possible SOS.

Merry Christmas to you and yours and congrats on the new granddaughter for NDD !

  • 13 votes
#1.8 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:47 PM EST

Feisty, it has just been reported that Susan Rice has withdrawn her name for SOS. Hmmm....NSA maybe?

  • 7 votes
#1.9 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:52 PM EST

He will follow in the footsteps of Bill Cohen, another moderate Republican from the GOP party of the PAST who served in the same post under President Clinton! Ahh......... the good old days of the Republican party!!

  • 16 votes
#1.10 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:55 PM EST

Would like your thoughts on the possibility of Jon Huntsman as possible SOS.

Hi Patricia,

I wouldn't mind Huntsman or Colin Powell for that matter.

I really don't want to see Kerry leave the Senate at the moment. As deserving as he is of the position, do we really need to open the door for the possible return of Scott Brown? BLECH!

Hmmm....NSA maybe?'

Works for me! Rice may not be SOS but I'm confident we haven't seen the last of her...

Merry Christmas to you & yours as well! ☺

  • 26 votes
#1.11 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:55 PM EST

Interesting that you mention Colin Powell. I was thinking about what a great choice he would be to end the war in Afghanistan sooner...like now. He would be a great asset to the POTUS.

  • 26 votes
#1.12 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:01 PM EST

He would be a great asset to the POTUS.

Couldn't agree more!

I welcome as many remaining "old school" Republicans into this administration as possible...

Let's show the RWNJ's what bi-partisanship is all about! ☺

Bat @!$%# crazy need not apply! lol

  • 27 votes
#1.13 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:05 PM EST

Would LOVE to see Colin Powell as Secretary of State. He's a man of great integrity and always puts the country FIRST~

  • 23 votes
#1.14 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:10 PM EST

Word has it that the GOP will filibuster his nomination. :-p

  • 7 votes
#1.15 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:16 PM EST

Pigotry

How bipartisan the President has been all along....

Just Ask Chuck...

One solid instance...finally something both parties can agree upon.

  • 4 votes
#1.16 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:45 PM EST

Colin Powell used to have my respect. That was prior to showing actual drawings of Saddam's weapons at the U.N.

What a dope!

  • 1 vote
#1.17 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:47 PM EST

Don't open the champagne yet feisty red-head; there's a little "conflict of interest" debacle about to float to the top of the commode.

  • 1 vote
#1.18 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:52 PM EST
    #1.19 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:59 PM EST

    Let's see how the Dems act to one of the other side.

      #1.20 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:01 PM EST

      Larry - which Colin Powell presented because he was fed lies by Bush/Cheney and Rice. Powell is an honorable man.

      justred64 - short memory there? Don't you remember Jon Huntsman? Democrats do well with a qualified person with integrity. There are so few of those in the Republican party these days!

      • 18 votes
      #1.21 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:05 PM EST

      Colin Powell would be a good fit....just has to make himself available...Hope he learned his lesson on the republicons of today party.

      • 11 votes
      #1.22 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:06 PM EST

      Colin Powell for SoS would be GREAT. He was Obama's first choice and should have been appointed in 2008 but for the Clinton Mafia.

      But maybe Obama should appoint Senator John McCain as Secretary of Defense, and then the moment his former senate seat in Arizona has been filled FIRE HIS ASS!

      • 16 votes
      #1.23 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:07 PM EST

      Rice has apparently withdrawn herself from consideration for SOS. If Hagel is willing/able to take Defense, then I agree, Kerry will be nominated for State. Anyone else would be a complete shock at this point. I like Colin Powell plenty, but I don't think he wants the job anymore.

      The choice of Hagel would likely get plenty of criticism from the right...for the very same reasons that he is palatable to Obama and the rest of us liberals. He's not hard-core enough for "today's GOP"...

      • 8 votes
      #1.24 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:07 PM EST

      GREASE-UP the bottom of the IdiotBus again

      it's just a matter of time before Hagel & Powell are under it wondering why !

      Don't forget that crazy people make crazy rules that they break as soon as they are losing .

      If Jesus himself ran for SoD or SoS for that matter, the RWNJ's would toss him under the IdiotBus too....

      Think about that image behind the Pope instead of a crucifix...!

      The RWNJ are DEstructionists more than anything else , a Phyrric Victory is their only goal !

