Hagel Pleads Ignorance: "I have a hard enough time understanding American politics, I certainly don't understand Iranian politics."

I think it's high time America finally got over age-old prejudices and installed a Dummy as SecDef.

I joked earlier that the spin had changed from "Hagel is a smart, informed, capable man" to "Hagel's too dumb to understand words that are said to him so you can't hold these things against him."

I guess it wasn't entirely a joke.

Now, the chances of Hagel being blocked remain on the low side -- Republicans are abandoning him, but Democrats can (and will) push him through, being the party of Central Planning Lockstep Cultish Behavior. Whatever Bambi wants, you know.

The only way Republicans could stop him is if they filibuster -- but will they resort to that tough measure?

Hagel has stupidly, ignorantly bumbled through most of the proceedings:

Meanwhile, as The Cable reported Wednesday, the White House is preparing to ask Russia to start a new round of nuclear-reduction negotiations and is also examining options for unilateral reductions if the Russians don't agree.
"I was a little uneasy about Hagel's answers," Sessions told The Cable about the exchange. "I thought he treated it too lightly and suggested far too readily that there's no conflict between the Global Zero report and what the Department of Defense and the president's position is on nuclear weapons."
Hagel also stumbled by saying he supported President Barack Obama's policy of containment with Iran, before Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) corrected him and said that the administration's policy was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, not to contain a nuclear Iran.

And he also claimed the Iranian government -- which staged a coup against the elected president in 2008 -- was an "elected, legitimate" government.

The fact that Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz cross-examined him effectively is overshadowing this other point: That even without tough, pointed questionings, Chuck Hagel showed himself to be generally ignorant, uninformed, and detached from any actual intellectual engagement with the issues he would (frighteningly) be called to resolve and advise the President on.

This is what we give our boys? This idiot?

Much, much more at Hot Air. Allah is pessimistic on the prospects of a filibuster, and I'm pretty sure I agree -- if you game this out, you can see that a lot of Republicans will calculate they can please the base simply by voting "No," but permitting Democrats to vote "Yes."

The key then would be to make Hagel unacceptable to swing-state Democrats.

A point made by @rbpundit (I think): The media isn't covering Lindsey Graham's cross-examination, because they have no way to spin it. With Ted Cruz, they've got an avenue of spin ("unfair," "taken out of context"). They don't have any kind of wedge with Graham's cross-examination, so their method of spinning it is their old standby, embargoing it.

As for Ted Cruz, the left is spinning that Hagel "merely" said that Israel's anti-terrorist efforts against Hezballah were the moral equivalent of Hezballah's terrorism -- and what's so bad about that?, they'd like to know.

Dum-Dum Rounds: A Democrat quipped, “It is very clear from the testimony that Sen. Hagel will not be bringing the potato salad to the next Mensa picnic.”

Quick, let's confirm him. We need the Dumb Perspective represented in government.

Posted by: Ace at 04:32 PM

Comments

1 Hagel will get our men and women in the military killed or hurt. This assclown needs to withdraw his nomination.

Posted by: EC at January 31, 2013 04:34 PM (GQ8sn)

2 isn't there a way to make him need 60 votes w/o filibuster or no

Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:35 PM (60GaT)

3 Remember when Rummy said that thing about known unknowns? What a dope!

This Hagel guy? Sharp as a tack!

/libtard off

Posted by: Waterhouse at January 31, 2013 04:35 PM (xGlYu)

4 My little brother is ten years in the military and won't get out because he's half-way to the retirement point. I was already terrified for him with King Barack the Apostle's idiocy, but then putting this idiot in charge of the military pushes me into being scared absolutely shitless for him.

Posted by: Mandy P., lurking lurker who lurks at January 31, 2013 04:36 PM (qFpRI)

5

The freebeacon.com has been literally vomiting out the Hagel story today.

Posted by: imbeach 'em at January 31, 2013 04:36 PM (LpQbZ)

6 FINISH HIM!!

Posted by: can't let go of old memes at January 31, 2013 04:36 PM (evdj2)

7 This guy may be the single worst cabinet nomination in history considering the importance of the Office he is being considered for.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:37 PM (9Bj8R)

8 Cruz video -

http://tinyurl.com/aeuatrj

Posted by: RWC at January 31, 2013 04:37 PM (fWAjv)

9 I think I'll send Chuck the old 'reset' button

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at January 31, 2013 04:37 PM (0SXI6)

10 w/r/t to Hezbollah vs. Israel, another thing the Left seems to be obsessed with is proportional body counts

it's a similar sort of idiocy post-9/11 where occasionally people'd go "X number of people die in car accidents and that's a lot more, what's the big deal???"

Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:37 PM (60GaT)

11 Top. Men.

Posted by: BuddyPC at January 31, 2013 04:37 PM (ZhfNn)

12 Russia, China, and the Arabs are licking their lips and salivating right now at the prospect of this jerk getting Defense

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:38 PM (9Bj8R)

13 See, I told you all that Republican are dumb

Posted by: Barry Soetoro at January 31, 2013 04:38 PM (0SXI6)

14 Oh yea and Cheney when he was SecDef was Rocket Scientist. He was a political hack for Bush's war in Iraq!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mary Clogginstein from Brattleboro, Vt and Proud of it !!!!!!!!!! at January 31, 2013 04:38 PM (HlUFk)

15 @j___eraghty By 5 p.m., Hagel will be saying, "look, guys, my positions can be whatever you need them to be in order to get me confirmed, okay?"

Posted by: 80sBaby at January 31, 2013 04:38 PM (YjDyJ)

16 Dear God.

Hagel is truly a bipartisan nominee. He is getting verbally pummeled by everyone except the Menedez prostitutes.

