Obama Will Nominate Chuck Hagel as Next Defense Secretary
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama will nominate former senator Chuck Hagel to be his next Secretary of Defense tomorrow.
Senior officials within the administration and Capitol Hill confirmed the pick to ABC News today after the Nebraska Republican had emerged as a frontrunner among potential candidates several weeks ago.
Hagel, 66, is a decorated Vietnam veteran and businessman who served in the senate from 1997 to 2009. After having sat on that chamber’s Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees, he has in recent years gathered praise from current and former diplomats for his work on Obama’s Intelligence Advisory Board as well as the policy board of the current Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
But the former lawmaker faces an upscale battle in the coming confirmation hearings in Congress; critics on both sides of the aisle have taken aim at his record toward Israel and what some have called a lack of experience necessary to lead the sprawling Pentagon bureaucracy or its operations.
Progressives have also expressed concern about comments he made in 1998, questioning whether an “openly, aggressively gay” James Hormel could be nominated to an ambassador position by then-President Clinton. Hagel apologized for the comments last month, adding that he also supported gays in the military – a position he once opposed.
Who Is Chuck Hagel? Meet Obama’s Top Pentagon Pick
The friction with his former colleagues has left a degree of uncertainty in the air going into the hearings. Today on ABC’s “This Week,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell demurred when asked whether he would support the man who, in 2008, he had championed for his candidness and stature in foreign policy.
“I’m going to wait and see how the hearings go and see whether Chuck’s views square with the job he would be nominated to do,” he told George Stephanopoulos.
Senator Lindsey Graham was more blunt in his opposition to Hagel on CNN. The South Carolina Republican called Hagel an “in your face nomination,” and said he “would be the most antagonistic secretary of defense towards the state of Israel in our nation’s history.”
If confirmed, Hagel will join a crop of new cabinet members expected to join the president in his second term, including Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who was nominated in December to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.
ABC’s Elizabeth Hartfield and Devin Dwyer contributed reporting.
Sen. Chuck Hagel's Defense Nomination Draws Criticism 
Congress Makes President Obama's Reelection Official 
Hagel seems like a good choice. Let’s see how much of a fuss the far right Republicans give for Hagel’s nomination.
Posted by: Librarian53 | January 6, 2013, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
Librarian, I think it is the far LEFT that is fussing because of his anti-gay stance! LOL!
Posted by: BK.70 | January 6, 2013, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm
Chuck is a true American patriot and good for our country and bad for special interest that has torn America to bits. He is the best man for the job. Good job President Obama selecting Chuck.
Posted by: Jack | January 6, 2013, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm
“…critics on both sides of the aisle have taken aim at his record toward Israel…” – Yeah, right. Daring to publicly say he was a United States Senator and not a Senator of Israel was a terrible and unforgivable sin.
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
BK.70: “Librarian, I think it is the far LEFT that is fussing because of his anti-gay stance! LOL!” – - – What “anti-gay stance”?
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 6:04 pm 6:04 pm
BK, he has to be anti-gay, as well as anti-women, racist and in the pocket of big business. he’s a republican, right? or at least that’s what most progressives say.
Posted by: quid est veritas | January 6, 2013, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
This guy spoke out about the nomination of a guy who was openly gay to be an ambassado. Wonder how he really feels about gays in the military. He is so desperate to keep a job in DC that he apologized last week for his anti-gay remarks about the ambassador. No way this guy should be approved much less nominated.
Posted by: george | January 6, 2013, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm
george, he’s “evolved.”
Posted by: quid est veritas | January 6, 2013, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
You know it’s silly season when anonymous commenters on this site feel they have enough knowledge over what it takes to be a Secretary of Defense. Plus dumb litmus tests over anything someone has said over decades will only dumb down our government further. Chuck Hagel isn’t an Israeli Senator and he’s not gay. Sounds like the majority of Americans to me.
Posted by: 1bits | January 6, 2013, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
QUIED EST VERITAS: “BK, he has to be anti-gay, as well as anti-women, racist and in the pocket of big business. he’s a republican, right? or at least that’s what most progressives say.” – - – WRONG You are describing ideological far left radical liberals who are just as incapable of independent rational thought as the equally ideological reactionary far right conservatives.
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 6:29 pm 6:29 pm
Charles Lindbergh is unavailable, but the antiwar America First Committee would endorse Hagel.
Posted by: PEIKOVYAN | January 6, 2013, 6:33 pm 6:33 pm
Neither Hagel or Obama is a fan of Israel. What’s not to understand?
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 6:50 pm 6:50 pm
I swear Pres. Obama chooses the worst people to help run our country. We desperagtely need strong leaders today but we are getting these little wimps. Remember the statesmanship when Obama wouldn’t meet with Netanyahu at the UN? Of course, he later kissed up to Israel during the campaign.