      • 5 votes
      #1.25 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:26 PM EST

      Gates, Huntsman and the guy that runs Transportation - can't remember his name were all Republicans.

      What is the matter with you GOP's here is that Hagel is a moderate. They want extremists, extremists forever. Yep the GOP is going to throw him under the bus - then he can register as an Independent. And then he can register as a Democrat - like the ex governor of Florida.

      • 11 votes
      #1.26 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:51 PM EST

      Big Mistake. All Republicans should be driven from representing this country in any way. They are un-American. Do Not give a senior post to any Republican, regardless of his qualifications. The Republicans would and will do no less to the Democrats in the future. They've proven it by their win at all cost and the country be damned actions over the past 4 years. Just look what they're doing to Rice. Screw the neo-nazi, racist, elitist Republicans. They're traitors with only one goal and that is to fill their pockets.

      • 5 votes
      #1.27 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:52 PM EST

      Hey, Big Ed McT, we feel exactly the same about you, dude!

      • 1 vote
      #1.28 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:56 PM EST

      TO: Larry-2094469 who wrote:

      "Colin Powell used to have my respect. That was prior to showing actual drawings of Saddam's weapons at the U.N..."

      At that time, Colin Powell had every right to trust the President of the United States, which "trust" GWB totally and completely used and abused.

      • 9 votes
      #1.29 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:56 PM EST

      No big bipartisan move here, 'cause Hagel is a poster boy RINO!

        #1.30 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:58 PM EST

        TO: justredd64 who wrote:

        "Let's see how the Dems act to one of the other side."

        He's an "old school" Republican, which the Teagaggers and wackos probably consider to be either a RINO or a "liberal" by now.

        Besides, it wasn't so much the brand name as it was the loss of memory, the denial, the defese of the indefensible, and re-writing history that ultimately gave Republicans the bad name they have today.

        • 6 votes
        #1.31 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:02 PM EST

        Nasty and Piggy, do you guys ever work? It seems when there is a new post you are always the first to jump on and comment. Either you don't have a job and are on the government dole or you are paid White House hacks. Either way that would make you one of the entitled and then would justify your inability to reason.

          #1.32 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:04 PM EST

          @ED. What's the matter Ed?It would seem that the parties are trying to cooperate a little bit.However, you seem to be stuck on German National Socialism.I suppose you would prefer the Democrats adopt a FINAL SOLUTION when dealing with Republicans rather than moving forward.

            #1.33 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:08 PM EST

            It bothers me the lack of diversity in the president's cabinet--tilted a lot toward white men.

            • 2 votes
            #1.34 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:13 PM EST

            @Jersey Girl 1 In regards to Pigotry having a job..I will have you know that Pigotry gave up a perfectly good job as a poster child for pro-choice to be here with us and, make post showing us exactly why we don't want to got too far left of center.

              #1.35 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:18 PM EST

              TO: KeenInsight who wrote:

              "It bothers me the lack of diversity in the president's cabinet--tilted a lot toward white men."

              Obviously, you haven't seen the President's staff. You'd think you were in Atlanta.

              • 3 votes
              #1.36 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:33 PM EST

              @ wolfhound:

              My sentiments exactly: A lot of these posters on these vines act more like Hitler Youth rather them Democrats and Republicans. If some of them were in power, our country would be plunged into another Shoah. I am glad it is Obama in power than some of his so-called "supporters" on these vines....

                #1.37 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 8:31 PM EST

                American Girl, perhaps you can do a ethnicity breakdown of those folks on the President's staff? Oh sorry, I forgot to ask.. Isn't Atlanta majority white in actuality....you know the power base that is?

                By the way, the very fact that Kerry is the person that the republicans and many of the msm folks are pushing, perhaps the president should chose someone else like Huntsmann or find another female for the post... Lets face it the women make up more than 50 percent of the world population and in the USA females make up 52 percent of the population.

                Anyhoo, wonder if is the last name thing...... is the name Rice too much of a reminder of the previous republican SOS and the policies of the Bush administration? Is that what is upsetting McCain etc? LOL

                Peace.....

                • 1 vote
                #1.38 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:03 PM EST

                Newsflash, Colin Powell was an advocate of the occupation plans for Iraq and Afghanistan. The results were 4 years in we were losing control of both Afghanistan and Iraq.

