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Subscribe to RSSEx-Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) got into a back and forth with freshman Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) over remarks Hagel made during an appearance on a call-in talk show on Al Jazeera.
The clip cited by Cruz has been making its way around conservative blogs over the past few days. In it, Hagel is asked about an emailed question from a viewer (in Georgia in the United States), who notes the perception that the U.S. is viewed as the “world’s bully.”
Here’s the clip and transcript of that:
EMAIL QUESTION: “Can the rest of the world be persuaded to give up their arsenal when the image of the U.S. is that of the world’s bully? Don’t we indeed need to change the perception and the reality before asking folks to lay down their arms (nuclear or otherwise)?
HAGEL: Well, her observation is a good one, and it’s relevant. Yes, to her question, and again I think that’s all part of leadership.
That’s where the clip cuts off. Cruz admonished Hagel during the hearing for not disagreeing with the emailer. In fact, Cruz concluded, Hagel “explicitly” agreed that the United States was the "world’s bully."
But there was more to what Hagel had to say.
The subject of the March 21, 2009 show -- two months after President Obama was sworn in to a first term -- was nuclear proliferation. Hagel believes, as Obama does, that the world, including the United States, should have fewer nuclear weapons.
Here’s a fuller clip from the show and the rest of what Hagel had to say, including the next question about the “perception” of the United States as the “world’s bully.”
Hagel blamed that “perception” on the Bush administration’s foreign policy. They “misplayed a lot of the great goodwill” the U.S. received after 9/11, Hagel said.
HAGEL: “…And again I think that all part of leadership. That’s why this must begin with the United States and Russia. Look, for example, what President Obama has done in the first two months he’s been in office. His Secretary of State, Mrs. Clinton, has met with the Russian Foreign Minister. She’s been in five regions of the world. The president of the United States is out of the United States now. He’ll be in different parts of the world over the next week. I think that is the beginning of, not just symbolism of reaching out, but, in fact, engaging, listening, finding common ground to build common interests based on consensus. We’re going to have differences. We will always have differences. But we should define our relationships based not on those differences but on our common interests.
HOST: “Well, I mean, that brings us to the new administration that is here in Washington. I think that perception of the United States being a bully in the world has come largely from what the previous administration has done.”
HAGEL: “Oh, I think that’s right. We are now in our unfortunately seventh and eighth years in two long wars. That’s not all America’s fault. Of course not. But I think this last administration misplayed a lot of the great goodwill that were [inaudible] to this country after the terrorist attacks on this country on Sept. 11, 2001. The fact is, the past is the past and we now move forward. Let’s try to get to high ground and fix some of these great problems and challenges for mankind. Working together, I believe we can do that.”
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Umm... because it is true? ;)
So, people of Texas...
...your buddy Ted Cruz has just been exposed as a rank and filthy liar.
Either that, or an ignoramus who is so stupid that he cannot even bother to watch an entire interview before making judgements about the person being interviewed.
Ashamed of yourselves yet, for voting him into office?
No?
How about this lie: "Obama began his presidency going on an apology tour." Nope, not even once did the President apologize for America.
Of course, I think that you people there in Texas should apologize. You elected this, this crud, after all.
Lets do it one more time...it would be fun if it wasn't so disheartening, knowing that fellow citizens of my nation elected this excuse for a human being...
"Did you know ObamaCare will cost nearly twice as much as initially expected -- $1.8 TRILLION?""....Nope. Its a 9% increase. Another complete lie.
Boy, you Texans sure will believe anything. Yep.
Things like Ted Cruz.
Won't you.
As a Texan who would never vote for the likes of Ted Cruz, I want to say that I am VERY embarrased by the politicians that have been voted to represent us. Even though the idiots are in majority right now in Texas, we are not all idiots. Those of us who are not stick together and I honestly believe we are on the way of getting rid of these peole. On behalf of Texas, I apologize for Ted Cruz.
Cruz = born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
# of days Cruz served in US military = ZERO
Amused...
...please allow me to apologize to YOU. Obviously, there are many, many people in Texas who are cringing at the words and antics of Cruz and his like. Texas is a big, BIG -place, and as diverse as anywhere else in our Great Nation, and on reflection, it is unfair of me to characterize Texans in such general terms.
In my defense, I can only plead that I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the extreme right in our Great Nation, and I am increasingly of the belief that if they are not voted out of office, then they will, gods help us all, have to be removed by some other means.