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:39 PM (GGCsk)

17 Looks like Plan B. Get Bill Ayers on the line.

Posted by: Barry Soetoro at January 31, 2013 04:39 PM (0SXI6)

18 Bam!

Inhofe coming with the tanks and fighter jets to Egypt question.

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:39 PM (r2PLg)

19 Mary's a poet, and doesn't know it.

Posted by: Waterhouse at January 31, 2013 04:39 PM (xGlYu)

20 remember though, Hagel's the new Eisenhower. a true realist. someone who will save us from rampant neoconnery (with "neocon" defined so broadly that it encompasses Obama's stated position on Iran.) etc.

Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:40 PM (60GaT)

21 Iran is pretty easy to understand, they are a theocracy. Exactly what the liberals claim would happen to this country if even one (R) politician professed to some belief in the Bible. So a theocracy in this country is dangerous, but in Iran it is a *yawn*.

Cliff notes version.

Posted by: Regular Moron at January 31, 2013 04:40 PM (feFL6)

22 Gotta stop him in committee, don't go for no votes. Get some abstentions.

Posted by: Jean at January 31, 2013 04:40 PM (z6Elp)

23 Whatever Bambi wants, you know.

This springs to mind - http://youtu.be/ZpBkc2jK-6w

In which Bambi is you know who and the part of Godzilla will be played by Reality.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Team Stompy. at January 31, 2013 04:40 PM (VtjlW)

24 Poor John McCain keeps looking more and more pitiful

Posted by: Walter at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (DJBIb)

25 Chuck Hagel. Never heard of him

Posted by: Charlie Gibson at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (0SXI6)

26 I'm not sure there is much to gain from filibustering Hagel. He's just a puppet anyway. However, it is a hugely important position. I could go either way. But if you have to save a filibuster, I'd rather save it for a justice that could have real impact. The highlight is Cruz, who is increasingly becoming more prevalent in the Senate as a junior senator just elected. Cruz is pushing Cornyn to the right, and I suspect McConnell as well. Cruz shows that a good primary candidate can make a lot of difference. His influence in the senate shouldn't be underestimated.

As for Hagel, he just looks dumb and unasserative. His demeanor is terrible. I truly fear for people in the military if he becomes SecDef. Having said that, a filibuster may be entirely appropriate and necessary.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (gmeXX)

27 "Hagel: I wish I had a time machine to go back and change what I said"- http://bit.ly/U447eO

Posted by: 80sBaby at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (YjDyJ)

28 -- Republicans are abandoning him,

There's no excuse for any GOP to vote yes.
Dooooooochbaaaaaaags!

Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (xz0nG)

29

Are we sure we aren't talking about Haggis?

Posted by: The Numpty & Wallaper Show at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (LpQbZ)

30 Idiocracy, documentary, no assembly required.

Posted by: GnuBreed at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (ccXZP)

31 If he's confirmed after this royal clusterfuck, I'll...I have no idea.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (UOM48)

32 If Hagel gets blocked, some other half wit will have their turn in the barrel...

Posted by: navybrat at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (UdhwR)

33 Hagel reflects perfectly upon the competence of the Obama administration.

Posted by: Roy at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (VndSC)

34 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a malignant traitor.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (/eBe8)

35 En fuego!

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (GGCsk)

36 You know, they should filibuster. Make Harry show his hand on that one.

Posted by: Bigby's Typing Hands at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (3ZtZW)

37 >>>Quick, let's confirm him. We need the Dumb Perspective represented in government.

Sheriff Joe and Deputy Chuck at least the end of the Republic will be entertaining.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (0q2P7)

38 "Hagel: I wish I had a time machine to go back and change what I said"- http://bit.ly/U447eO
Posted by: 80sBaby at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (YjDyJ)

I wish there was a time machine so we could go back to when the best of you dripped down your mama's leg

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (9Bj8R)

39 So, when's the Ewok hitting the Cruz family garbage?

Posted by: Jane D'oh at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (UOM48)

40 27 "Hagel: I wish I had a time machine to go back and change what I said"- http://bit.ly/U447eO
Posted by: 80sBaby at January 31, 2013 04:41 PM (YjDyJ)

____________________

I think the worst Hagel quote so far has been--

I don't have the facts behind me...er, in front of me.

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (r2PLg)

41 Can't a Senator slap a hold on this SOB's nomination and be done with it?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Keeper of Ampersands and Breitbart Login Spaces at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (GBXon)

42 Golly, I look better every day.

Say it bitches.

Posted by: James from Plains, GA at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (0SXI6)

43 I think we can get Obama to waste a little political capital for this guy. Might as well. Make Dem senators go on record supporting him.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (gmeXX)

44 Leave Chucky Alone!

(sob)

Posted by: Barky at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (EZl54)

45 Exactly what the liberals claim would happen to this
country if even one (R) politician professed to some belief in the
Bible. So a theocracy in this country is dangerous, but in Iran it is a
*yawn*.
Cliff notes version. Posted by: Regular Moron at January 31, 2013 04:40 PM (feFL6)

Abortion and contraceptives denied to womyn by some belief in the Bible--horrors and outrage on the left.