                I would think twice about asking him to be secretary of state.

                As for John Kerry, the US would be better served with Hillary remaining, but you cannot force someone to stay who wants to leave. I think she is tired, and am suspicious that she is having some health issue (s) that may be the cause for not staying on as Secretary of State.

                • 1 vote
                #1.39 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:12 AM EST

                Colin Powell might be a good choice as Sec of State; it might be an opportunity for redemption after allowing himself to be used (particularly in his UN presentation) by the previous administration.

                • 1 vote
                #1.40 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:35 AM EST

                I wonder where Mr. Hagle comes down on cutting military spending, substantially.

                • 4 votes
                #1.42 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 9:18 AM EST

                whipsplash

                I wonder where Mr. Hagle comes down on cutting military spending, substantially.

                Good question. My wife and I were talking about this on the way in today...unfortunately, I don't hear any talk about serious defense budget cuts from the leaders in either political party today.

                  #1.43 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:32 PM EST

                  President Obama's core cabinet. There is one black person on it.

                  Department of Energy
                  Secretary Steven Chu

                  Department of Education
                  Secretary Arne Duncan

                  Department of Veterans Affairs
                  Secretary Eric K. Shinseki

                  Department of State
                  Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

                  Department of the Treasury
                  Secretary Timothy F. Geithner

                  Department of Defense
                  Secretary Leon E. Panetta

                  Department of Justice
                  Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.

                  Department of the Interior
                  Secretary Kenneth L. Salazar

                  Department of Agriculture
                  Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack

                  Department of Commerce
                  Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank

                  Department of Labor
                  Secretary Hilda L. Solis

                  Department of Health and Human Services
                  Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

                  Department of Housing and Urban Development
                  Secretary Shaun L.S. Donovan

                  Department of Transportation
                  Secretary Ray LaHood

                  Department of Homeland Security
                  Secretary Janet A. Napolitano

                    #1.44 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:04 PM EST

                    TO: BZe1 who wrote:

                    "American Girl, perhaps you can do a ethnicity breakdown of those folks on the President's staff? Oh sorry, I forgot to ask.. Isn't Atlanta majority white in actuality..."

                    I'm not sure because I only had a stop-over in Atlanta on my way from the Caribbean to Philadelphia, but I had never seen so many black people in the same place, at the same time in my life, as I had seen at the Atlanta Airport.

                    Then, after President Obama was first elected, they had a camera crew in the White House, walking around doing interviews of White House Staff Members, and it reminded me of Atlanta, no shortage of black folks, in fact, I bet there were more black folks in the White House than any time in history.

                    That was in response to the poster who mentioned something about President Obama having too many white men in his cabinet, or otherwise not enough people of color.

                    • 2 votes
                    #1.45 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:15 PM EST

                    TO: KeenInsight who wrote:

                    "President Obama's core cabinet. There is one black person on it..."

                    What's your point?

                    If you'd like to apply, now's the time.

                    President Obama is free to pick anyone he wants on his team no matter who they are, no matter what religion they are, no matter what State they're from, Republican or Democrat, and no matter what color they are.

                    You might recall that the President is mixed himself, as some like to call him "Halfrican-American".

                    • 2 votes
                    #1.46 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:22 PM EST

                    American Girl .... Keeninsight stated @ #1.34.....

                    '' It bothers me the lack of diversity in the President's cabinet- tilted a lot towards white men".

                    In your reply to Keeninsight at #1.36 you stated.....

                    "Obviously you haven't seen the President's staff, you'd think you were in Atlanta".

                    With that I asked you to do a breakdown of the ethnicity of the President's Cabinet, - as Keeninsight was talking about the Presient's cabinet in the first place- as well as suggested that there were far more white folks in Atlanta than black folks especially in the power base.

                    Keeninsight then listed the cabinet and commented that there was only 1 black person in the President's cabinet, which debunks your comment regarding the President's cabinet having more black folks in it.

                    You also commented that after the election there were a lot of black folks all over the WH. Well the thing is this.... just because after the election in 2008 there were a lot of black people seen in and about the White House then, does not indicate that all those people are members of the President's cabinet.