The United States is the bully of the world. We also spend too much money supporting the rest of the world. I think we ought to leave other countries alone, spend our money here in the states. We got enough nukes to make the planet unfit for man kind many times over. No one is going to attach us. Personally, I thought we should have flattened the home countries of the terrorists of 9/11. We wouldn't behaving the problems today that we do.
I wouldn't have thought I would like a republican in this post, but Hagel seems to be one of the few republicans who is capable introspection with respect to the US's behavior. Like any problem, you can't fix something if you won't admit it's broken. Good for him, I hope he is approved.
HAHAHAHA! What a peice of sh*t Hagel Is . Obama , Hagel , Liberals are all anti American !!!!
stupid is as stupid does ... Hagel is a Republican
Cruz = born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
# of days Cruz served in US military = ZERO
Hagel was always a conservative Republican, It's not his fault that the wingnuts have outflanked him.
Cruz = born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
# of days Cruz served in US military = ZERO
How anyone can think that this guy has any credibility is beyond me! He's as BAD as Arlen Specter and I live in PA! It's called political expediency my friends! They lose their core beliefs to maintain or obtain power! They are parasites! NOT only was he wrong, but now he equates Iraq to Vietnam! My GOD man, you were there, you know better you parasite!!!!
I don't know -- we lost thousands of lives in an unwinnable war of asymmetric warfare that we knew from the beginning we never should have been in. Just because Vietnam was ten times worse doesn't mean there aren't similarities.
Well Hagel's comments about our being "world bullies" will really play well with the ongoing BO APOLOGY WORLD TOUR. However what we do need is an unapologetic President, Defense dept.., and a sec of state willing to make decisions on the spot and not after convening countless meetings to handle the aftermath, and a juvenile Press Secretary to advise the rest of us dumb Americans that we are in good hands. As Charlie Brown would aptly say: "Good grief."
The President never apologized for anything, and we have been the worlds bully for many decades.
"Mr. Hagel, a week ago you used the word communist. Today you used the word America. Would you please tell us why you think America should be communist?"
I swear that's what it sounds like these idiots are doing nowadays. Can we just please stick to the facts and keep everything in CONTEXT?
Greg S! What don't you understand about this Ahole! He is an embarrassment to any political party! What we did in Iraq was not perfect, but had profound effects in keeping Al - Queida in check. Was there an underestimation of their resolve? YES! AGREED!, but the Surge helped fast track our EXIT from that shi*hole! And Hagel said that was BAD! But you credit Obama for our Exit! My GOD you people must get you head examined! You're affecting the next generation with your total obliviously to the truth! So SAD!
What we did in Iraq had ZERO to do with keeping Al Qaeda in check. Al Qaeda wasn't IN Iraq until after we destroyed its infrastructure and security. Al Qaeda wanted Saddam Hussein brought down. Not only did they hate him as a secular dictator, but our invasion gave them a priceless recruiting tool. And we knew all of this before ever going in.
These bunch of Repubs make me sick. Honestly, something has to change!
McCain is nothing but a blow-hard BULLY!
jock59801: We won that WAR! We did! They have an elected government now! Our occupation of that country was troublesome beyond belief, because we underestimated the Radical's resolve, but with the Surge we were able to negociate PEACE! And that was BEFORE the MESSIAH taking office in January 2009! The Anti War narrative is such such a part of why we are in the MESS we're in!
Everyone of those sellout senators are taking shots at Senator Hagel for wanting what is good for our country first. Did anyone catch the session with graham who criticized Senator Hagel for saying that he is a US senator and NOT and israeli senator. Putting our country's interest before israel's. Damn skippy. It did not sit right with graham and other sellouts. They definately put israel's interest before the US', slaves to israel's lobby. graham and co. did not like him saying that israel's lobby intimidates and threatens US senator. SHAME SHAME on you traitors. I hope Senator Hagel gets the position, because he puts the United States' interest first...
Hey Jock! Get a clue! Blame US! GREAT! Now they are living a better life than before, Afghan Women can get an education, and show a little skin! Threw that in there for my male friends in the Middle EAST! This ANTI WAR @!$%# created this Media Presidency that is killing our economy, and making the future for my Son very bleak! The Democratic Party is the Party going off the idiological edge, NOT the GOP!
And what is there to criticize in these comments? I saw one of the Senators bashing Senator Hagel and was amazed at how rude the Senator was. Every time Senator Hagel tried to phrase his response the Senator would interrupt him and demand a yes or no answer. THIS IS NOT A YES OR NO WORLD. And people who want simple solutions yearn for the days when a Hollywood B Actor pretended to be president for Baker and Deaver and Regan...and of course Nancy and her boyfriend Frank and her astrologist (strange family values huh?).
Morning in America. What a bunch of crap. It was a facade. We were brought before the World Court on mining the harbors in Honduras AND WE WERE FOUND GUILTY. We DID negotiate for the release of the Lebanese Hostages sending missile parts to Iran in exchange for their release, while arming the Sandinistas and selling plane loads of drugs on return flights.
What in that is anything about America that we should be proud of. It is an insult to our country and I do not want to go back to those days.
Lindsey Graham recently attacked one of the administration intelligence officers for testifying to the Senate that Libia may be a difficult and long process. Graham denounced what he said saying that it was unpatriotic and that he should not be making public comments that would discourage our country. What the f' ? What did he want the guy to do... manufacture intelligence of WMD's or maybe release the name of a covert CIA agent.
Or do you remember when President Reagan testified for Oliver North stating over 400 times under oath...that he did not remember. And he was never brought up for impeachment and Bush Jr has never been brought up before the World Court were he belongs.
I once stated that Nixon made a pack with the Devil. I have always thought Cheney was the Devil.
And all I am trying to say is at what point is Wolf Blitzer and the rest of the corporate owned news stations going to ask the tuff questions and stop allowing the three pit bulls Mitch McConnell, John McCain, and Lindsey Graham from spouting all this crap and trying to rewrite history.
And why can we not get election reforms. Why can we not ban Lobbyist and super pacts. And while we are at it lets ban Campaign Advertising on TV and require the candidates to ...just have debates. What is the informational value of a 60 sec ad. Why not. It's our country. Congress acts like they make the rules. We elect them. They are our representatives. And well we are at it lets make them retire at 65 just like everyone else. And lets let them retire on Social Security and Medicare. Why don't we make political office a national duty...like the draft. It could be like a grass roots thing. We could have town hall meetings were people get a chance to put in their ideas ...instead of rich lobbyist. And we could bar rich people from bribing our politicians in secret organizations. And why the heck can we not give a day off for voting...why does it have to fall on a tuesday...why not a Saturday or national day off so the poor who have to work two jobs could vote. Why not. Because the rich own this world and they are raping it for every dime they can get before they die...and they will leave a crippled planet behind for the rest.
Suzq-1497446: My SON will pay for your ignorance! You bought into the HIPPIE narrative that changed the course of our country in 2006, and now we're all paying for it! STOP IT! I have SKIN the GAME, and his name is Shane! If you want UTOPIA, I'll fly you down to CUBA or Venezuela, NO Charge! I just Can't take the idiocy that will affect my FAMILY! And I voted for Clinton, because he finally moved that Party back to it's proud heritage in this country! He just couldn't keep his pants on, but I even forgave him for that, even though his EXIT from the BAR was deserved! Now you've got a GUY named Obama that is making everything WORSE!!!!!! Pissed YES!
So one little person in some rural city in America has chosen to forgive President Clinton. Why don't you call NBC News and get a guest spot. I mean really the audacity of it...you are you to forgive him. He did not invade a sovereign country killing HUNDREDS of thousands of innocent Iraqi's. He made a mistake. One that should never have been the focus of a Special Prosecutor. It took them 6 years and that is all they could find. And my personal opinion is the Dog Lewinski reported to who was encouraging her...when Secretary Clinton stated her concerns about a Right Wing Conspiracy...you never here of the Bush Seniors assistant now do you?
And whatever you have against our current President I can not imagine but I do not want to encourage you...I have already heard over and over again the neo-cons talking points. President Clinton does not need your forgiveness anymore than he needs my defending him. I just wanted to spout off.
WTF...forget about judging...why don't you explain...or are you just flaming
Believe that there are many more objective and talented - less anti-Israel - pro Muslim - individuals in our pool of talent in America, than to appoint Sen. Hagel, as our next Secretary of Defense.
The position is TOO BIG for him and has made many controversial statements in the past He appeared totally lost at today's Senate Confirmation Hearing. Hagel will never hit the ground running, as our President needs him to do...
In my opinion, this will be an appoitnment, our President Obama, will soon regret!
Thank you.
Not from what I saw. I saw neo-con Republicans trying to devour their own. In what ways is this two difficult for a man who has received to Purple Hearts.
The USA is the World's Bully; no question about that. It's called hegemony and the USA does not deny its hegemonic influence over all countries on the planet. But... it won't last because many countries are now ignoring the hegemonic bully-boy tactics of the USA.
I guess just flaming huh...how much effort does that take to scroll through the comments and randomly say hu-uh.