Posted by: jonnie | January 6, 2013, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm
BK; I didn’t say he was anti-Israel. I said he wasn’t a big fan. Hagel’s record speaks for itself. It’s pretty obvious from his (Obama’s) talks with Netanyahu that there is no love lost, and his insistance that Israel retreat to their pre-’67 borders. But Obama understands the need to present a unified moderate U.S./Israel relations stance, and that’s what he always does. However you view this pick of Hagel, it’s clear that Obama and Hagel’s position on Israel is similar and that’s why he picked him. Now please go and pick a fight with someone else.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
Evidently OPEC and militant Islam are put ahead of American interests. They have nationalized American oil properties, and they are expanding as successive American governments fumble. Appoint Chuck Hagel as Ambassador to Libya and see if he accepts.
Posted by: PEIKOVYAN | January 6, 2013, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
Bad choice.
Posted by: Karen | January 6, 2013, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Lindsey Graham is a senator from South Carolina, not Georgia, as the article states. You would think someone at ABC News would know this.
Posted by: Karen | January 6, 2013, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
“Neither Hagel or Obama is a fan of Israel. What’s not to understand?”
______________________________________________________________________________
And what if they aren’t? Give me your full throated explaination as to why we have to support them…
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
“Remember the statesmanship when Obama wouldn’t meet with Netanyahu at the UN?”
____________________________________________________________________________
And why should he have to?
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
Karen (7:43 PM); Good catch! I read right by that. Pretty funny.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
NEWCOUNTRYMAN: “BK; I didn’t say he was anti-Israel. I said he wasn’t a big fan.” – - – Hmm, I wonder if an inability to quote one’s self correctly is a good indication of a person’s honesty? Or, is that only a good indication of the kind of sloppy thinking one routinely engages in? Because, not only did you mischaracterize what is said, you misquoted yourself. I NEVER said you said he was “anti-Israel.” More importantly, THAT – i.e. “I said he wasn’t a big fan” – is NOT what you said originally. Your original comment was, “Neither Hagel or Obama is a fan of Israel.” See, the word “big” was NOT in your original comment. So, despite the fact that I never said you said they are anti-Israel, your original comment kinda did imply he is anti-Israel because if he is not a fan of Israel (i.e. your original words) then the only other alternative is to be somewhat anti-Israel. Now, since my relevant comment is gone for some stupid reason I will provide it again. You said, “Neither Hagel or Obama is a fan of Israel. What’s not to understand?” And my response was, “Maybe they are simply not a fan of Israel manipulating American politics. Or, maybe they are not a fan of putting Israeli interests ahead of American interests. Understand the distinction?
Now, since my relevant comment is gone for some stupid reason I will provide it again. You said, “Neither Hagel or Obama is a fan of Israel. What’s not to understand?” And my response was, “Maybe they are simply not a fan of Israel manipulating American politics. Or, maybe they are not a fan of putting Israeli interests ahead of American interests. Understand the distinction?”
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
So what if he said some anti- gay comments back then…. Alot of people were anti- gay and then changed their position. Dont Ask Dont Tell was anti gay until it got repealed. The comment realy is a non issue
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
TV; See my 7:32 PM response to BK.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
I would like an answer to why we have to cater to Israel?
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
BK; They are not big fans of Israel and I stand by that statement.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
And that has to be one of the big reasons Obama gave him the nod. Period.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
“TV; See my 7:32 PM response to BK.”
Doesn’t answer my question. Why does America have to cater to Israel? Why do American politicians have to show support for that nation?
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
BK; You seem to be argumentative with everyone on here tonight.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
TV; “Why does America have to cater to Israel? Why do American politicians have to show support for that nation?” They don’t! Never said they did.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
Seemingly having “to present a unified moderate U.S./Israel relations stance” is a tool that politicians and especially the right uses to disqualify candidates if they arent the most staunch supporter of Israel. It really sickens me the way I see it playing out in the political process
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm
Having to cater to Israel as an American politician seems like a threat… like ” You better support Israel”. Israel does not control America nor should it dictate our interests
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
“Seemingly having “to present a unified moderate U.S./Israel relations stance” is a tool that politicians and especially the right uses to disqualify candidates if they arent the most staunch supporter of Israel.” TV, But that is the reality. Obama is also doing it. I don’t pretend to know all of the economic-political reasons why, but that’s been the case since after WWII.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
BK; BS.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm
I think Republicans who attack Hagel do so to try and keep division between democrats and republicans. Here we have a democrat President selecting a republican to be in his cabinet. I’m sure President Obama has taken the reccommendations of many to conclude with Hagel. We will move Forward when we learn to forgive and find common ground.. Nobody’s perfect
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm
No from Iranian people. He is not the good choice for America and Iranian people. He like the mullah’s regime in Iran.
Posted by: Iran | January 6, 2013, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
NEWCOUNTRYMAN: “BK; They are not big fans of Israel and I stand by that statement.” – - – Okay then, fine. By including the word “big” this statement does not imply they are anti-Israel the way your original comment did.
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
NEWCOUNTRYMAN: “…and his insistance that Israel retreat to their pre-’67 borders.” – - – He never did anything of the kind. You stilll ignore the inportance of context whenever doing that is convenient.