                    So your "What's your point?" question to Keeninsight.... seems to be an attempt by you of trying to cover over the fact that you tried to give the impression -in you past missives- that the President's cabinet was loaded to bear with black people, and so many in fact that the cabinet and WH was like Atlanta.... suggesting also that the majority of people in Atlanta were black folks.

                    Regarding #1.45.... and your suggesting that there are probably far more black people in the WH now than in the past...... One could hazard to suggest that there were probably far more black folks in the WH in the distant past than now..... because wasn't DC and the WH built by blacks...you know all that slave labour? LOL

                    By the by .... just because there are a lot of black folks in the WH does not indicates that they are in the President's cabinet. Somebody have to take care of the place, the occupants and the guests. I doubt that each President bring their own household staff with them.

                    Just saying...

                    Chouasaaa ...ta ta bye and all that etc etc etc....

                    Peace.... good will to alles.... cheers....

                      #1.47 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 6:53 PM EST

                      Will the GOPigs "CHUCK" - Chuck like Rice ????????????

                      • 1 vote
                      #1.48 - Sat Dec 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST

                      BZe1, you're rambling. I could care less what color the folks are that work for the President.

                      You may want to converse with the Teagaggers on that subject because I have no opinion one way or the other.

                      I hope that answers whatever you're talking about.

                      • 1 vote
                      #1.49 - Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:23 PM EST
                      Reply

                      Hegel is a good person and a good choice.

                      • 22 votes
                      Reply#2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:34 PM EST

                      The Presiden is so nice to the GOP, but Speaker Boner and his wife Dolores haven't recognized that yet.

                      • 9 votes
                      #2.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:58 PM EST

                      A Montreal Hagel is superior ... sliced, toasted and topped with cream cheese, thin slices of onion, capons and lox ... yum.

                      • 7 votes
                      #2.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:10 PM EST

                      Hey, cat, you like hagel for food? I thought you are only into stinking fish. a Silly & strange cat.

                      • 5 votes
                      #2.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:15 PM EST

                      Fish I do like, but munching on Mickey Mouse ladies is the way to go ...

                      • 5 votes
                      #2.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:19 PM EST

                      hey cat, I'm kidding. Take it easy. Get ready for Hagel...I mean ...ready for the candidate for DOD, not for your snack.

                      • 5 votes
                      #2.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:30 PM EST

                      BC, with a Sam Adams or Abita lager, yum, and after that oysters, oysters, and more oysters!

                      • 2 votes
                      #2.6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:39 PM EST

                      ....plus some rabbit meat...yummier

                      • 3 votes
                      #2.7 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:45 PM EST

                      Ms P, no, no, no, not Thumper, arrrggghhhhh!

                      • 2 votes
                      #2.8 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:48 PM EST

                      Go ahead and gloat McCain, you should be a happy man today. Disgusted.

                      • 8 votes
                      #2.9 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:49 PM EST

                      We should really have more respect for Pigotry and Feisty.If not for them some of us might forget why we disagreed with Obama in the 1st place.Their lovely remarks are the very stuff legends are made of when it comes to healing this countries political wounds.In the long run their uncomprimising comments and attitudes have done more for the Republican party that the speaker of the house ever dreamed of doing himself.

                        #2.10 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:30 PM EST

                        TO: blackcatwhitecat who wrote:

                        "A Montreal Hagel is superior ... sliced, toasted and topped with cream cheese, thin slices of onion, capons and lox ... yum."

                        His name is "Hagel" NOT "Bagel".

                        LOL !

                        • 2 votes
                        #2.11 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:34 PM EST

                        This was a good pick. Mr. Hagel is a very personable, approachable person. I met him in Washington D.C. in 2008, and he was all smiles. He helped a staff member recover from a very bad overseas situation out of his own pocket. He may be Republican, but he seems like a more progressive Repub than we have been used to seeing in the last few years. I think Hagel is the type who is thoughtful, and not likely to produce the kind of gaffs we've seen from past cabinetmembers. When I met Mr. Hagel, he was all warmth and smiles. We let him know that we are from the neighboring state from his state's immediate south, Kansas. "Greetings, good neighbor."

                        • 2 votes
                        #2.12 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:59 PM EST
                        Reply

                        I like Chuck Hagel he is a good choice.

                        • 17 votes
                        Reply#3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:37 PM EST

                        As usual, President Obama goes with a good choice - no matter what party they represent. Shows he actually cares about the country! Hagel would be a good choice and knows his stuff.