In regards to the perception of other nations thinking we are a 'World Bully,' that is an accurate perception. Today we talk about extremism as terrorism in all facets and what we (as Americans) fail to realize is that to other countries, we are the most extreme group of rebels around.
Other people in other countries view the United States Department of Defense as the World's Largest Terrorist Organization. These same people view the United States Congress as the World's Second Largest Terrorist Organization. In terms of extremism (good or bad in anyone's eye), these depictions are about as accurate as anyone can call them.
What makes them true is the refusal of Americans to believe that we do any wrong in the World. When in fact, we do a lot of wrong in the World to benefit towards our way of life. This is the opportunity cost of Freedom. Either you accept it or do something about it.
The Truth should never anger anyone. It is what it is. What you do about it is up to you.
What is sad is that Hagel was agreeing with the woman's perception of how other countries perceived us. If you read the text he was not agreeing with accuracy of world opinion against the US...only that the woman was correct in assessing the situation and he went on to identify that the cause of the world seeing us as a Bully was not only just because of the Bush administration...but that Secretary Clinton and President Obama's efforts were showing not only a desire to change that opinion but a commitment in our actions to change that opinion. Secretary Clinton is being compared to Henry Kissinger and other great Secretaries of State for that reason. You did not hear McCain go into the reasons behind the comments made by Hagel. They would not even allow him the decency of finishing a sentence. I saw the same thing when Secretary Clinton spoke on the tragedy in Libia. Why was she brought before the Senate Committee? To explain what the situation was and what was done to prevent it from happening again. But they did not allow her to do that. Instead the Republican Senators used their time to characterize Senator Clintons behavior. What was the point again for the Committee? To ask questions. But thats not what they do...the bully people and make asinine statements so flamers have something to post in comment sections cause they can't think on their own.
Leftists...The ungrateful people we protect?...like all those women and children in Iraq we showered with Freedom during Shock and Awe...or the man who threw his shoes at BusthTard? (See it really isn't that clever to tack Tard on to everything.) Anyway the guy who they beat the ... out of and put in prison for a year...for doing what. That is not Freedom. And what Bush was protecting was oil fields in Iraq and an oil pipeline in Afghanistan. We have been perceived not as a Bully but as something far worse. We invaded a sovereign country that had no Weapons of Mass Destruction. No Dirty Bombs. No Nuclear Program. And no connection to 911. None. And we allowed them to lie to us...and they should be tried...Cheney, Bush, Rumsfield they should be tried by the World Court to show the world what Freedom and Democracy really is.
Leftist...We don't need foot notes.
The Truth shall set you free. The US is a bully- a mass murdering one at that. Prosecute now.
911 is not 93. The day all the planes were grounded on 911 under the Bush Admin several planes were allowed clearance to fly out of US airspace for the elite families of several Middle Eastern nations. Predominantly to Saudia Arabia. By your reasoning we should have invaded them next?
The Shoe...do you remember a man threw two of his shoes at then President Bush in a press conference in Iraq. They took the man to a room while Bush continued his speech. They beat the man while our President spoke. The man was put in prison for insulting an invited guest to the country. Throwing a shoe in the Middle East is an extreme insult. So is cloaking what we did to him as expanding Freedom and Democracy.
And furthermore I am through for the night. I cannot argue with you. You seem to think a discussion is questioning established facts. I can not argue with that. You do not see that the majority of Americans (who also re-elected the President you criticize) The majority of Americans realize there were no WMD. It was not cause Baby Bush wanted to kill the man who threatened his Daddy. They wanted a Geo-Political location in the middle east to spread their version of Democracy. One which the majority of American's see through now. One which this President saw through as a Senator.
And you will merely reply no prove to me what Americans think that. No.
You are also right I can not spell and my grammar is terrible. When I was seven years old I was hurt severally and the left side of my head was cracked open. That and a hearing problem causes all kinds of problems for me. But you are also right about the Genius part. I have received a Lifetime Achievement award in my hometown and numerous awards for my writing locally and in College. And I am a Genius by Mensa standards and then more.
And yeah you should lay off the Retard crap...it shows your immaturity. Even if you think its cool when Ann Coultur does it.
This is to AlaskaGirl-759554 - Hitler would have loved you.
We were the world's bully long before RR. Check out Teddy Roosevelt and The Philippines. Anyway, Repubs are once again showing themselves to be not very bright - the party of stupid - by attacking someone in their own party like a bunch of rabid dogs. People have gotten wise to them, thankfully.
I have just one question to senate. Are they trying confirm Sen. Hagel as the defense secretary of “Israel”?
Last I checked Israel is not part of good old U.S.A. and U.S.A. is not a slave of Israel.
People vote out these stupid politicians!
How come Sweden has one of the best economies, industry, quality of life, unemployment etc, etc. But they never get involved in the crappy affairs of the rest of the freaking world??
These Senators need to realize Sen. Hagel is being nominated for the Secretary of Defense of U.S.A. and only thing that matters is “HIS LOYALTY” to the U.S.A. – which he has in abundance.
Get a life Senators – we vote you to work for the interest of U.S.A and not the freaking Israel! Btw, in the mean time China is taking us to the cleaners. What bunch of losers.- The GOP fools paradise.
Ok. leave the Sweden part out. Why are we beholden to Israel?
Why the unconditional support with our blood and sweat to Israel (mind you at no cost to Israel) a condition for a nomination to a US Gov job? Why should it not be the loyalty to good Old U.S.A.?
BTW, are you Israel citizen? If so, you guys and China are no different. We have been taken to the cleaners too many times. It's our kids (US citizens) who die for this stupidity.
This Leftists Guy is jumping from comment to comment insulting people as retards and nut jobs. What distinguishes a flamer is he merely jumps from one thread to another and uses insults instead of facts.
You are right Bling. He is NOT running for an office in Israel and maybe the reason these Senators are having such a fit is just possibly Israel does try to influence or elections and polotics too much.
Anybody read the articles on Netanyahu's friend who donated millions upon millions to Mit Romney's campaign. Should millionaires and foreign interest be allowed to donate more than the average American can.
Why is it considered anti-Semitic to even so much as questions Israel's intentions. Even Oliver Stone back peddled. Which brings to the point if they are not a strong lobbying force in our country why is everyone jumping on anyone who suggests that they are. Maybe it proves the point they are making.
It has been more than once when Israel has been found at the root of American Spies. Would it be foolish in cases like that to burn any critics at the stake.
Israel can be criticized and rightfully so. And people in polotics should be allowed to voice their opinion.
And people should be able to post back and forth on valid comments without the trash of flamers...who do not criticize the content which is beyond their grasp...but rely on insults. Sounds like Bullys to me.
I suppose the only sensible way to deal with flamers is to tag them for the moderators as inflammatory and let the moderator decide. I think Leftists made at least 20 some comments and in about 15 or so he was replying not to comments directed to him but to almost everyone he disagreed with calling them a nut job or leftard. It is not necessary and it reduces the quality of the forum's intention for people to have discussions. People can disagree constructively but there is absolutely no reason to just go down the page insulting people who you disagree with. I hope Newsvine and NBC have the ability to bar IP address as well as accounts.
Buddy, you are entitled to your opinion. If you are so passionate about Israel - go live there. Fight for them. Make it your fight and be proud about it. It is your business and none of mine.
But, do not be a chicken hawk. Our poor kids are not cannon fodder for other countries. They will fight for U.S.A. But they should not fight the rest of the world unless it is in the interest of the U.S.A.
You can call me names, and I can do so too. I think if you are a US citizen, then you are a traitor to the U.S.A.- because your interest lies with Israel and not U.S.A.
So back to the question I asked earlier. Why is some ones loyalty or lack of loyalty to Israel be a qualification for the Secretary of Defense position in United States of America?
I say it should be ones loyalty and allegiance to U.S.A. - you say otherwise. I rest my case.
LOL, playing "Tour of Duty" doesn't count Robbie Rightard. The only thing you're a veteran of is masturbating in your mom's basement! "Iraq veteran," lol...
The U.S. being seen or viewed as the 'world's bully' is not new! That perception has been floated around the world for some time now. We stick our meddling noses in everybody's business as though we are the perfect example of national unity and harmony when in fact racism yet runs rampant in the U.S. along with gay bashing, an underpaid female work force and deeply rooted immigration issues. Who is going to fix us?
We tell other nations to disarm while at the same time thanks to nuclear proliferation, we have stockpiled enough nukes to destroy the world ten times over! Before our children are out of grade school we start hinting at a career in the armed forces with pamphlets from the R.O.T.C. with recruiters showing up on career day at local high-schools. We teach war, we serenade it, we glorify it in movies, books, games and song and then we wonder why there is so much violence in America. Not exactly the conundrum we pretend it is...is it?
America can protect herself; I believe the whole world realizes and recognizes that fact. I agree that it is high time that we lay out the red carpet of peace to all our neighbors, domestic and abroad as we lay down the blood stained banners of a history or wars and more wars. If we want to be shining examples, lets be the example of universal, peaceful, co-existence.
Right on...