E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSFormer Nebraska lawmaker, Chuck Hagel, is reportedly in line to be nominated for U.S. secretary of defense. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.
Senators on Sunday indicated a tough confirmation fight for former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's reported pick to be the next Secretary of Defense.
On NBC's "Meet the Press," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that Republicans in the upper chamber would treat Hagel "fairly" but that his past statements on Israel and Iran will be subject to tough scrutiny.
"I think he'll be subjected to the same kind of oversight hearings that any nominee for such an important position would expect," McConnell said. "And his views with regard to Israel, for example, and Iran and all the other positions that he's taken over the years will be very much a matter of discussion in the confirmation process."
Sen. Angus King, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, previews the upcoming nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel to become secretary of state.
"I think there will be a lot of tough questions for Sen. Hagel, but he will be treated fairly by Republicans in the Senate," he added.
That statement fell short of McConnell's past praise for his fellow Republican, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served in the Senate for three terms. When Hagel left the Senate, McConnell called him "a clear voice on foreign policy and national security."
During a pre-taped appearance on ABC's "This Week," McConnell appeared to back off that view, saying only that Hagel has been "outspoken" on foreign policy issues. "The question we will be answering if he's the nominee is 'do his views make sense for that particular job?'" he said.
Hagel has earned foes on both sides of the aisle for past statements about Israel -- notably his comment about how the "Jewish lobby" tries to influence lawmakers in D.C. -- as well as for his calls for direct negotiations with Palestinian group Hamas. He has also voted against some Iran sanctions and was heavily critical of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell discusses the goals his party is aiming toward in the upcoming Congress.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called the reported pick an "in your face nomination" by the president, while new Sen. Ted Cruz blasted Obama for ignoring bipartisan criticism of his reported pick for the Pentagon job.
"This is a president who has drunk the tea," Cruz said on Fox News Sunday "He's high on re-election right now."
Cruz said that he is "concerned" about Hagel's past statements.
Newly-elected independent Sen. Angus King of Maine said on "Meet the Press" that he would "reserve judgement" until the confirmation process begins, saying he believes generally that the president should be given considerable leeway to fill his cabinet as he sees fit.
"But I'm going to want to ask some serious questions and hear from Senator Hagel about the issues," he added. "He's a guy with a distinguished record and I'm going to listen to the answers."
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a freshman Democrat from North Dakota, said that the looming fight over the expected nomination merely highlights the Washington gridlock disliked by the American public.
"Chuck Hagel is a tremendous patriot and statesman," she said on ABC. "He hasn't had a chance to speak for himself, so why all the prejudging? I don't know."
Leave a Comment:
This is so typical of todays Republicans, they care absoluting nothing about this country or its people, inspite of there loses in the last election, they still seem to thing that they and not the Democrats, are somehow in completed control of our government. The party is not only devided to the point of being splintered, but, is apparently also completely dillusional. All they apparently want to do during the next four yrs is pick fights with this elected president on each and every issue. Why all the character assasination and threats before the nomination, before the hearings even start? Wait for the actual nomination and then let the system work the way it is intended to work and stop all this childish bullying tactics of the yet again losing party, the American people are really sick of this kind of crap..
Talk about not learning from one's mistakes. Over and over this hasn't worked for the GOP. They are going down in flames and keep pushing on the stick. PULL UP! PULL UP!
No surprise there. The only thing the GOP knows how to do is fight against ideas. They don't have a clue how to come up with any of their own.
Did anyone else see the (2) EMT's standing ready in the corner with electrical defibrillator paddles while McConnel was on "Meet the Press" this morning in case he started having the big one?
I did notice how he kept pulling his head back into his shell, but tried to snap up a fly with his tongue just the same!
The title of the article should say "Republicans signal tough fight on anything the President wants to accomplish" That would just about cover it.
It is the ultimate patriotism to oppose the Marxist in the White House
Oh, Larry, still spouting that "Marxist in the White House" crap. Haven't you figured out that such statements only expose your own ignorance?
Let's get this right... the government of Israel is running TV ads against the nomination because he questions the Jewish States stands on various issues. So, the Jews really do want ALL members of the American Administration to do the State of Israel's bidding. This is unbelievable... what the hell is wrong with people that we all have to kiss Jewish backside or else.