                        • 24 votes
                        Reply#4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:39 PM EST

                        sorry obama rarely goes with a good choice....this is a rare event.........and worth applauding.....

                        • 7 votes
                        #4.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:53 PM EST

                        I like Chuck Hagel too.

                        • 9 votes
                        #4.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:55 PM EST

                        mcpaddywack - wacked, as usual. Can you remember all the way back to Jon Huntsman???? Our President has done a good job of selecting his administration staff and the people who represent our country. If you'd take your head out of the sand, you'd see that. Oh, that would require you to be honest. Sorry - forgot that won't happen!

                        • 16 votes
                        #4.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:01 PM EST

                        The sand isn't where mcpaddywack has his head.

                        • 6 votes
                        #4.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:04 PM EST

                        BringOn - I was trying to be tactful - I'm aware of where his head is! UGH!

                        • 3 votes
                        #4.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:07 PM EST

                        TO: mcpaddywack who wrote:

                        "sorry obama rarely goes with a good choice...this is a rare event...and worth applauding..."

                        How does that feel, walking around with a gray cloud hanging over your head all the time?

                        • 2 votes
                        #4.6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:37 PM EST

                        @American Girl-724855#4.6: It's not really a gray cloud. It's the inside of the ass of His/Her drawers.

                          #4.7 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 8:06 PM EST
                          Reply
                          Comment author avatarmcpaddywackExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                          amazing that obama put aside his ideological inflexibility for once.....now if he would just resign things will improve.......

                          • 8 votes
                          Reply#6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:51 PM EST

                          Wacked - your stupidity and lack of integrity is showing - as usual!

                          • 15 votes
                          #6.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:01 PM EST

                          wacky: Then you'd have Joe Biden as president...LOL!

                          • 4 votes
                          #6.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:05 PM EST

                          Hagel is a good choice

                          paddy just enjoys hating

                          • 10 votes
                          #6.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:17 PM EST

                          even biden would be better than the ass obama.........

                            #6.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:44 PM EST

                            See? Very discretionary about asses.

                              #6.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 8:07 PM EST
                              Reply

                              Excellent choice. Chuck Hagel is one of the few Repubs who ever served in the military.

                              • 18 votes
                              Reply#7 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:00 PM EST

                              Yeah, since Obama never has been in the military or ever held a real job, except for scooping ice cream, Hagel might educate him. Tell us Harry, of all those DemocRATS who have served in the military.

                              • 5 votes
                              #7.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:06 PM EST

                              Rex - President Obama has held several jobs - including attorney and professo of Constitutional Law at University of Chicago. Bush never served in the military - well not really. He should have been charged as MIA since he rarely showed up for his national guard duty!

                              • 8 votes
                              #7.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:09 PM EST

                              Those are not jobs, those are positions. You know, like most of us have. Bush actually was smart enough to fly an F-104, and he also had better college grades than either Gore or Kerry.

                              • 2 votes
                              #7.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:18 PM EST

                              Rex - those are jobs - NOT positions. You have to apply for; be interviewed; and get hired for both! Clearly you don't have a clue. Bush couldn't be bothered to show up at the National Guard to complete the hours that kept him from Viet Nam but Daddy Bush had connections.

                              Bush was and will always be a #1 moron - bet you voted for him - twice!

                              • 6 votes
                              #7.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:40 PM EST

                              CORRECTION : NO BUSH EVER FLEW an F-104...

                              they were THE trickiest birds to fly in our inventory short of the U-2 and it took FAR MORE skill & training than did flying an F-102 , which is the plane Bush was assigned to when he disappeared into politics w/o ever being properly discharged from his Unit .

                              AND fwiw.... a drunken week-end warrior high on cocaine could pilot an F-102, and Bush proved it many times !

                              Thanks for playing, we'll be around to collect all of your guns & money in a week or so.....

                              • 2 votes
                              #7.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:46 PM EST

                              TO: Rex-1306908 who wrote:

                              "... Bush actually was smart enough to fly an F-104..."

                              No, he didn't. Unless you mean as a passenger.

                              Bush couldn't pass the drug test, which is why Bush never got his pilot's license.