Abortion and contraceptives denied to womyn by some belief in the Koran on pain of death by stoning, beating, or beheading depending on how the mullah feels that day.--yawn on the left.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (kXoT0)

46 Someone should ask Hagel about Germany's bombing of Pearl Harbor and whether that was terrorism.

Posted by: Dr Spank at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (w+Dvf)

47 So it stands to reason that he'd want a man who should have been diagnoses as m.r. as his SecDef.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (/eBe8)

48 THIS is a hill to die on

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (9Bj8R)

49 Seems to me Hagel has the process figured out. No matter what the Repubs bring up from his past he simply says he regrets saying things that are obviously regretable. Then says he doesn't remember the context of things that are indefensable. Then runs out the clock on the too short question periods. Result = confirmation.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (tlhtD)

50 STAY BACK OR THE MORON GETS IT!

Posted by: the sheriff is near at January 31, 2013 04:43 PM (evdj2)

51 Hagel has that dumb look on his face. Like the senators have dick's sticking out of their foreheads or something.

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:44 PM (GGCsk)

52 Hagel makes Kerry look qualified for his position, which actually takes quite a lot to do.

Posted by: Roy at January 31, 2013 04:44 PM (VndSC)

53 Somebody ask Hagel where GITMO is...

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:44 PM (GGCsk)

54 If he's confirmed after this royal clusterfuck, I'll...I have no idea.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at January 31, 2013 04:42 PM (UOM4

I'll send you the choreography for the Interpretative Dance of Rage.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Team Stompy. at January 31, 2013 04:44 PM (VtjlW)

55 Navy brat, but a Dim halfwit.

Posted by: Jean at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (z6Elp)

56 Nominate me...

Posted by: MT Chair at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (0SXI6)

57 Let's see. We are going to attempt to have mutual reduction of our nuclear weapons negotiations with the Russians but if they don't agree we will reduce our weapons anyway?

Who in the hell negotiates like this besides bugs bunny opponents.

Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (m2CN7)

58 I really have to move away from prominent targets for clandestine nuclear detonation.

But then again, why would Dinnerjacket hurt San Francisco or Oakland?

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (0q2P7)

59 I'll send you the choreography for the Interpretative Dance of Rage. Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Team Stompy. at January 31, 2013 04:44 PM (VtjlW)

Me too, please. I am presuming the required costuming is not for the faint of heart?

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (kXoT0)

60 Wait- does Hagel have a twitter account?

Where the heck is Ace?

Pop quiz senator; why did the Russians attack us at the Alamo?

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (GGCsk)

61 ‏@DavidMDrucker "There are a lot of thngs I don't know about..if confirmed I intend to know a lot more." #Hagel

Posted by: 80sBaby at January 31, 2013 04:46 PM (YjDyJ)

62
This clown is no dumber than Kerry, or Obama himself.

The sad part is that Obama picked these idiots BECAUSE they were SENATORS and knew that unless they were drooling idiots, they would be confirmed by their buddies in the Senate.

Now it looks like Drooling Idiot is not a bar to a cabinet post.

Posted by: rd at January 31, 2013 04:46 PM (zLp5I)

63 Let's see. We are going to attempt to have mutual reduction of our nuclear weapons negotiations with the Russians but if they don't agree we will reduce our weapons anyway?

Who in the hell negotiates like this besides bugs bunny opponents.
Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (m2CN7)

Anyone trying to lose

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:46 PM (9Bj8R)

64 Gross!!

It looks like the only other person to catch it is Weigel--

daveweigel ‏@daveweigel
The ur-Hagel quote: "Senator, I don't have the facts behind me. Ahhh, in front of me."

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (r2PLg)

65 THIS is a hill to die on

----

Can't say I necessarily disagree. Hold up his nomination, make Obama spend some political capital (though frankly, I think he has a lot less than he thinks he has), and let Cruz go out to the Sunday talk shows. I would say let McCain go out because I do think McCain has a lot of respect when it comes to defense. The problem is he doesn't say it well, and he may go all mavericky on some unrelated topic such as immigration reform when the focus should be on Hagel.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (gmeXX)

66 >>>Who in the hell negotiates like this besides bugs bunny opponents.

His first name is John and he's orange.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (0q2P7)

67 We need the Dumb Perspective represented in government.

I thought that was what Joe Biden was for.

So, when's the Ewok hitting the Cruz family garbage?

That might be a little more dangerous than hitting Sean Beilat's or Marco Rubio's. I mean, feral hogs have been designated as nuisance animals (you can shoot them on sight), and in the poor light of dusk or dawn, there's too much chance for accidents.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (/eBe8)

68 Good ol' Lindsey really showed off his power glutes today. I'm jealous

Posted by: Andi Sullivain at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (0SXI6)

69 Asking Harry to put his new rules into play might be worth it for this clown.

Posted by: Jean at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (z6Elp)

70 I'll send you the choreography for the Interpretative Dance of Rage.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Team Stompy. at January 31, 2013 04:44 PM (VtjlW

Thanks! Perhaps HeatherRadish will send me a soothing Jello salad as well.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (UOM48)

71 Obama will only allow Hagel to have one bullet in his pocket.

Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (m2CN7)

72 Finally, the tide is turning against knee-jerk support for Israel (and the campaign contributions that come with it) ...

Chuck Hegel, "...Senator from Nebraska, not Senator from Israel.."

yeehaw!!!!

Posted by: Walter at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (DJBIb)

73
"Hagel: I wish I had a time machine to go back and change what I said"

You ever wish you could go back in time?

Posted by: Uncle Rico at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (0WLla)

74 He will be confirmed, no doubt about it.

Posted by: Vic at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (53z96)

75 Pop quiz senator; why did the Russians attack us at the Alamo?

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (GGCsk)
Pop quiz bonus question, Chicky, when Lincoln crossed the Delaware to sign the Emancipation Proclamation who manned the outboard motor?

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (kXoT0)

76 @IMAO So is Secretary of Defense now an entry-level government job or something?

Posted by: rockmom at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (NYnoe)

77 It's sad to know that even I , if i had hung out with the right folks could have eventually become a President or SOS.

I actually Do expect Leaders to be wiser, more experienced, and more knowledgeable about the office's needs, and also actually have higher moral standards.

Posted by: ette at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (nqBYe)

78 Manchin apologizing.

What an asshole.