Piss off Israel.
Obama chose a patriot who will put the interest of the USA ahead of any other country, including Israel. That is exactly the way it should be. Anybody who puts the interest of another country ahead of his own is a traitor.
Hagel is pro Iran, a country that sponsors, finces and trains terrorism all over the world against the west and against secular governments in muslim countries. he also speaks against Israel, the only social democracy (liberal's favorite phrase) in the ME. So why am I surprised that the liberal left dhimmis are quick in posting decpicable comments here about jews, Israel, republicans, or anything they feel would degrade their ideology?
yet the Saudis, Chinese and Venezuelans have poweful and well paid lobby in the US - like CAIR - working the halls for the interest of their countries. I don't hear you talking about payoffs to our congressmen who facilitate Venezuelan oil imports or getting pro-muslim members elected.
Hypocrisy has no end, and the jews are always the whipping boys for the ignorant and the bigots.
We should not be surprised at GOP's resolve for a "tough fight." After all, they are masters of obstructionism. They have even proposed a shut down in the government if they do not have their way. I do not see how this helps the party's image. Republicans will lose in the mid-term election and in the next presidential election. So, just keep up the good work, guys. Remember, the American people are watching.
The GOP has turned into the "eat your own" party. They should drop the Elephant and use a Piranha...
Or maybe a chicken with it's head cut off, as that's they way they are running around right now!
Nice, he's a Republican and they can't even deal with him. If Obama nominated Jesus Christ I am sure they'd find sometihng wrong with him too. He's a hippy.
Obama could nominate Turtleman McConnell to a post, and Mitch would go on TV and attack the nominee!
MSNBC..."Hagel has earned foes on both sides of the aisle for past statements about Israel -- notably his comment about how the "Jewish lobby" tries to influence lawmakers in D.C. -- as well as for his calls for direct negotiations with Palestinian group Hamas."
---------------------------------------------------------
Like any citizen of this country, Chuck Hagel has a constitutional right to free speech. Anybody who disagrees with that is not a true American. End of the discussion
Sheldon Adelson spent $100m trying to buy a US president for Israel. And Mittens screwed up when Sheldon took him there!
Hagel is right about the Israeli lobbying in the US...
I guess McConnell has been ordered by the TPGOP to turn against his old friend. Hagel is a Vietnam Vet. He was wounded in battle . I think that may disqualify him for the job with the neocons and chickenhawks. They dont want vets who have experienced war. War vets will not be quick enough to go to war for them. Who cares what he said about the Israeli lobbyists. A lobbyist is a lobbyist.
If the neocons, chickenhawks and McConnell are against him, he is the man for the job.
Turtleman McConnell would turn on his own mother if he was paid enough. For Mitch's mom, probably $10.
Shouldn't American actions in the Middle East be based on what is best for the US, not what is best for a foreign country? And you're right about the chickenhawk neo-cons. Heaven forbid that the Secretary of Defense know the human cost of war.
Anyone who elected this Pres would think so. Hagel is a loose cannon but, come to think of it, so is BHO. Two turds in a bowl.
Well greg, one thing is clear. Nobody, and I mean nobody will ever accuse you of posting smart insightful commentary. Just the usual drivel, hatred and garbage. You must be such a disappointment to your family.
Greg. People with nothing intelligent to say usually resort to name calling.
Dennis, what is your value to your family or your Country? Have you served your Country in any way during your meaningless life or are you just happy being dependent on the taxpayers? You are another hypocritical example of progressive waste.
Practice what you preach Guy and what part of your original post was intelligent? I'm a vet just like Hagel but, I have the opposite opinion of him than you do. I see a value in Israel just like Hezbola, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhod, Iran and other third world countrys only for different reasons. What have you done to earn your liberty? Same as BHO?
Greg--I've the papers to show I served my country and you, son, appear to be a bitter fool and a sore loser. By the by, do you recall what the Republican candidate did to serve his country? You know, the dude who was of military age in the late '60s, supported the Vietnam War but when it came his time to serve, sought and obtained deferments so he could spend the war in France. Before you say something, recall that when Obama was of military age, there was no draft and the nation was at peace. Meanwhile, good old Mitch got himself a cushy reserve spot which required one weekend a month without the risk of actually getting shot at. Another chickenhawk.