                              • 3 votes
                              #7.6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:44 PM EST
                              Reply

                              Certainly the taxpayers will benefit from this change, since the government has been picking up most of the tab on Panetta's weekend trips back to Monterrey, CA, nearly every weekend. Although flying on a USAF jet, he only had to pay the $600 round-trip coach fare.

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#8 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:01 PM EST

                              Perhaps he had some chores at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey ... an exceptional institute.

                              • 10 votes
                              #8.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:15 PM EST

                              I lived in Marina, CA as a kid and he was my congressman. He's a very nice man.

                              • 9 votes
                              #8.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:42 PM EST

                              Cappy-1911

                              I lived in Marina, CA as a kid

                              The sunny place that I could see across the bay from cloudy Monterrey.

                              • 5 votes
                              #8.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:47 PM EST

                              Growing up there, I didn't know how good we had it, being able to ride our bikes to the beach or Cannery Row (when my parents were at work) whenever we wanted to in the summer! Good times...

                              • 4 votes
                              #8.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:49 PM EST

                              Perhaps he had some chores at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey...

                              Since they have a very nice golf course, my guess is that he's scouting ahead for the Duffer-in-Chief.

                              • 1 vote
                              #8.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:45 PM EST
                              Reply

                              There are a few good ones left in the Republican Party and Chuck Hagel is one of them. Good choice, Mr. President.

                              • 15 votes
                              Reply#9 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:24 PM EST

                              Adler - very few and that group is shrinking fast. Hagel and Huntsman are two of the good guys!

                              • 15 votes
                              #9.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:27 PM EST

                              Olympia Snowe saw the writing on the wall. Too few good men around is a tough one for the gals.

                              • 9 votes
                              #9.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:42 PM EST

                              Obama pick Chuck Hagel because he in a RINO and would look just as good with a D next to him name. There is a reason why he is a former senator of a red state.

                                #9.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:10 PM EST

                                sonmanvb - yes the reason is he is too smart to be heading a red state!

                                • 3 votes
                                #9.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:41 PM EST

                                THE REASON IS...

                                he WALKED AWAY from the RNC-GOP when the RWNJ & CCR Shanghaied the party .

                                LEFT the LOONEY BIN for family, peace & quiet !

                                You see there wasn't enough MEN WITH SPINES who could stand-up to the MOB that stole the GOP name and corrupted the party .

                                • 4 votes
                                #9.5 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:55 PM EST
                                Reply

                                Obama has continued several Republicans in several jobs but the fact is most of them cannot be trusted "period".

                                • 3 votes
                                Reply#10 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:44 PM EST

                                Hagel is trustworthy.

                                  #10.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 7:16 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  A fine choice, Senator Hagel, knowledgeable, competent, unassailable integrity. Good!

                                  • 5 votes
                                  Reply#11 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:46 PM EST

                                  It would be nice for Obama to nominate someone with an extensive military background.

                                    Reply#12 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:41 PM EST

                                    Disagree. SOS requires someone with mad negotiation skill. The military doesn't provide the kind of environment for devlopment of that skill.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    #12.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:09 PM EST
                                    Reply

                                    Superb choice, demonstrating the President's intellect and openness to bipartisanship .Hopefully Hagel will push back the thugs who've taken over his party. Someone mentioned Powell for SOS nah he was burned by the Bushies and lost all credibility. Huntsman would be a better choice. Two sane and smart Republicans

                                    • 6 votes
                                    Reply#13 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:41 PM EST

                                    Well that shows you what trusting the loyal democratic base will do for you, imagine what reaching across the aisle will do when trying to bargain for a civilized nation. Part of the catastrophic economic negotiations is to trade cabinet positions, states' rights, Supreme Court rulings, level posturing threats, and realigning unfolding campaign strategies, and assure that flow of opposition campaign donation funders are all accounted for, while Congress again dances to the Christmas Dance just to keep those antique legs ready for the spring dance around the May Pole.

                                    While the nation is wholly distracted by fears of reductions of social security, medical care, and social needs, the distraction of worrying over the all of next ten years of a budget that has not already been the subject to the same worry for the last ten years. Think smart for only one tenth the cost we could have nine years to figure out how to make the economy last just a tiny bit longer.

                                    It is one fine thing to get children to behave for this one Christmas, but when you try to extract a written nine year contract with the little Nerfers to cover puberty and the teen years, you are liable to get nothing more than orange hair, clothes that look like they're falling off and a bye now see you later.

