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Subscribe to RSSBreaking down yesterday’s Valentine’s Day filibuster against Chuck Hagel… The many sides of John McCain… McCain’s straight talk: The opposition to Hagel is rooted, in part, in his criticism of George W. Bush… Senate Dems offer their proposal to replace the sequester… Obama heads to Chicago… And on Lautenberg and Booker.
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Senate Armed Services Committee members, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. confer on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at the start of the committee's hearing on the appointments of military leaders.
*** The Valentine’s Day filibuster: Safe to say, there was little love in the U.S. Senate yesterday on Valentine’s Day. Senate Republicans used a filibuster to temporarily block Chuck Hagel’s nomination to head the Pentagon -- the first time a filibuster had ever been used against a defense secretary nominee and just the third time ever against a cabinet secretary pick. A combination of reasons contributed to 41 Republicans denying Hagel the 60 votes he needed to clear the procedural hurdle: Some were always opposed to Hagel; others were mad at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for not respecting a GOP “hold” and scheduling the vote; some were mad at the White House over Benghazi; and one GOP senator (Orrin Hatch) voted “present” because of the precedent that a no vote would send. Here’s the bottom line on where Hagel’s nomination stands: A delay is never a good thing, because it gives his opponents additional time to try to torpedo his nomination. That said, the fact that Hagel essentially got 59 votes (including four from Republicans) suggests he’s likely to be confirmed when this vote comes up again in late February. But we’re going to have to wait another two weeks until the Senate returns from its recess. Yet more than anything else, yesterday highlighted a growing problem for the GOP in the Age of Obama: It’s clear what they are against, but what are they for?
*** The many sides of John McCain: This week seemed to bring out both the maverick and anti-Obama partisan in Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). On Tuesday, he rebuked fellow GOP Sen. Ted Crux (R-TX) for crossing a line during the Senate Armed Services Committee’s consideration of Hagel’s nomination. “No one on this committee at any time should impugn his character or his integrity," McCain said of Cruz’s suggestion that Hagel might have taken money from countries like North Korea. But then two days later, McCain joined most of his Republican colleagues in blocking Hagel’s nomination, at least temporarily. At first, McCain said that while he opposed Hagel, he wouldn’t join a GOP filibuster against him. Then he threatened a filibuster if the Obama White House didn’t answer particular questions about last year’s Benghazi attack. Yet after the White House replied to his questions, McCain said that the GOP demands by Sen. Cruz and others for more information about Hagel speeches amounted to “reasonable requests,” as the Washington Post notes. Talk about whiplash.
*** McCain’s straight talk: So what’s the real story? Well, McCain himself shared it late Thursday afternoon during a FOX interview, in which he suggested his opposition to Hagel was rooted in the former senator’s criticism of George W. Bush. It was a little straight talk, if you will. “There's a lot of ill will towards Sen. Hagel because when he was a Republican, he attacked President Bush mercilessly,” McCain said. “At one point, he said he was the worst president since Herbert Hoover, said the surge was the worst blunder since the Vietnam War, which is nonsense. He was very ‘anti ’his own party, and people don't forget that.” Let’s be clear: The only reason why Hagel was blocked yesterday was because McCain changed his mind. Just one more senator needed to vote for cloture to clear yesterday’s procedural hurdle. And looking ahead, McCain remains an enigma. He is a key player in the bipartisan push for immigration reform, which the Obama White House views as its top legislative priority this year -- after resolving the budget stalemates. But McCain also has opposed almost all the key legislative matters over the past four years, even those he’s supported in the past. Obama’s two Supreme Court nominees. The DREAM Act. The New START treaty. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. One thing to remember about McCain: He was a sharp thorn in Bush’s side in 43’s first term, but he became more helpful in the second term. Could we see a similar pattern with Obama?
*** Senate Dems offer their proposal to replace the sequester: Also on Capitol Hill yesterday, Senate Democrats unveiled their proposal to ward off the so-called sequester. The New York Times: “Senate Democratic leaders reached agreement Thursday on a $110 billion mix of tax increases and spending cuts to head off automatic spending cuts through the end of the year. But with even some Democrats tepid on the proposal, the chances of a deal before the March 1 deadline have receded. The Democratic proposal would establish a 30-percent minimum tax rate on incomes over $1 million to raise about $54 billion over 10 years” -- the Buffett Rule. “It would raise $1 billion more by subjecting tar sands oil to a tax to pay for oil-spill cleanups and by ending a business tax deduction for the cost of moving equipment overseas.” Folks, there’s little chance of the Buffett Rule surviving; it’s always the first thing in beginning talks and first thing out. That said, this is how you do negotiations. The real key in this Dem offer is the cuts they DID agree to and the oil and gas tax loopholes they offered up. We’re about 60% of the way there, perhaps.
*** Obama heads to Chicago: Today, Obama heads to his hometown of Chicago, where he gives remarks at 3:45 pm ET. Per the White House, the president will discuss some of the economic proposals from his State of the Union address. But make no mistake, this visit will also be about the gun violence in Chicago. By the way, how can you tell Obama no longer has to worry about being re-elected? He’s heading to Florida for a vacation, where he’ll be getting golf lessons from former Tiger Woods golf coach Butch Harmon, according to Golf Digest.
*** On Lautenberg and Booker: Lastly, we learned yesterday that 89-year-old Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) won’t seek re-election in 2014. As our colleague Steve Kornacki asked yesterday, why didn’t Newark Cory Booker wait for this inevitable announcement before saying he’d run for the seat, a move that only alienated Lautenberg and his allies? Booker has shown that he’s very good at the P.R. side of being a politician. But he’s made two big errors in the past year: 1) contradicting Team Obama on its criticism of Mitt Romney’s time at Bain Capital and 2) not waiting to run for the Senate until incumbent Lautenberg made up his mind. By the way, one other overlooked aspect of Lautenberg’s retirement -- he’s the last remaining WWII veteran in the Senate.
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like i have said before among other things mccain can't stand the truth. because he has proven himself to be a liar. still pissed he lost.. hagel just stating a fact W was worst president in recent history. thats a fact whether you are repub or dem. just telling the way it is..
Keep it up GOP,heck of a job! Go further to the right. What are they going to do in 2016 when Hillary becomes president?
What is absolutely disgraceful in all this is that Sen. Graham is also a JAG colonel in the Air Force Reserve. Notwithstanding the issues of a member of Congress simultaneously holding a commission as an officer (crossing the provisions of Art. I, Sect. 6 of the Constitution), the first thing Hagel should do when confirmed as SECDEF is ask for Graham to resign his reserve commission. It is clear that Graham's grotesque political polarity is prejudicial to good order and discipline and that Graham could never faithfully serve, meet, and carry out his duties under his oath of office as a reserve officer.
I once knew a kind,compassionate and caring Republican. Alas last of his kind,he's dead as is the GOP.
Where? When? Who? Not since Nixon.
Libya has ZERO to do with Hagel's nomination. He was not involved. To use that as the "reason" to hold up his vote is an absolute proof that its not about Hagel, its about obstructing Obama at EVERY turn.
'Smells' is right. Today's Republicans are despicable.
The ignorance and bile pouring from Republican posters here is just as disgusting.
These GOP morons should wear clown suits,I love the clown Rubio with his clownish water trick.
As America becomes more Moderate,the GOP goes further Right. Heck of a job GOP! That will win votes with racist hillbillys!
And if we allow that to happen it is at our own peril.
All aboard the GOP clown car on its journey to HELL!
I'm not certain there's any animosity behind it. McCain and Graham want answers on Benghazi. Such answers have not been forthcoming. Hagel is their leverage.
Majority or not, the Democrats need 60 votes. They don't have the votes.
Bengazi was a matter for the State Department, not the Department of Defense. That is the disconnect here.
Lib -
Incorrect!
The military was ready to go into Benghazi - until they were ordered to stand down. An admiral was relieved of duty because he was going to disobey that order as an illegal order - as was his right (He has the right to disregard any order he feels is illegal. Panetta did not give the order to stand down and there are very few people in the chain of command above an admiral. It is reasonable to assume that Obama, at the very minimum, knows who gave that order and probably gave the order himself. If Obama is the one who gave the order, it can be considered as giving aid and comfort to the enemy, as it was a terrorist cell associated with alQaida (with whom we are at war) making it an act of treason.
Now, considering that Obama does not defend this nation, as required by our Constitution, and wants to put a boot-licker in the position of Secretary of Defense, I think those answers are incredibly relevant.
You might learn that if you would get your head out of Obama's back side long enough to read more than the propaganda that his office puts out.
Too bad the GOP never got worked up as much about the Iraq war, where thousands of our young people needlessly died, as they do about Benghazi. The real patriots in this country are not to be found in the GOP.
Is there even one Republican senator who is not an inept, hypocritical, brain dead, gun sucking, enemy of our democracy and the Constitution, and a transparent shill for the big money oligarchs who would seek the suppression of freedom?
Too bad the GOP never got worked up about the 12 embassy attacks under GW Bush.
36 people were killed..none were investigated.
GW Bush/C Rice were never properly investigated about 9/11 either where their ineptitude led to the deaths of almost 4k Americans ...
Then they never got investigated about the lies they told to start an illegal war in Iraq where thousands of American soldiers and hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals were murdered under the GOP warmongering, lying spree....
The GOP tries to hide GW Bush away..didn't even invite him to the last RNC convention...but America will never forget his crimes against this nation and never forgive the aholes that put him in office.
Repiglicans are shameful and disgusting...like their leaders.
