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Subscribe to RSSMultiple sources on Capitol Hill and in key special-interest groups involved in national security issues say they have been told to be prepared for a Chuck Hagel nomination for Defense Secretary, either as early as Monday or perhaps more likely Tuesday of next week.
Related: Former Sen. Chuck Hagel apologizes for gay comment
While it's still possible for the president to have a change of heart, all signs are pointing to a Hagel nomination.
When President Barack Obama returns to Washington this weekend, he will still have two big cabinet posts to fill and the current favorite for Secretary of Defense – Chuck Hagel – is taking heat on a range of issues. Obama 2012 traveling press secretary Jen Pskai and former RNC Chairman Michael Steele discuss.
That said, a White House spokesperson tells NBC News pretty emphatically that the president has not made a final decision and does not expect the president to make a final decision until he gets back from Hawaii.
The White House spokesperson adds, the "chatter" about Hagel-as-the-pick in the national-security and Capitol Hill communities is "premature." That said this spokesperson acknowledged Hagel is a "leading contender."
For what it's worth, the reason a lot of outside sources are being given a heads up on Hagel is that the White House knows if Hagel is indeed the president's choice, it's going to be a real fight.
President Obama responds to criticism of Chuck Hagel as a potential replacement for Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
Hagel's 2008 statement that "the Jewish lobby" intimidates many lawmakers has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle, and some have painted him as weak on defense issues. Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York, a top-ranking Jewish senator, passed on the opportunity to offer an endorsement for Hagel during an appearance on Meet the Press, while Republican Sen. John Cornyn called his positions on Iran and nuclear weapons "unacceptable."
Hagel also recently apologized for his 1998 opposition to an ambassadorial nominee whom he described as "openly, aggressively gay."
There are as many as 10 Democratic senators who could vote no, Capitol Hill sources say. But Hagel has some big backers besides the president who would become the key point people in getting Hagel over the finish line – Vice President Joe Biden and Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, both of whom are huge proponents of Hagel.
Asked on MSNBC’s Morning Joe about the opposition to Hagel, Obama political adviser David Axelrod defended the former Republican Nebraska senator.
“It speaks to the larger problem that we’re talking about, which is, we have to get the point, where, first of all, independence is admired and not discouraged, and we can disagree on some things and still work together on others,” Axelrod said. “And the notion that we demonize people because of a position that they’ve taken and disqualify them on that basis is what’s destroying the ability to get things done in this town.”
Dave Kaup / Reuters
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) leaves a news conference in Omaha, Nebraska in this March 12, 2007, file photo.
Bottom line: It appears to be Hagel, but the White House says no final decision has been made.
News of the expected nomination was first reported by Foreign Policy magazine's The Cable blog.
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Hegal is one of the few GOP Senators I respected when he was in office. He was a man of character, level headed, and spoke his mind. And a few times, he criticized his fellow republicans! Now the republicans in the senate are prepared to overlook his contributions and focus on the fact that he DARED to criticize republicans. Now, dont that just figure! Go ahead, republicans, do your worst, which I imagine will be a lot--the lies, the misrepresentations, the twisting of facts etc etc etc. Play politics in approving a President's choice for his cabinet. And all the while the GOP wont have a clue about how they continue to drive nails in their own coffin. I hope former Senator Hagel is as up to the process as he is up to the job! We NEED a no nonsense man of experience to lead the DOD!
OK, now all of you listen up ! Pres. Obama is NOT anti Semitic, two of his chief advisers, one of the women that he nominated to the Supreme Court is Jewish. So STOP trying to frame the man as something that you read or heard from FOX or the Tea Party. For we all know how credible they are !
NO...why don't you ask the ISRAELIS if commrade Obama is anti-jewish??
geesh!
Because I happen to be Jewish and if I am not offended by his actions and the other three aren't. There can be only one reason why you believe he is. Could it be because you believe him to be a Muslim ? Nice now your calling him "Comrade" any other insult you want to send his way, by you rail at him hating Jews.........hmmmmmmm...........a little pot kettle......
Yes, are you a Jew or are you just Jewish?
Chuck Hagle is paper thin dumb as a bag of hammers and has been bought and paid for in the past. Principals be damned, he goes for money and power. The Saudi lobby and the military industrial complex will eat him for lunch. I never thought I would think this but Leon Panetta please keep the job for four more years. You've done a great job in very difficult times. Man up and do another stint... it can't be harder than the one you just pulled can it?
Mr.Obama should be able to chose who serves in his cabinet,but the reps having lost the election are determine they will still call the shots.McCain still hold a grudge for having lose four years ago.Being a war hero is very admirable but it only goes so far when you start to call people stupid tp prove your point,it starts to make him look vindictive and mean and senile.(Amb. Rice).Obama won the election let him nominate who he wants.
Doesn't matter who Obama nominates....the GOP will obstruct and opine regardless....just because it is HIS nomination.
Nah, he got his first choice on most secretary appointments. We never even got to find out who his first choice was for sure on Sec of State this time around, Kerry or Rice, because Rice had to fall on her sword due to the Administration's ongoing, unending Benghazi f-up.