Posted by: RWC at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (fWAjv)

79 Me too, please. I am presuming the required costuming is not for the faint of heart?
Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:45 PM (kXoT0)

Oh pish posh, you're a member in good standing of the Horde. You'll be fine.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Team Stompy. at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (VtjlW)

80 How come I never heard of this picnic? I love tater salad.

Posted by: Joe Biden at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (FcR7P)

81 Oh, shut up Manchin!

Posted by: Serious Cat at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (UypUQ)

82
Watched alot (too much) of this hearing today. The main thing I've taken from this: The Dems are happy if he commits to the gheys. He has commited to them in t
he military so this is a done deal.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 04:48 PM (tlhtD)

83 Finally, the tide is turning against knee-jerk support for Israel

January 2009 called, rip van winkle.

Posted by: the sheriff is near at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (evdj2)

84 Why can't we have Chuck Norris as SecDef instead?

Posted by: votermom at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (Oaw84)

85 Manchin--The Butt Kissing Part Deux

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (r2PLg)

86 So, will Manchin swallow again this round?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (piMMO)

87 there's a difference between not being a kneejerk supporter of Israel vs. being a dumbass on Israel.

Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (60GaT)

88 Manchin apologizing for the tough questions.

Asshat.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (UOM48)

89 With Politico talking about Hagle's thin resume (thinner than piss on a rock), we all know that we are headed for SecDef FigureHead, so we just might want to know who are the AssSecDef-s ?

Posted by: Islamic Rage Boy at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (7QZ6R)

90 You have to admit that he does have a missunderestimicated strategery
that could fly, (or plod rather) right under Iranian radar.

As a matter of fact, if he's confirmed they may even be tempted to turn off the radar to save on the electric.

Posted by: ontherocks at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (aZ6ew)

91 Punch the Mental Defective: Party Edition

Honestly, who will Obama nominate next for SecDef- Bozo the Clown?

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (GGCsk)

92

Livin' on the edge
Livin' on the edge
You can't help yourself

from fallin'

Posted by: was aerosmith right at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (LpQbZ)

93 Oh and Manchion sp? is a douche.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (tlhtD)

94 we seem to be scrapping the scum off the floor of our society to raise into leadership.

Posted by: ette at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (nqBYe)

95 That dick manchin from wv just apologized for the tone of today's hearings???? And now he is zeroing in on Vietnam which means nothing what so ever.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (9Bj8R)

96 Oh gawd--Hagel damns his best ally with--

"not because you weren't smart enough!"

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (r2PLg)

97 I happen to believe Senator Hagel would provide some unique incentives to our armed forces.

Posted by: General Disarray at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (0SXI6)

98 I really do not understand why any republican would vote to confirm this idiot Hagel.

Posted by: mare at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (DsAD+)

99 The voters of West Virgina must be so proud.

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (GGCsk)

100 Manchin apologizing.

What an asshole.

****

That's nuthin!

You should have heard him in the first round.

It was so embarrassing I had to cringe to watch.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (piMMO)

101 Sounds like we have a good choice for Secretary of "Da-Fuq?!" Well done, Your Barry-ness.

Posted by: t-bird at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (FcR7P)

102 He'll be confirmed, and that's a good thing. The problem is that the alternatives are all going to be worse.

Like it or not, elections matter and these are the kind of people that Barack Obama wants to be leading the Executive Branch agencies. Let the Democrats vote him into office and then let them own it.

Now, between this and the decision regarding women in combat I think we'll see an exodus of leaders from the military; leaders who will be useful to have on our side when everything collapses.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (hpDVh)

103 It's almost as if Obama nominated Hagel to prove how 'dumb' republicans are......

hey, wait a minute...

Posted by: Tami at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (X6akg)

104 Can a senator put a hold on his nomination like they sometimes do with judges?

Posted by: joncelli at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (RD7QR)

105 And this guy is/was a Republican. No wonder the country's in such great shape.

At least we still gotz McCain and Graham.

Posted by: Dr Spank at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (w+Dvf)

106 When the chips are down, we really need that one guy who will shrug and say "I have no idea."

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (EDjKF)

107 I really do not understand why any republican would vote to confirm this idiot Hagel.
Posted by: mare at January 31, 2013 04:50 PM (DsAD+)

I really don't understand why any AMERICAN would!

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (9Bj8R)

108 Going out for some fresh, cold air while Chuck bores everyone to tears.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (UOM48)

109 Manchin might be the nominee for the next opening, he may have reached his sell-by date in WV.

Posted by: Jean at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (z6Elp)

110 For this, we will pay him approximately $181,000 a year base salary and millions in perks.

Try for a job making a 100k less at $81,000 a year and answering your interview questions thusly.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (kXoT0)

111 It turns out thatPhil Hartman'sAdmiral Stockdale schtict was really a foreshadowing of Chuck Hagel's confirmation hearing.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (gmeXX)

112 >You ever wish you could go back in time?

Posted by: Uncle Rico at January 31, 2013 04:47 PM (0WLla)

1991
I was having sex all the time

Posted by: Jones in CO at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (8sCoq)

113 Hagel--

"My great grandparents were from Germany..."

It all makes sense now.

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (r2PLg)

114 I really do not understand why any republican would vote to confirm this idiot Hagel.

With due respect to Waylan Jennings: "They're just some good 'ole boys..."

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (/eBe8)

115 Well, Vietnam would be relevant. If this were 1968.

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (GGCsk)

116 Remember when they promised us that this guy manchin would vote like Republican?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:51 PM (9Bj8R)

117 Listening to his story, my first thought is, "Bullshit, he 'volunteered' to get out of legal trouble of some sort."

Posted by: Colorado Alex at January 31, 2013 04:52 PM (hpDVh)

118 If Cornyn votes against Hagel I'd like to ask him which is more important, a fucktard SecDef or 16+ trillion in debt? And how does he justify voting against Hagel but for more debt?