If you are asked for documentation in an interview, you produce it, unless there is something to hide, which in this case, I have no doubt there was something to hide. GOP needs to get tough on Obama's pics, you cannot trust this man to do what is best for the USA.
Okay, then where are Romney's tax returns? We're STILL waiting. Oh, yeah, he lost the election, so no longer needs to prove he paid taxes.
Again, Bengazi was a matter for the State Department, not the Department of Defense. Why doesn't anybody get that.
Lib -
Again! Your ignorance is showing! Tell me, do the Marines, or do they not, provide military security for embassies and consulates?
The answer is, Yes, they do. If anything, Obama needs to be asked why he would not allow a military security detail to protect the ambassador.
Great move President Obama, you have exposed the complete insanity of the GOP, with Chuck (repub from very conservative Nebraska) getting excommunicated fromt the Church of GOP. Their members must now be totally brainwashed to the point of leaving only the far right side of it working. All those not wanting this brainwashing must leave and join the independents and democrats now and forever more.
kalesi, the vote is to determine if Hagel is qualified to be Sec of State. It is about Chuck Hagel. It is not supposed to be about Libya or anything else. Hagel was not involved with that. The truth is, its about Barrack Obama and the GOP's hatred of him. And that is a clear violation of the oath of the GOP Senators. Now, the country has a lame duck Sec Def while the GOP stomps its feet about Obama.
Hmmm...Hagel was an enlisted man; McCain and Graham were/are officers.
It's about class warfare.
Dale -
Questions during the confirmation hearings showed that Hagel is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense, especially if, by putting him in that position, it will allow Obama to continue to destroy this nation.
pssst Dale.... Sec of Defense...
I don't recall Lindsey Graham and John McCain holding up Bush's nominees until they got more information about how we got such bad intel concerning WMD in Iraq?
Maybe that newbie Cruz from the Republic of TX should insinuate they got kickbacks from the Contractors profitting from that like he insinuated Hagel is that sleazy or questionable....lots of stones outside their Glass Houses, piles of them so they just keep setting themselves up.
Feisty the little sheep. You showing respect is an oxymoron you are one of the most disrespectful people I have yet to come across. Anyone who disagrees with you is a target of your childish personal attacks.
BAAAAAAA BAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Hey Feisty Hon... I think your leg humper Bob is back...
Matthew 21-21 Verily I say unto you, if you have faith, and doubt NOT. you shall not only this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thous cast into the sea; it shall be done...BE DONE OH LORD. and I ask this in prayer, believing I shall see it done. This king cast into the sea,, Woe to this criminal government of deceptions and lies. May all the plagues and sicknesses be like a rock around your necks as your own people even want to see you tossed into the sea. A deceiving king who puts the burden upon the people while his lies and greed thrive. A government of wolfs who pick and choose who they will devour next and like wolfs who spread disease. The hunters will become the hunted as bounties will be put on each hide that is sick with this coming plague, a great virus already injected into their rotted souls and spreading through their ranks> Their children will curse them All and the people will rejoice when this criminal kings is gone. Jesus said? If thou will be perfect, go and sell that thou has and give it to the poor and you shall have treasures in heaven, and Come and follow him. The time is at hand to show God your faith in him. Vain words, vain actions have become the most parts of this world and it's rich men. Sad that we forget the words and run from the truth of what God speaks in our selfishness of today and it's have to have. We have all become greedy and rich in this country where God supplied and is now taking away. The fool will say once you find God your riches will increase and he is the one who takes from Gods house and walks away a rich man. Well from what God speaks, the rich man will not enter into the kingdom of God, thank you God you speak to this poor man yet supply my every need. The camel, remember the camel...Thank you Jesus Christ for that parable of truth, A truth that will be hurting many when they come wanting to bring their golds and silver...This wicked government of liars and thefts and they claim faith in gods not of ONE God but their own lords and king...
I do not care which party Hagel is associated with and I don't care about all the bickering going on in these comments. What I do care about is how this man handled himself during the confirmation hearings. Anyone who watched that with an open mind knows he is not qualified to be Secretary of Defense. I wonder if he is not affected with some type of early mental decline. That is how he appeared. I am sure he will be confirmed in the end as that is just how things go in Washington but don't any of you wonder if everyone should not give this some more thought before doing so? I am not against him because President Obama appointed him, I am truly concerned that he is not capable of doing the job.
Perhaps if you went to a job interview and your interviewer had a 7 year grudge against you, that interviewer could make you look pretty stupid now couldn't he?
And knowing that going into said interview, you would be prepared for just an occurrence. Hagel was not.
Exactly how do you prepare for "Mean Girl" Interviewers?
Midol?