                                    Please wake up from the night mare, which says in haunting dirge voice, the economy is not working, my retirement is delayed, the children are moving in, again, grandma just rocked her chair off the porch and grandpa could not make it to the outhouse after his pants fell down to his ankles. Toss and turn on this side or that, the defense department is trotting plans to again invade the desert sands, the oil man is selling you gas now so that the oil you need later will cost more. Did you ever remember having so much to worry about than just your crazy Aunt and Uncle, things always get worse now but really having them both in Congress, getting a divorce, yes that divorce them screaming about for 35 years.

                                    Solutions not tried: Get Congress out of Congress, just to be safe get Senators out of the Senate, and more so, get Representatives out of the House, make a garden in the Supreme Court, foreclose on the Chamber of Commerce, hand a mop to the Banker, and teach the Hedge Fund manager to drive - Taxi.

                                    Remember in the end you will not be able to reduce the need for energy by peaceful means, since you cannot retire to fight a war, walk to the doctor, or get the children a job for dollar an hour. When we have worked this hard to get this much despair we need to stop and enjoy the misery.

                                      Reply#14 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:47 PM EST

                                      Part of the catastrophic economic negotiations is to trade cabinet positions, states' rights, Supreme Court rulings, level posturing threats, and realigning unfolding campaign strategies, and assure that flow of opposition campaign donation funders are all accounted for, while Congress again dances to the Christmas Dance just to keep those antique legs ready for the spring dance around the May Pole.

                                      I repeat my self.

                                        #14.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:54 PM EST

                                        Yes you did rich and it wasn't worth reading either time.

                                        • 2 votes
                                        #14.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:09 PM EST
                                        Reply

                                        Would be an excellent choice.

                                        • 3 votes
                                        Reply#15 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:49 PM EST

                                        The President should nominate Susan Rice for Sec of Defense. Just to explode McCain's head.

                                          #15.1 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 4:22 PM EST
                                          Reply

                                          Hagel say he is replub, but he follows the dems. saying that he still might do a decent job, Powell does have alot of experience and i think would have a good choice.

                                          • 3 votes
                                          Reply#16 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:53 PM EST

                                          I am a lifelong Nebraskan, Hagel is NOT a Republican.

                                            #16.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:16 PM EST

                                            Yep!

                                              #16.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:20 PM EST
                                              Reply

                                              If Kerry gets an appointment, you will see a ennedyrun against Scott Brown for the vacant Senate seat.

                                              • 1 vote
                                              Reply#17 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:53 PM EST

                                              *Kennedy

                                              • 2 votes
                                              #17.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:54 PM EST
                                              Reply

                                              Now that would be a good pick. You see if you pick qualified people that are respected then you done good. Unlike throwing out for Secretary of State that lame UN ambassabor Rice. She was not a good pick and that assessment has nothing to do with the Begazzi crapolla!

                                              • 1 vote
                                              Reply#18 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:53 PM EST

                                              Mikcan - Ambassador Rice is a capable, intelligent woman but my guess is that threatens you. She isn't gone from the public eye. We'll see her somewhere else as she is more than qualified for many posts - much more so than the likes of McCain, Lindsay and the other hypocrites who opposed her. They are soooo frightened of smart women!

                                              • 2 votes
                                              #18.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:14 PM EST
                                              Reply

                                              Great choice... one of the few "sane" Republicans I have always liked and respected and would have supported if I wasn't from the great state of Washington.

                                              • 3 votes
                                              Reply#19 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:56 PM EST

                                              See Republicans... we liberal leaning voters will give credit to the other political party when credit is due.

                                              Why can't you?

                                              • 4 votes
                                              Reply#20 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:00 PM EST

                                              So you are not all haters of everyone on the right of center as you come across as. We're waiting for Obama to do something creditable instead of pouting and stamping his feet insisting on punishing the 2%.

                                              • 1 vote
                                              #20.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:11 PM EST

                                              Rex - you're a bilthering idiot. The top 2% are saying they have no problem with a tax increase. What's your problem moron????

                                              • 2 votes
                                              #20.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:15 PM EST

                                              Oh stop the name calling, that's what you libs resort to when you can't support your point.

                                              • 1 vote
                                              #20.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:21 PM EST

                                              Rex - idiot - I CAN support my point - but that's clearly what you hate. You have NO support for your hysteria. The top 2%ers disagree with your idiotcy!

                                              • 3 votes
                                              #20.4 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:42 PM EST
                                              Reply

                                              Is it official yet? Want to open a bottle of Bordeaux

                                                Reply#21 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:06 PM EST

                                                Yhbua - not yet. Surely McCain and Lindsay will try to put Hagel down! They just can't stand not having any clout!

                                                • 2 votes
                                                #21.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:17 PM EST

                                                Don't those come in 40oz six packs?

                                                  #21.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:25 PM EST

                                                  Kevin>>>Redneck who only drinks Bud (foreign owned beer)

                                                    #21.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:43 PM EST
                                                    Reply

                                                    I'm a lifelong Democrat, but have always viewed Chuck Hegel as one of the smartest people in Congress (probably why he got out!) Great choice and would love to see him back in public service.

                                                    • 6 votes
                                                    Reply#22 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:07 PM EST

                                                    Great choice! this is a man who puts america first. he has sound ideas and the courage of his convictions. if you haven't read his book " America: Our Next Chapter" - Do! hagel deals with tough questions and provides straight answers.

                                                    • 3 votes
                                                    Reply#23 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:09 PM EST

                                                    Gag! Hagel is a RINO. Never been so happy to see a Senator leave- that is until Ben Nelson left! Good riddance!

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    Reply#24 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:10 PM EST

                                                    Agree 1000%. Both of these RINO's are done in NE

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    #24.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:13 PM EST

                                                    Nebraska will never be a comfortable place for Nelson

                                                      #24.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:18 PM EST

                                                      And what would you litmus testers call a man who had been divorced, was a former Union President who changed parties, raised taxes numerous times as Governor and President, created huge budget deficits while expanding government through a Keynsian stimulus plan, dodged being drafted to make propoganda films and withdrew like a coward after 241 Marines were killed in Beirut? He's your hero as we hear daily from Rush, Sean and the rest of the hate speech crowd and his name was Ronald Reagan. He'd be a RINO to you Fox News bubble dwellers. Still think the Repubs should have nominated someone more conservative than Romney?

                                                      Credibility you and the other talking, non-thinking FoxBots have on the issue of RINOS---Zero.

                                                      • 2 votes
                                                      #24.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:54 PM EST
                                                      Reply

                                                      Putting a TEApublican anywhere in the US Government is a bad idea..... They still think they won the election, they still think they are helping the 99%,,,, FAIL..... Don't be weak, stand your ground and take this country back from the *Corporate Welfare* an *Wealthy Welfare* PARTY..... NO TEApublicans IN ANY OFFICE !!!!!

                                                      • 1 vote
                                                      Reply#25 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:11 PM EST

                                                      we got hitler re-elected and you have a prob. with tea partys...lmao

                                                      • 2 votes
                                                      #25.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:15 PM EST

                                                      Spoken like a true TEApub tex-ass racist....

                                                      • 2 votes
                                                      #25.2 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:29 PM EST

                                                      Hagel is not a "tea-publican" type.

                                                      • 1 vote
                                                      #25.3 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 7:24 PM EST

                                                      After 69% of Jews vote for him, he nominates this turd

                                                        #25.4 - Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:55 PM EST
                                                        Reply

                                                        hahahahahaha

                                                        miniute rice withdrew...lol shes a sorry excuse for a person....lying pos...

                                                        now she needs to be brought up on charges

                                                        • 2 votes
                                                        Reply#26 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:12 PM EST

                                                        don't mess - the lying pos here is you! Go away. You're not fit to touch the soles of Susan Rice's shoes!

                                                        • 1 vote
                                                        #26.1 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:44 PM EST

                                                        You know, if the educational system in "Texsas" were any good, they'd be able to graduate people from grade school with the ability to spell the name of their own state. Just sayin'.

                                                          #26.2 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:25 PM EST

                                                          Dude,

                                                          You never finish paying for a cheap inferior education! BTW, can you cipher as well as you spell?

                                                          LTC Rattus, USA, ret.

                                                            #26.3 - Sat Dec 15, 2012 12:41 AM EST
                                                            Reply
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