Awww Greg, Comment hit home.
Old Vet, I ain't your son and in fact probably a Vet before you laded ytour first diaper.But, if you're really a Vet, thanks for your service. My unqualified candidate didn't win, yours did. And I didn't know there had to be a war going on in order to volunteer for service, were you drafted?
Guy, isn't it past your bedtime?
Greg--Sorry about the use of the term "son." I should have gone with "sport." My DD 214 shows my last duty post as C/2/508PIR, 82d ABN. That was a long time ago, when Hagel was serving. No, there doesn't have to be a war on in order to volunteer for service, but I'm sure you'll agree that it is the height of hyprocrisy to verbally support a war and then not only not volunteer, but seek a way out of that war. Romney and McConnell both did that, Romney via draft deferments and McConnell by obtaining a rare spot in the reserves in 1967. If you were around back then, you know that by 1967 everyone knew the reserves were not going to be mobilized and that it was very difficult to get a reserve slot. Curiously, McConnell was serving as an intern to Kentucky Senator John Sherman Cooper when he obtained that reserve slot.
I've always wondered why people thank vets for their service. When I grew up, it was a given that was something I would do as a healthy American male. While I did my share of griping in the service, it's clear I benefitted more from the army than it did from me. Maybe I'm strange, but thanking me for serving always seemed liked thanking me for being a decent father, a good husband, and earning a living.
Heading to bed now Greg. Tomorrow is a workday for me. Thanks for caring.
The Republicans not only eat their young, they eat their elder statesmen as well. They're pathetic--and dangerous in the power they wield.
Obama has definately figured out how to keep the welfare count down since taking office four years ago. He loves that!
The largest group on welfare and food stamps are elderly whites in Red states. Seems the GOP failed.
Just like your Clown Sheriff!
Literally, the Red States are fed by the Blue States!
Herron, still trying to justify your dependency?
Jeff. AZ gets about $1.40 back from the feds for every dollar they pay the feds. You are a welfare queen if you live there!
And you elected MORONS!
I'm not surprised that it's going to be a fight against Hagel. Isn't it Pres. Obama who will name him? ANYTHING President Obama wants, the Repubs want the exact opposite - even if it's a fellow moderate Repub.
These Conseratives are only conservatives when the mood strikes them - otherwise they are radical in every sense of the word!
Conversely anything the Right wants Obama is against. He's turned out to be quite the transparent mediator.
Greg, Obama could have named McConnell. and you dumb clucks would complain!
AZ = Dumb as a ROCK! (or a Brewer, Pearce, Arpaio, or JT Ready!)
Greg - Many of us think Obama tries a little too hard to get along with Repubs.
Suzq, in what way?
The last (summer) fiscal cliff - I wanted him to show Repubs who's boss. He didn't. He was trying to hard to work with Bohner and we see how that worked out.
The liberal left hates republicans, but the liberal left loves Hagel (who is a republican) because he is anti Israel and pro Iran. That explains the hypocrisy. Liberalism is a disease without a cure.
Tell us about Sheldon Adelson trying to buy Mittens as a US Pres for Israel! It only cost Sheldon $100m.
Chicken feed to a corrupt casino owner!
Our Sheriff is only a failure in the eyes of criminals or those who want to afford criminals a pass. Funny, when Obama wins reelection, that is a "Mandate". Sheriff Joe has won reelection four times and by huge margins! What a Mandate!
Phoenix is the third fastest growing metro city in economy. How about where you live? Or Obama?
You are clearly uninformed and poorly educated. He got 51% of the vote last dec, with over 80% of his campaign money from OUT OF STATE.
Now play with your Russ Pearce. The ONLY State Senate Pres EVER to be recalled in the US. EVER!
How well did you know JT Ready? Did you go to his meetings and human hunting trips?
BFD what the GOP thinks. It only takes 51 votes.
Okay so bets are open for the who is the first republican Senators will say nay for the dumbest reason?
Turtleman McConnell already won. And then he snatched a fly with his tongue to celebrate!
I believe it is the duty of every Democrat in this country (whether from Kentucky or not) to do every thing in their power to do to Mitch McConnell in the 2014 mid-term election exactly what McConnell said his only goal was as Senate Minority leader and that was....