The point is, if, and only if, Hagel knew that McCain didn't like him, didn't respect him, didn't care for him and it was going to be an uphill interrogation, he should have been a bit more prepared for it. How do you think a SOD is going to react in a fast paced, hostile situation he may never have been witness to, if he has to "mull it over for a bit and I'll get back to you"?
dopey leftists..... did any of you see/hear ANY of hagels testimony/interview @ the senate hearings... hagels O.K.? he should be treated as any other fail ur way up the system leftist?
Fortunately we now know that the republican job interviewers really didn't care about whether or not Hagel can do the job. They are simply a bunch of little mean girls wanting to settle old scores. Says more about republicans than it does Hagel. Comprendez?
Hey numbnut salsa girl...If Hagel could have answered questions INTELLIGENTLY the GOP would not have a foothold on "holding" his Confirmation. I watched the Senate Hearings.....HAGEL WAS TERRIBLE, EVASIVE, and just plain WRONG with many answers. Even Senator Levin had to correct his dumb azz. Based on those interviews HAGEL CLEARLY IS INCOMPETENT AND UNQUALIFIED to function as SOD. Hagel couldn't hold Panettas' jock strap as an SOD. Quit whining salsa girl.
Moderate, why should I whine? Hagel will be confirmed and McCain has ADMITTED that republicans are LITTLE MEAN GIRLS. Yes, republicans are the STUPID PARTY.
First Thought? Shameful, Selfish, Childish, and a clear example of how dis-functional our government is. Great example for the world. We are at war without a Defense Secretary, no wonder North Korea conducted their nuclear test, no respect for the U.S.
Guess what?? In Obozos' World a SOD is not required.....His Last order in his plan to destroy our Defense department and Military??? Last person out of the Pentagon must insure all lights are OFF!
Moderate, I am having to do a lot of GUESSING to figure out what your posts say. Perhaps you should trundle to your nearest Barnes and Nobles and purchase "Expository Writing For Dummies"?
BTW hrfdez...we have been at War for 4+ years w/o a PRESIDENT.....and didn't seem to bother any of you Obamabot idiots.
Moderate, why should your delusions bother me? Just sayin.
salsa girl.....Guessing is a large part of liberal non-thinking. Thanks for confirming your handicap of "Liberal Lemming Twit".
Oh, BTW...I WROTE "Expository Writing For Dummies". A SIGNED COPY is yours for the asking. But, I GUESS (LOL) you will need to read the Entry Level Edition of "Elementary READING For Dummies" FIRST. That should held reduce your "Guessing". ROFLMFAO at YOU!!!
Hagel,another old hack,,,,,
Another old rich white man similar to John Heinz Kerry and Jack Cayman Islands Lew that the lefties say they deplore.
GOP revenge? Revenge for what? Are the TGOPERS angry that the Obama Administration will NOT Audit the War Funding, launch full investigations into the Insurance-Banking-Financial Cartels, re-examine the information that led US into the invasion of Iraq, or investigate the Commodities Markets to uncover the motive behind $100 OIL?
Like I said. Revenge for what?
Oh yeah. I forgot. Hagel did question whether cheneybush could be impeached. Is this the reason for GOP Obstruction?
WOW!!! 2 pages of Liberal LWNJs' talking to each other...please continue. ROFLMFAO at the sight of outbackhouse, pigotrivial and the dyejob from rosewood yammering like scalded dogs. Total conglomerate IQ of the 3 of them = 189. Total LQ (LAUGH QUOTIENT) = PRICELESS!!!! If these 3 had brains they would take them out and [play with them. LOL!!!
To those who referenced Elizabeth Warren, I think you should have reservations about her.
Reservations for holding our Banking Industry accountable? I don't think so.
salsa girl..." holding our Banking Industry accountable?" You need to look closely at her "Corporate Contributors List"......Indian Princess will hold no one in the Banking or Financial sectors responsible for anything more than a hangnail offense. Gullible Libs always come to a gun fight with nothing more than someone elses' dick in their hands. i.e., Ignorant and Lemming behavior.
Moderate, apparently her corporate contributor list hasn't stopped her from attempting to hold the banking industry accountable has it? Realty bites doesn't it?
salsa girl...you are absolutely the most naive and gullible idiot I have ever encountered on any post site. You honestly believe that the Indian Princess is not blowing smoke up your azz by making frail gestures towards holding anyone that Contributed to her Campaign accountable for anything more than a jay-walking offense??? You keep me laughing.......like those clowns and court jesters in the WH!! Thank you, Clownie.
@ salsa
Please tell us why there are rumblings that banks, hedge funds, & investors are doing the same things that got us into the mess in the first place. She certainly is doing a tremendous job
This is all about the two most powerful lobbies eating away at our sovereign democracy, those two bedfellows being the "MIC" and the "Crazy Rightwing Likudnik Types". Anything else is just subterfuge to hide the dark powers looking to attack Iran.
yeh mike...cover up your head tonight in bed...the boogey man cometh. LMAO!!!