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
“But that is the reality. Obama is also doing it”
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Exactly and I don’t like the fact he and many American politicians have to play that game. No country overseas should have that type of effect on American democracy. I have a huge problem with that
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:33 pm 8:33 pm
Obama likes Hagel’s history concerning Israel. And the fact that he’s a Republican makes Obama appear bipartisan and increases his political capital. It makes perfect sense.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
where is the jewish lobby, Mr. Netenjapum will go to have heart attack, for that pun Mr. Obama chose
Posted by: nestrovic | January 6, 2013, 8:44 pm 8:44 pm
I look forward to the day when political party doesn’t matter. Democrats and Republicans love America. It’s just the approach that needs to be refined ….
Posted by: TV | January 6, 2013, 8:44 pm 8:44 pm
“I look forward to the day when political party doesn’t matter.” Not in our lifetimes TV.
Posted by: newcountryman | January 6, 2013, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
NEWCOUNTRYMAN: ““I look forward to the day when political party doesn’t matter.” Not in our lifetimes TV.” – - – You are 100% correct here.
Posted by: B-K KnightRider | January 6, 2013, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
The problem is not that Hagel wants Israel pushed back to pre-1967 borders. The problem is that Obama wants America pushed back to pre-1467 borders.
Posted by: PEIKOVYAN | January 6, 2013, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
Hagel receives funding from:
Deutsche Bank-on board of directors
Iran-Deutsche bank makes money on trade of oil, energy equipment to Iran
TARP-Hagel voted for the TARP bailout…11 billion of which went to Deutsche Bank(German bank that funds Iranian regime)
Chevron Oil-on board of directors…Big oil company that makes money on price fixing and invasion of iraq, middle east
Hagel voted for sanctuary cities for illegal mexicans and social security money for illegal mexicans as well.
Hagel voted to keep subsidizing companies that ship jobs to china and india
Hagel supports globalist fascist policies and is anti smalll business, middle class, worker and anti constitution…he is a puppet of fascist mega banks and oil companies that want more war in the middle east and higher energy prices.
Posted by: steve | January 6, 2013, 11:40 pm 11:40 pm
Obama should be allowed to nominate any mistake he wants to.
Congress should let him make those mistakes in most cases.
Hagel should be confirmed as Sec of Defense.
Posted by: Noz | January 7, 2013, 8:16 am 8:16 am
NOZ
What is going on? We agree on something.
Also, the President should stay the hell out of any closed door negotiations with the Congress. Let them do their job. The republicans should be negotiating with the democrats in the House and Senate, not with the President.
If these foolish spending cuts devaste the economy and put millions out of work, let the blame fall where it should.
Posted by: tmferretti | January 7, 2013, 10:30 am 10:30 am
What ever happened to being held responsible for your screw ups? remember accountability? remind me again why we should care about anything these failure Republicans have to say about who is appointed SOD after they screwed up invading Iraq over non existent WMDs and then used the war as an excuse to bilk the American people looting our Treasury for billions in no bid war contracts? These are people we should be listening to in deciding who our Sec of Defense will be?
Posted by: GOP Povertyland | January 7, 2013, 10:40 am 10:40 am
GOP POVERTYLAND
You right but you need to realize the republicans have a very short retention capability. The Bush administration never existed to them. Neither did the Hoover administration. The insist on making the same mistakes over and over and just hoping for different results.
Thats why they still support failed trickledown and supply side economics.
Posted by: tmferretti | January 7, 2013, 10:50 am 10:50 am
GOP POVERTYLAND
You right but you need to realize the republicans have a very short retention capability. The Bush administration never existed to them. Neither did the Hoover administration. The insist on making the same mistakes over and over and just hoping for different results.
Thats why they still support failed trickledown and supply side economics.
Posted by: tmferretti | January 7, 2013, 10:51 am 10:51 am
Sorry, clicked twice by mistake
Posted by: tmferretti | January 7, 2013, 10:53 am 10:53 am
Looking forward to Chuck Hagel as our next Ambassador to Libya. Some of you would make fine emabassy personnel.
Posted by: PEIKOVYAN | January 7, 2013, 11:01 am 11:01 am
The President could nominate Jesus of Nazareth as Secretary of Health and Human Services and the republicans would fight the nomination.They’ve become a total joke.
They are not satisfied with destroying their own party, now they want to destroy the whole government.
Posted by: tmferretti | January 7, 2013, 11:09 am 11:09 am
Democrats are revolutionary mystics whose appeasement of militant Islam and bankruptcy of America is a done deal.
Posted by: PEIKOVYAN | January 7, 2013, 11:32 am 11:32 am
Biggest laugh of all is Chuck Hagel’s concern about Jewish control. The Jews voted overwhelmingly for the President who wants to appoint Chuck Hagel. It’s the Christians who regard him as a dangerous appeaser.
Posted by: PEIKOVYAN | January 7, 2013, 11:44 am 11:44 am
PEIKOVYAN
Are you speaking for all Christians or just the Evangelical ones?
There are at least two Christains who think Hagel would make an excellent Secretary of Defense, me and the President. I don’t feel too lonely though, I suspect there are millions more Christians who feel the same way.
Posted by: tmferretti | January 7, 2013, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm