The Hagel Confirmation

[rareboy]

Arguably, the SoS appointment is the most powerful position to hold outside of being President.

But a close runner up would have to be Defense, because there could also be huge economic implications in the selection of Hagel.

The consensus this morning was that Hagel had not done so well, despite repeating, over and over, his record of support for Israel when it counted and firmness about Iran. But, except for the exceedingly precise questions having to do with bases or shipyards in a particular state, the hearing was tilted far more toward fuming, insinuation, and intellectual dishonesty than any attempt to gain real information about what Hagel might do.

Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/2013/02/chuck-hagel-under-fire.html#ixzz2JjZHu6dX

So how do you think he's faring? And will he be confirmed?

 

[Benvolio]

I think enough Democrats will join with the Republicans to defeat him.

 

[JayHawk]

Yeah he did himself ZERO favors with his prep for the senate hearings. Yet much of what Republicans made hay over was him refusing to agree with them.

For instance:
The policy of Containment versus prevention in the case of Iran. I know he and many in the liberal side of the stratosphere would prefer we contain them. However he was wrong to not simply know and endorse Obama's current policy.

On him flustering over Israel comments. He still believes and I think Obama believes that Israel needs a sanity check not a accomplice. Make no mistake both men would do all in their power to defend that country should their be a aggressor but we need to stop defending Israels aggression. It simply emboldens her to do it again. The simple thing is as long as the US is her strongest ally and always has her back NO MATTER how wrong Israel is in the situation then there will never be peace because we wont allow it.

On John (I am embarrassed he was a navy man) McCain demanding to know if the surge in iraq was a mistake... I wish hagel had developed two testicles and told that warmongering fuck that the entire escapade in Iraq served no purpose but to maim and kill Americans. The war was a mistake so therefore it is easy to gauge that the surge should not have occurred. Lets examine scope. John McCain went to nam and came back so embittered that all he thinks is a solution on foreign policy is to kill thy neighbor. Hagel went to the same war and came back wiser for the mistake our country made in pursuing the Chinese army in Vietnam. It was quite clear that Iraq was the same type of proxy war against islamist extremist funded and trained by Iran. So it is easy to make that connection. Finally there is still no evidence that the surge was the reason violence subsided enough to grant Iraq the ability to have elections and take their own helm. Many still think the widespread CIA payoffs to various warlords and mullahs allowed for peace long enough to extract America. We may never know. Yet i suspect in 20 years we will know in full detail what curtailed violence.

I would rather have a thousand Chuck Hagels providing cabinet advice on going to war than any John McCain's perpetual war is not something any true warrior desires.

 

[rareboy]

^Very perceptive take on the day. It is interesting that McCain came back with an entirely different perspective than Hagel and Kerry.

 

[JayHawk]

Yeah but my use of proper words, spelling and sentence structure are atrocious....I gotta stop posting so fast. I cant get stuff out as fast as I think them.... so either all the voices are crowding out the truth or I just need a decent English class or two and maybe some speed typing.... oooo oooohh maybe a stenographer that I can dick-tate too

 

[chance1]

Chuck sounded feeble and ill prepared

other than that, he was terrific

 

[chrisrobin]

From the utter disdain for anyone the Pres. can appoint, I'm very concerned about the publicity that Johnnie McCain and Lindsey Graham have been getting by the corporate media. Are those pencils in your pockets or is this just another obstructionist ploy? Looks to me like they might be an item--but they can never have children. Psst...you lost the presidency - twice. Get over it. Meanwhile, Hagel should be confirmed, no thanks to the Republicons!

 

[chance1]

^ did u see the hearings ?

the guy was out of it mentally

and confused about policy

i don't think he studied the playbook

i think he had a jay cutler moment is my take

 

[chrisrobin]

i think he had a jay cutler moment is my take

Is Jay Cutler being considered for Secretary of State? I wonder if Chuck Hagel could spot his
secondary receivers.

 

[chance1]

Is Jay Cutler being considered for Secretary of State? I wonder if Chuck Hagel could spot his
secondary receivers.

or marry (on a whim) a reality tv "star"

 

[Tengilethos]

I find it bizzarre that there even is a need for "advice and consent" on these executive positions in the US Government. If the SoD breaks a law or assumes authority that he doesn't have you can go to court. If he has too much power, change the law if you have the votes. Personal animosity against him or the President is no valid reason to filibuster his confirmation. And if Donald Rumsfeld could get confirmed in the Senate, then there shouldn't even be a question about the qualifications of Chuck Hagel.

But apart from all of this, filibustering a nominee because of Benghazi, which has absolutely nothing to do with Chuck Hagel is a new low. It may score them points with their base, but I wonder what the rest of America thinks about the Senate Republicans filibustering one of their own, while blathering about Benghazi-Gate. Not to mention that they all think neoconservative Bush-era policies are the gold standard in foreign policy. It boggles the mind (or at least my mind).

 

[Jack Springer]

 

[opinterph]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5gzfdlNlU1ru3sd1o1_500.jpg

This should probably be moved to the culinary forum, but I suggest turning down the heat a little and maybe increase the cooking time just a tad. That should render a more evenly browned slice.

 

[Centexfarmer]

^ And use real butter.

I've heard that margarine is just one molecule away from being plastic.

Much like Hagel is one week away from being confirmed as SOD.


Like how I was able to do that and still remain "on-topic" without actually giving an opinion?

 

[JayHawk]

Nah the crusty Senators involved in the opposition are simply sabre rattling to make it known they exist and are obstructive. I seriously hope that the President continues to lead and then bring his case public instead of dealing with these maroons. The tone of the TP and GOP of late has demonstrated they will accomplish nothing and be proud of that yet again. As long as the democratic party continues to put these shenaigans into the light of day the longer the republicans will be slowly pushed from office till they adjust to the twentieth century... then perhaps we can get them to accept the twenty first.

I still say Hagel will be nominated. But now I am starting to wonder if they will make this a absentee post like the ATF. Panetta is going home in a day or so to his 'nuts' and he is still SoD. I don't think he plans on returning to Washington. Time for the Senate to get off the pot or shit.

 

[chance1]

Hard to imagine a more impotent job interview

Ill prepared
Lethargic
Unaware of his future boss's actual policy

The bar be low

Leon will be missed

The rubber stampers love Hagel

He's so ........

 

[Jack Springer]

Obama is going to have to pony up on answers to Benghazi if he wants Hagel confirmed. Why didn't Obama or anyone in his administration involve themselves the night of the attack and many others.

Standing by and letting 4 Americans get murdered makes no sense.

Hopefully, the Senate will get the names and number of the survivors --- their stories should be interesting. During a normal administration the media would demand the names.

.. Obama hung up on the 3am call. Hillary was right.

 

[Jack Springer]

This should probably be moved to the culinary forum, but I suggest turning down the heat a little and maybe increase the cooking time just a tad. That should render a more evenly browned slice.

Hagel is not a good looking guy. The uneven toast fits him.

Actually, if we're making a meal out of this, I'd rather a biscuit with butter and blackberry jelly (no seeds).

 

[JayHawk]

Jack I am sure you would make fun of a guy who has his facial features do to being burned in the Vietnam war.

Hagel initially received orders to go to Germany, but he asked for a transfer to Vietnam so he could fight in the war. Against protocol, he was placed in the same infantry squad as his younger brother Tom. Just four months into his tour, Hagel was caught in a mine blast, taking shrapnel wounds to his chest that his brother bandaged up. A month later, in April 1968, Hagel returned the favor after their troop carrier hit another mine. Hagel pulled Tom from the burning vehicle under heavy fire, sustaining serious burns to his face.

I realize you prefer to simply go schoolyard when you cant win but seriosuly arent republicans supposed to embrace war heros? o thought it was in that Min Kampf book yall have to read....

 

[JayHawk]

Hard to imagine a more impotent job interview

Ill prepared
Lethargic
Unaware of his future boss's actual policy

The bar be low

Leon will be missed

The rubber stampers love Hagel

He's so ........

I will give you that his prep was embarrassing. He is simply not the guy used to having to answer the questions... he asked the questions. Kerry got softballs and looks good. Hillary got fast picthes knocked them out of the park. Hagel not so much.