Posted by: SpongeBob Saget at January 31, 2013 04:52 PM (epxV4)

119 As a matter of fact, if he's confirmed they may even be tempted to turn off the radar to save on the electric.
Posted by: ontherocks at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (aZ6ew)

don't forget the light pollution

Posted by: vive la frog legs, champagne and brie! at January 31, 2013 04:52 PM (LpQbZ)

120
I don't think that you can judge a potential SecDef without looking at the positive qualities of the man in this chair...

Senator Hagel has a long tradition of existence to his constituents and to the community at large...

Posted by: Senator Manchin at January 31, 2013 04:52 PM (EZl54)

121 so we just might want to know who are the AssSecDef-s ?

Posted by: Islamic Rage Boy at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (7QZ6R)

ValJar, do I win? Huh, do I?

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:52 PM (kXoT0)

122 Hagel's wife is named "Llillibet". Personally I'd keep that on the down low.

Posted by: Separate at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (EBGMx)

123 we seem to be scrapping the scum off the floor of our society to raise into leadership.
Posted by: ette at January 31, 2013 04:49 PM (nqBYe)

..and Geraldo Rivera wants to be my next state senator...

scum everywhere hangs its head in shame....

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (53riN)

124 The man is smart enough to know we wasted Trillions of dollars invading Iraq...you guys are waay to stupid to understand that very obvious foreign policy debaucle

Posted by: Walter at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (DJBIb)

125 I foresee a walk in Ft. Marcy Park in Mr. Hagel's future.

Posted by: Vince at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (0SXI6)

126 Senator Hagel, what color is General Lee's white horse?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (+z4pE)

127 Manchin picks up a gun in a commercial and boom, WV votes for him.

Two months later the guy is leading an assault on the Second Amendment.

Posted by: Marcus at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (GGCsk)

128 What's your name, Chuck?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (+z4pE)

129 you guys are waay *to stupid* to understand that very obvious foreign policy debaucle
Posted by: Walter at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (DJBIb)

___________

*Karma it's a bitch.

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (r2PLg)

130 I heard McCain go after Hagel. He was brutal and effective. Same with Graham. my question is - why can't these senators go after the grossly and criminally incompetent Hillary Clinton or after the treasonous John Kerry with the same fervor? Hmmmmm? Or are they afraid the media won't say nice things about them?

Posted by: LGoPs at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (Sta/q)

131 Trillions of dollars invading Iraq

Math much, dumbass?

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (EDjKF)

132 Mr. Hagel is a dreamboat. He's exactly what I want for my very first Sec. of Defense.

Be gentle, please.

Posted by: Lena Dunham, FUPA quivering like lime Jello at an earthquake party at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (ccXZP)

133 I don't think Cornyn will be voting for more debt anytime soon. Cornyn will simply follow Cruz. Must be nice to be the senior senator from Texas and a party leader, but also to be the junior senator's bitch.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (gmeXX)

134 Thirty seconds left, Chuck.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 04:54 PM (+z4pE)

135 Sessions is up!

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:55 PM (r2PLg)

136 "Democrats...being the party of Central Planning Lockstep Cultish Behavior. Whatever Bambi wants, you know."

"The only way Republicans could stop him is if they filibuster -- but will they resort to that tough measure?"

Does the security of the nation enter into the Republicans' calculations anywhere here, or is that a quaint outmoded concept?

I mean, if the Dems are in "lockstep" to Barky, who the hell are the Republicans locksteppin' to? It sure as hell doesn't seem to be anyone like their constituents! Maybe it's every man for himself in the "Miss Congeniality" of the Senate contest?

Posted by: sherlock at January 31, 2013 04:55 PM (U+goV)

137 "There are a lot of thngs I don't know about..if confirmed I intend to know a lot more."

We have to confirm him to find out what he knows!

Posted by: Nancy Pelosi (D-Tard) at January 31, 2013 04:55 PM (xGlYu)

138 You can do it, Chuck.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 04:55 PM (+z4pE)

139 I hope Sen. Sessions goes for the throat.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 04:55 PM (tlhtD)

140 116 Remember when they promised us that this guy manchin would vote like Republican?

Yep.
He campaigned like a Republican...even moreso than the guy he was running against.

Now he just said..."Where I come from, there's an old saying 'If you can't change your mind, you can't change anything."

What a monumental douche!

Posted by: wheatie at January 31, 2013 04:55 PM (BZMZX)

141 Let the Democrats vote him into office and then let them own it.

They never will. All you'll hear is "Chuck Hagel, former Republican Senator"....

Posted by: rickb223 at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (GFM2b)

142

you guys are waay to stupid to understand that very obvious foreign policy debaucle
Posted by: Walter at January 31, 2013 04:53 PM (DJBIb)

to stupid

debaucle

hehe

says the monkey

Posted by: vive la frog legs, champagne and brie! at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (LpQbZ)

143 136

what are you talking about

Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (60GaT)

144 15 @j___eraghty

---------

I bet whenever Ace bumps into this Geraghty fellow at Important Blogger Convferences, he says "Oh, I know you! You're the guy with underscores in your name! How do you pronounce those?"

Posted by: Citizen Anachronda at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (IrbU4)

145 Reminder: Invasion of Iraq and installation of a democratic government...bad.

Invasion of Libya and installation of general anarchy and stupidity...good.

Idiot troll.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (EDjKF)

146 @62 Obama probably picked these candidates to get a measure of how much he owns the GOP. If Hagel gets confirmed, he's 2 for 2 and the GOP won't stand in the way of anything as far as he's concerned.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (9eDbm)

147 I hope Sen. Sessions goes for the throat.

It doesn't sound like there's any need for this to continue. Call the fight, ref!

Posted by: t-bird at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (FcR7P)

148 Who is this thad something or other republican prick who said he will support hagel?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (9Bj8R)

149 anything to break the resolve and will of the dominant paradigm, I'm down for. The GOP has got to start learning to love the filibuster. It's part of growing balls.

This seems like a good place to start because we will get caught blind sided when supreme court nominee Cornell West rolls up to the Senate.

Posted by: joeindc44 is now more concerned about Dark Ages 2.0 than Great Depression 2.0 at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (QxSug)

150 ‏@PounderFile VIDEO: Hagel: If Confirmed, I Intend To Learn About The Defense Department http://youtu.be/Y6-EKoUIfyQ

Posted by: 80sBaby at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (YjDyJ)

151 I heard McCain go after Hagel. He was brutal and effective. Same with Graham. my question is - why can't these senators go after the grossly and criminally incompetent Hillary Clinton or after the treasonous John Kerry with the same fervor? Hmmmmm? Or are they afraid the media won't say nice things about them?

--

I really don't understand what Obama was thinking with Hagel. These cabinet picks should be pretty safe, and from a constitutional standpoint, I would probably agree. The president should be given deference in choosing his cabinet. With Kerry you get the added benefit of getting him out of the Senate with the hope that Brown can reclaim a seat. But why risk a Senate fight over the Sec Def pick with someone like Hagel. Oh well. I'm sure Obama had his reasons, I just don't think they will be successful.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (gmeXX)

152
This seems like a good place to start because we will get caught blind sided when supreme court nominee Cornell West rolls up to the Senate.
Posted by: joeindc44 is now more concerned about Dark Ages 2.0 than Great Depression 2.0 at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (QxSug)

There was a time I would have laughed at that? Not now

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (9Bj8R)

153 @brithume

Hagel: "I won't be in in a policymaking position..." Not even defense policy, apparently. He said this to reassure Senators.

Posted by: Tami at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (X6akg)

154 Sometimes we should just put some crash test dummies in positions of national security,,,

Posted by: clemenza at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (3GuQx)

155 Hagel wears a helmet, too! And he eats paste like a Green Beret eats snakes!

Posted by: Bigby's Typing Hands at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (3ZtZW)

156 Want salt in a festering wound?

Go to Legal Insurrection and read the post about tech and the GOP.

The additional headlines hurt bad enough.

How about:

One-Third of RNC’s Final Five Weeks of Spending Went to One Telemarketing Firm
FEC: Romney Campaign, RNC Paid over $150M to Two Well-Connected Consulting Firms
Romney Campaign Paid $33 Million to Two Consulting Firms With Ties to Key Staffer.

============
Fuck me, no wonder we lost.

Posted by: RoyalOil at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (imtbm)

157 148 Who is this thad something or other republican prick who said he will support hagel?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (9Bj8R)

________

There's a Thad Cochran--Mississippi.

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (r2PLg)

158 It doesn't sound like there's any need for this to continue. Call the fight, ref!

Do they have a Mercy Rule in Senate Confirmation hearings?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (/eBe8)

159 >>>>The man is smart enough to know we wasted Trillions of dollars invading Iraq

Checks voting record...

Nope he voted Yes to invade Iraq.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (0q2P7)

160 This seems like a good place to start because we
will get caught blind sided when supreme court nominee Cornell West
rolls up to the Senate. Posted by: joeindc44 is now more concerned about Dark Ages 2.0 than Great Depression 2.0 at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (QxSug)

To join fuguglies Sotomayor and Kagan and words fail me, roberts.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Wily Wrepublican Wench at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (kXoT0)

161 lot of bitching from paleo bloggers on how the GOP questioners are too focused on Israel.

umm...?

Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (60GaT)

162 Sessions is droning on, probably to get Hagel confused.....because I sure as shit am confused.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (GsoHv)

163 Who is this thad something or other republican prick who said he will support hagel?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:56 PM (9Bj8R)

________

There's a Thad Cochran--Mississippi.
Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 04:57 PM (r2PLg)

OK and what the fuck is his problem?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (9Bj8R)

164 Why doesn't Obama wait til they "recess" for lunch and appoint Hagel?

Posted by: bsidemyself at January 31, 2013 04:59 PM (jv4s3)

165 Where were these Republican Assault Shredding Machines during other hearings? Who is the Kabuki master deciding all this?

Posted by: t-bird at January 31, 2013 04:59 PM (FcR7P)

166 I really don't understand what Obama was thinking with Hagel. These cabinet picks should be pretty safe, and from a constitutional standpoint, I would probably agree. The president should be given deference in choosing his cabinet. With Kerry you get the added benefit of getting him out of the Senate with the hope that Brown can reclaim a seat. But why risk a Senate fight over the Sec Def pick with someone like Hagel. Oh well. I'm sure Obama had his reasons, I just don't think they will be successful.

***

Infighting amongst the Rs plus he can lay the D cuts at the feet of an 'R' if he gets the post.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 04:59 PM (piMMO)

167 Posted by: JDP at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (60GaT)

Damned straight!

Fuck over our friends and coddle our enemies for the win!

Posted by: The new paradigm at January 31, 2013 04:59 PM (GsoHv)

168 Hagel: "I won't be in in a policymaking position..." Not even defense policy, apparently. He said this to reassure Senators.

What. The. Hell?

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 04:59 PM (EDjKF)

169 I'm sure IRan will not do anything more to destabilize the mideast because good joes like Obama and Hagel are determined they are operating from a position of innate goodness that we haven't been able to understand because OUR policies suck.

If America would only be able to empathize as much with the Congo as with Israel needs.

you know because empathy will stop the chaos everywhere.

and muslim brotherhood is moderate.
and self determination always turn out well, without a plan to fill the vacuum.

oh

nevermind.

Posted by: ette at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (nqBYe)

170 OK and what the fuck is his problem?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 04:58 PM (9Bj8R)

___________

Ship building yards--would be my guess.

If you have heard Hagel between the lines....he's made certain reassurances.

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (r2PLg)

171 Who is the Kabuki master deciding all this?

I think that would be Convicted Felon and Nazi Collaborator George Soros.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (/eBe8)

172 off topic and sad, but worth noting:

The last surviving member of the 110th Mountain Signal Company, 10th Mountain Division ( Italy 1944-45 ) died yesterday

he help win the greatest battle, and for that we all owe him a lot

Posted by: sierra five at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (Dll6b)

173 I just watched Graham, McCain & Cruz
question Hagel. They were tough on him.

Where were these guys last week with Hillary?

I know McCain has a grudge because Hagel
endorsed some one else's presidential
campaign over his. It might have been the
SCOAMF, I am not sure.

Posted by: CarolT at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (BNuW6)

174
The committee has torn Hagel to pieces. He has made a complete fool of himself.

You know what this means?!!!

Hagle will only be confirmed by about 80-20.

The horror!!!!

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (1Y+hH)

175 How exactly is the SecDef not a policy making office? I must be a bigger dumbass than even I thought I was.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (tlhtD)

176 We're under a time limit here, Chuck.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (+z4pE)

177 Oh well. I'm sure Obama had his reasons, I just don't think they will be successful.

Obama doesn't want a strong SecDef. He is an internationalist who believes in the idea that the US Military is a force for evil in the world. He and the rest of the cultists in the White House truly believe that they can get by with the State Department alone, or with some help from a subservient intelligence community willing to drop bombs from drones whenever POTUS needs a quick thrill.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (hpDVh)

178 according to twitter, Hagel actually said the following:

: "I won't be in a policymaking position."

Posted by: phreshone at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (0SXI6)

179 Infighting amongst the Rs plus he can lay the D cuts at the feet of an 'R' if he gets the post.

---

Well I don't think he is really going to get the infighting he wants.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 05:00 PM (gmeXX)

180 >>>I really don't understand what Obama was thinking with Hagel.

Republican scapegoat for what is going to happen to Afghanistan when we turn it back over to Al Qaeda.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 05:01 PM (0q2P7)

181
What. The. Hell?
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 04:59 PM (EDjKF)___ ___ ____ Wait, don't tell me......above his pay grade?

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:01 PM (1Y+hH)

182 What's the back-up plan...nominate Al Franken?

Posted by: BignJames at January 31, 2013 05:01 PM (j7iSn)

183 Thad Cochran: traitor

http://tinyurl.com/aauzka9

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 31, 2013 05:01 PM (GsoHv)

184 I'm sure that if Hagel is not confirmed, our good president will see the light, and appoint someone much more better and brilliant. Right?

Sure.

It'll be a dummy, one way or another.

Posted by: Stu-22 at January 31, 2013 05:01 PM (k4bdL)

185 @ 172 where did you see that and what was his name?

Posted by: clemenza at January 31, 2013 05:02 PM (3GuQx)

186 OT: @trscoopFAILED: Rand Paul's amendment to prohibit sale of F-16s and tanks to Egyptian government; ROLL CALL VOTE http://tinyurl.com/bghmbvv

Posted by: Tami at January 31, 2013 05:02 PM (X6akg)

187
Cruz pounded Hagel like Menendez on an underaged Dominican hooker in a dentist chair.

Posted by: Tin Cup Roy McAvoy at January 31, 2013 05:02 PM (p/cQy)

188 Speaking of "picnics" ...
Infamous hoaxster Tawana Brawley — whose outrageous rape lie 25 years ago inflamed racial tensions nationwide — yesterday was finally slapped with a court order to settle a hefty defamation case against her.
“For at least 25 years, she has been living a major lie,” said former Dutchess County prosecutor Steven Pagones, who was falsely accused of raping Brawley in 1987 and finally tracked her down, thanks to The Post.
“To me, this has always been about responsibility and accountability,’’ added the former ADA, who won the $190,000 defamation lawsuit against Brawley, 40, now a nurse in Virginia, more than a decade ago.
At 9 percent interest, that debt, which Brawley never attempted to pay off, now totals $431,492, according to the wage-garnishment papers filed in Virginia’s Surry County Court.

Posted by: Al Sharpton at January 31, 2013 05:02 PM (7QZ6R)

189 Reminds me of a certain fishing trip I once took

Posted by: Fredo at January 31, 2013 05:03 PM (0SXI6)

190 "I won't be in a policymaking position."

****

Yes. According to his own words, that is what he said.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:03 PM (piMMO)

191 5th in line of succession
Secretary of Defense

so that's nice...

Posted by: T. Hunter - let it burn at January 31, 2013 05:03 PM (EZl54)

192

I'll bet anyone $50 right now that he gets confirmed.

You pick the charity if you win.

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (1Y+hH)

193 Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi

Posted by: tasker at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (r2PLg)

194
Ha. Sock off. Can you see Tin Cup saying that to Romeo?

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (p/cQy)

195 I really just want to cry about what is happening to my Country

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (9Bj8R)

196 >>>Hagel: "I won't be in in a policymaking position..." Not even defense policy, apparently. He said this to reassure Senators.

Translation:

What's the big deal I'm just going to be a ventriloquists dummy with TFG's hand shoved up my ass.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (0q2P7)

197 I think it's high time America finally got over age-old prejudices and installed a Dummy as SecDef.

I think Hagel will make our military proud, and you should give him a chance, Ace.

Posted by: palin steele from the Phantom Zone at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (wwsoB)

198 FAILED: Rand Paul's amendment to prohibit sale of F-16s and tanks to Egyptian government; ROLL CALL VOTE

****

I won't forget his effort.