Oh boo hoo woodbutcher......
Woodbucher
that's enough of a reason in my book!!
While I agree we don't want creepy gays as our ambassadors for the rest of the world, except maybe in a few places in Europe, I don't know if Hagel is the right guy for the job at Secretary of Defense.
I think he poked enough GOP eyes with his fingers 2001-2008 to win Demoncat support, and the radical Left and conspiracy theorists will like him taking on the much-feared Israeli lobby (by the way, you know everything we do overseas is just for Israel, right? Yep.) But I don't know about GOP support.
He'll probably have enough GOP loyalists cuz he was on of them + enough Dems who liked him attacking Bush in the 2000's + maybe a few stray Israel-haters in the Senate to form a filibuster proof majority.
Does the fact that Chuck Hagel's face illustrates the harsh effects of prolonged exposure to the elements have any bearing on this? Weather-beaten features, I think is the phrase.
Gee America, you missed your chance! Even Obama knows that when you have a real tough job to do; "call a republican!"
What I find striking, is that for all the Bain Capital controversy during the election, nobody in the LAPDOG, COMPLACENT media ever bothered to see just "what this Bain Capital" was?!?"
If they had, they would have found a turnaround company that has invested heavilly in some of the top corporation in America. Ever wondor how Dunkin Donuts went from a regional, and modestly successful chain in New England, to having a worldwide presence?? Yup, Bain Capital! And that's just one of the examples; I had a Dunkin in China not long ago! just look it up in Wiki (no fan of republicans)
So now Obama has a tough job to fill, and he gets a republican to do it! We could have turned this country around with Romney, but we'll just have to wait another 4 years for the grown-up's to take charge; and dig us out of a deeper hole.......if any dirt is left!
What makes you think the GOP will gain the White House in 2016?
The DNC labeled Romney as an out of touch rich guy (just like the GOP did to Kerry in '04). They just had to attack Bain Capital because Romney used that as a reason to become President. Majority of people know there is nothing wrong with venture capitalism when done the right way.
My guess is that there won't be an America in 2016, so who gives a phuck?? But if there is, the country will be ripe for change.
Bain did do things the right way; you and everyone knows that the DNC has mainstream media "in their pockets" and the old saying holds true; "CONTROL THE MESSAGE - CONTROL THE MIND!"
You'll see!!
It is all just the "Blind leading the Blind" with the stupid people following to their doom......get real people.
Smart choice. An analytical and issue man. Non-partisan. Hope Obama nominates him..
To say Hagel is "non-partisan" is just a little inaccurate. Hagel is very liberal and has left behind any of his Republican ideals. The voters of Nebraska, of which I am one, are very happy he has moved on to Washington and know he will fit in much better there. He's another one who has found a place in Obama's back pocket and will become a puppet for any of Obama's ideas which are leading us down the path of destruction. I hardly recognize my country anymore and am so disappointed in things that are being done and the fact that being in the majority means nothing..............the miniority rules and that is something I am having a problem accepting and dealing with. The majority of Americans are sick and tired of what is transpiring but for whatever reason, our voices are not being heard and the same people are continuing to run our country. God bless America.........................someone needs to bless us.....................
So much hate in these post. As many if not more form the left. But somehow the left is always justified and never wrong.
Only the left think they are never wrong.....maybe that is America's problem.....
The Republicans aside, he's not a puppet of Israel, so it will be a real tough one.
Hagel will fit in perfectly with Obama's cabinet. He may be listed as a Republican but he is the MOST LIBERAL REPUBLICAN NEBRASKA HAS HAD. As a citizen of Nebraska I can assure you that he is not welcome in this State anymore and certainly does not represent any of the ideals of the citizens of nebraska. He and his politics are more suited to Liberal Washington and certainly to Obama's policies. So for Nebraska, good riddance...for the rest of the country, if you are looking for balance in the government, you certainly won't get it with this person. Our government has become so liberal and one dimensional that those of us who still believe in democracy and fairness are too quickly becoming the miniority.
Here's to all the dumb Jews and gays who supported Obama. How do you like the payback?
Hagel voted against designating both Hezbollah–which murdered hundreds of Americans–and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as terrorist groups, and he opposed sanctions against Iran. Priceless.
I agree.......PRICELESS
Guess what dip@!$%#, I'm one of those "dumb Jews" and Obama received over 70% of the Jewish vote. I'll bet that really chaps your ass, huh buddy??? Too god damn bad. You nutcases act as though all Israeli's support Netanyahu. Far from it. They view him kind of like Dubya, only not as stupid and he speaks English better as a second language than numb nuts Dubya did as his first.
And listen, I want to offer you my condolences for that thrashing you schmucks took on November 6th. Damn, but I'll bet that really hurt bad. Especially when fat faced Karl Rove had his little melt down on Faux Nuze/aka The Hooter Network. I almost felt sorry for the poor sod. LOL
Have a pleasant evening, I've had my fill of you crazies for the time being.
he is not bought nor blinded by the aipec. he is not a sellout. He truly cares about this countrys interest.
Hagel drew his paycheck from the American taxpayer and not the Israeli one.
yhbua
is the mexican drug cartel also drawing paychecks from the American taxpayer?? I know they are already classified as "most favored nation" in buying assault weapons from the president. just wanted to know if they are also in our social security system.
Explain the correlation if you have the capicity to do so.
I like it bob! I don't think Yhbua gets it though. Nice quote from Hagel Yhbua. You know, he said he didn't get paid by the Isaelis.
I'm sure Hagel believes in wars.Everybody dies because God has appointed man once to die,so God wants to
and has determined when man dies,God doesn't want man to make that determination
because when man does he makes mistakes and kills the innocent along with the
guilty as in wars.And God told Abraham He doesn't kill the innocent along with
the guilty.So the power of life and death really belongs only to God.But since
Eden,man believes he can be as God and know good and evil as God (Genesis
chapter3),and man sinned the sin of pride,and has taken God's power of life and
death,even in wars,and killed the innocent along with guilty,a sin that's never
repented of.The Bible says,God doesn't kill the innocent,let alone kill the
innocent along with guilty taking God's power of life and death even in wars.So
for those who don't repent of this sin,it will have to end in the worst war
ever,so it will never happen again to anybody ever again,as God will Judge those
of this sinful mindset of wars (Isaiah2:4),and rid the world of them out of
necessity.
Al-3017247...
WTF???
Sounds like one of Al Gore's rambles.
Hagel served in the US Senate and not the Knesset
Ok Yhbua, got it......
I tend to be liberal on many issues, but Hagel is the right man for the job. He really cares about this countrys future and interest more than most if not all republicans and democrats. Good move from liar and spineless Obama. Dont get ME worong, Obama is STILL better than any current republican politician/leader expect for RON PAUL (A MAN OF CHARACTER AND DECENCY)
If your heart leans towards Israel before the USA, EL AL has a few daily flights there.
And let's forget about the Jews who were among the most ardent supporters of the civil rights movement. That doesn't register. Food stamps, much?
Procru and your point is? Hurry next flight leaves from JFK tonight
Can't beat that gov'mint cheese, eh? Four kids, four fathers. Excellent!
she wasnt talking about the Jews, she was talking Israel, a foreign country with deep grip around congress. imagine if Italian Americans put the interests of Italy before the USs or any other ethnic group for that matter?
Many American Jews disagree with Natanyahoo's draconian policies. Thye dont hate israel, they hate the current's gov stubborn policies.
Ethnic group? Dumb, just dumb.
I'm with Yhbua. Not the fault of the everyday Jewish citizen, but the Israeli government does steer US foreign policy disproportionately. Regardless of your ancestry if you are an American citizen, the interests of the US should ALWAYS come first.
Procrustes, I wasn't talking about your MOMA. I heard she had eight with nine fathers...menage trois?
yu boa,a threesome with you would be a real dog,pony,and ass show.
Yhuba--I'll tell the Israelis to throw the nappy trash Ethiopians out that they rescued at their own expense and who are full citizens. Mind your own corn rows, Sista.
http://www.israelupclose.org/volume_12.html#a
Watch this if you are capable of absorbing knowledge.
COOL . should be one of the great ones if he can clear the neandrathals in the senate. bunch of idiots on both sides
Some of you need to read this article again. As bad as my memory is, I do believe I read that as many as 10 Democratic Senators could vote "No" on his nomination. That by my math, is about 1/5th of the Democratic Senators, and all you can muster in your posting is a bashing of the Republicans. You just gotta love the hate that is flowing in the postings.
Hate.......that is what is driving Americans today....sad but true....it is on our roadways.....in the killings.....in the fighting going on in our government....and on every shore of this world.....SAD SAD SAD
Should have nominated Bob Kerry, better man, Nebraskan and better Democrat also an honored Vet
I didn't know the Pres flew the big airplane back to Hawaii again.
So, uncle Leon Poinsettia was plopped into the spot to dismantle the military over the past four years. He was perfect. A consistent yes man and anti military person, and it paid a quick line of favors for Paylousy. Now the damage has been done to the military, Pointsettia will go back to wherever until he is called on again to do some dirty work, and the president will get all this fine publicity as this ex republican gets dragged though the political mud the next few months. On top of that, yet another political pawn in place for the president to turn and burn and blame after the military shortcomings start to surface. Perfect. The dude should just turn it down and walk away.
First off, Obama is NOT a jew hater. But why he would nominate a gay bashing republican is beyond me. Republicans are evil.. Obama: don't do it!
Shut up....
I think its pretty clear Obama doesn't just hate jews... he seems to hate everyone but himself.
@ schwtz72 ....you need help
In November 2007, he rated the Bush administration "the lowest in capacity, in capability, in policy, in consensus—almost every area" of any presidency in the last forty years. He also revealed he was open to running as vice-president with the 2008 Democratic nominee. In the same month, he said, "I have to say this is one of the most arrogant, incompetent administrations I've ever seen or ever read about.
anyone better than that lying kerry i would think. send him back and this time let him join a river boat team. maybe they can shoot his lying ass out and into the water dead as hell.
He didn't lie and everyone knows that now. That election is over. get over it!
lol