"To make Barrack Obama a One term President and to put the brakes on absolutely everything he tried to accomplish saying in essence....TO HELL WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ...and a President duly elected by the people of this country"
I encourage everyone to support Ashley Judd in her attempt to defeat this POS and send him packing for good by sending her as much money in donations as you can afford.
Its really the TEA party saying that not the original republican party.
Ashley Judd? You gotta be crappin" me! How is she qualified for public office?
Yeah greg, like the baggers that were elected in 2010 were qualified for anything more then garbage men and women. You're pretty much an idiot aren't you? Come back when you have something remotely intelligent to post.
I'd trust her over any ignorant bagger they put up anytime. Especially if it's somebody the likes of you endorses.
Dennis Price
Now don't be giving garbage men here a bad name now :)
Greg. How old is turtleman McConnell? He looks about 90, but that could just be the shell he wears!
@FruVeggie
I guess I should have extended apologies to all garbage men some of whom have helped me out over the years. I guess the very fact that they helped a fellow citizen makes them immensely more qualified for public office then any worthless bagger could ever be.
Dennis Price
LOL
This should be the Presidents que with this Congress and Senate. If you want them to do something just do the exact opposite first?
Obstruct--Whine---Obstruct----Whine---Obstruct. Yes---that is the GOP in a nutshell. The republicans are like some huge big stone in the middle of the road that the rest of us have to go around to get to where we are going.
You can count on newly elected Texas Sen. Ted Cruz being at the forefront on any anti-Obama issues. Cruz is a safe attack dog for the GOP as he doesn't have to face voters for six more years. Plus, he wants to make a name for himself and will not miss an opportunity to grab cameras and microphones. Cruz is a Tea Party-backed cull who will champion their cause in the Senate. McConnell and Cornyn will use his as a tool to haul their water and he will also have the strong backing of Lindsay Graham. Both McConnell and Graham are up for re-election in 2014 so they need a mouthpiece and Cruz will be a willing performer.
BUILD A WALL AROUND TEXAS. Keep the true NUTS out of the REAL US!
But Herron, look at the contributions we have made toward the advancement of the United States? There is GHW Bush, GW Bush, Tom Delay, Dick Armey, Karl Rove, Alberto Gonzales, Harriet Meiers, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, Bill Flores, Bill Clements, and a host of other rightwingers. Without their contribution, leadership, and guidance, just think of the shape we would be in today? On second thought ~ ~ ~ hold that thought.
Good one Jim - forgot Rick Perry!
Rick perry is a flea. Rick santorum, now that's a stupid voice to quash.
(PolitiFact) cowbird, come come now, skinny chicken isn't PolitiFact one of your favs?
Sorry, there
prostate John
Is it paraphrasing, used as a noun that bothers you ?
or, verb (used with object) that trips your idiotic blather?
then again, as a verb (used without object) That engages verbal retort, all an-serine & goosey, jonny ovum seed.
Or is it that you are tired of urinating on your ovariesack over by the sump pump?
Do you, really, wash your hands before picking out the greenies, after priapic self service ?
Or, do you contract harlotpurvertgurl for your nasal mining & phallic manipulation ritual?
. good luck with Harleyguyvet he's letting herron ride on back picking ticks and fleas out of his leathery wooly flesh
Israel does exert a lot of influence in washington, our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan should be questioned and maybe there should be dialogue with Iran and Hamas to ratchet down things. This coming from a guy who knows about war first hand and not some arm chair warriors. Sounds like a voice of reason in idiotland.
Surely you aren't serious. Are you not familiar with AIPAC? Consider this:
The New York Times calls it "the most important organization affecting America's relationship with Israel."[4] It has been described as one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington, DC. Its critics have stated it acts as an agent of the Israeli government with a "stranglehold" on the United States Congress with its power and influence.
Israel probably exerts more influence on the US than any other nation on earth ~ mainly because no other nation can hold a candle to them in playing the "victim" with such aplomb.
Yeah, Israel can either stop the war mongering (and war crimes) or they can lose our support. They have nuclear arsenals for pete's sake. They are a useless leech of an ally and need to be cut off or put back in line.