I finally broke down and donated t RandPAC today. I should have done it long ago.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (piMMO)

199 Well, Chuck, since you can't seem to recall your name, we have no choice but to approve your nomination.

This Committee is adjourned.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (+z4pE)

200
WHAT'S INSIDE A GIRL?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO7apqL6fTw

Posted by: THE CRAMPS at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (pjKE/)

201 I'll bet anyone $50 right now that he gets confirmed.

Sucker bet. No can do.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (GFM2b)

202 Come on now.
Hagel has the same mental capacity as the President "Smartest Man in a Empty Room"

Posted by: Bill Gates at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (7QZ6R)

203 SecDef isn't a policymaking position, wtf. Does he even know where the e-ring men's room is?

Posted by: Jean at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (7tVNd)

204 He's a witch.

Posted by: Christine O'Donnell at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (AWmfW)

205 Moe Lane
‏@moelane

Well, now we know what it would've looked like if Cheers had ever done a "Cliff Clavin gets nominated for the Cabinet" episode.

Posted by: Fredo at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (0SXI6)

206 If SOS does not make policy decisions , who does
the UN?

Posted by: ette at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (nqBYe)

207
Sen. Hagel to you intend to follow the law?
answer: Yes
Confirmed!

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (tlhtD)

208 >>>I really just want to cry about what is happening to my Country

You can't get upset at it. You'll just be depressed. Just grab some marshmallows and weenies sit back and LiB and know why it has to happen, how we failed, so it can be built better next time.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (0q2P7)

209 If he keeps getting his retard ass kicked, he might qualify for appointment under the ADA.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (piMMO)

210 Lindsey Graham should run for Pres in 2016.

He is the only moderate who can win!

Posted by: nip at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (11Tdq)

211 I think it's high time America finally got over age-old prejudices and installed a Dummy as SecDef.

--When you consider the clown college that is the White House and the VP, I think Maerica has been ready for over 4 years.

Posted by: logprof at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (jVAw4)

212 SOD.*

Posted by: ette at January 31, 2013 05:06 PM (nqBYe)

213 if hagel had any dignity, he'd withdraw

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (9Bj8R)

214
"I won't be in a policymaking position."

Well, he won't. He is there to be Obama's butt boy.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (p/cQy)

215 If SOS does not make policy decisions , who does
the UN?

****

UN: Israel must withdraw from Judea and Samaria

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/164771#.UQq5eL_LRIF

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (piMMO)

216
Pick any Dem...anyone...for SecDef.
And it would be better for us, than having a scapegoat Republican in that office.

Things are going to get bad.
And I want the Dems to own it...with nowhere to run.

Having Hagel in there as SecDef is a blatant attempt to "blame the R's" for what is going to happen.

Posted by: wheatie at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (BZMZX)

217 5th in line of succession Secretary of Defenseso that's nice...
----

well if we get there, we are pretty boned anyway.

Posted by: SH at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (gmeXX)

218 That bit about SecDef not being a policy making is the most damning thing he's said today.

Posted by: Serious Cat at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (UypUQ)

219 Lindsey Graham should run for Pres in 2016.

He is the only moderate who can win!

***

Shut yo' mouth!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:08 PM (piMMO)

220 I'll bet anyone $50 right now that he gets confirmed.

Sucker bet. No can do. Posted by: rickb223 at January 31, 2013 05:05 PM (GFM2b)--- --- - - - - - - - --- - -- ------ ----- ---- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -*dammit!*

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:08 PM (1Y+hH)

221 That bit about SecDef not being a policy making is the most damning thing he's said today.
Posted by: Serious Cat at January 31, 2013 05:07 PM (UypUQ)

gee there are so many choices

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:08 PM (9Bj8R)

222 gee there are so many choices

*****

No kidding!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:08 PM (piMMO)

223 We spent about 715 billion in Iraq. That's only a trillion and a half less than the estimate by the dumb ass troll. That's about par for the course for the left and math.

Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (m2CN7)

224 Everyone knows you don't go full-on retard if you want the SecDef job.

Posted by: Kirk Lazarus at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (P4cxa)

225 I thought that Hagel's point about Brawndo and electrolytes was solid.

Posted by: T. Hunter - let it burn at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (EZl54)

226 My son's in the Army, scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan in March, and Democrats are going to vote Hagel,this bumbling, bigoted idiot, as SECDEF? And what if the balloon goes up in a major way with a major power? What then? To whom, exactly, will the President turn when he needs strategic insight and foreign policy savvy? Valerie Jarrett? Susan Rice? John Fucking Kerry? All humor aside, this is a national nightmare, or soon will be.

Obama's picking Hegel largely for the same reason he picked Joe Biden: Hegel is a fool, an empty-headed clown who the President can choose to ignore without worrying that ignoring him is a mistake.

Posted by: troyriser at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (vtiE6)

227
Dummies 'R' Peepul, Two!

... adopt the policy of Selective Hruskaism. Speaking in 1970 in support of the doomed nomination of a mediocrity, G. Harrold Carswell, Sen. Roman Hruska, R-Neb., said mediocre Americans deserve representation on the court. The view of many liberal groups is that it is theoretically possible, if highly improbable, for a conservative to be brillant, but he had better not be if he wants to be on the court.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (Jcd0S)

228 I think it's high time America finally got over age-old prejudices and installed a Dummy as SecDef.

I agree. I nominate Walter. Hell, even without Jeff Dunham, he's smarter than this guy.

Plus, Ol' Slow Joe will think he's looking in a mirror whenever he sees him, so there's that.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (+z4pE)

229 This hearing is like a Monty Python satire of the U.S. Senate. Not a SNL skit because this is actually funny. Shameful but funny.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 05:09 PM (tlhtD)

230 The only upside to this is that in the coming struggle the building can capture and control this clown. I can see BarryO having to ask for his resignation for ignoring the WH on shit.

Posted by: Jean at January 31, 2013 05:10 PM (qjFNd)

231

Well, now we know what it would've looked like if Cheers
had ever done a "Cliff Clavin gets nominated for the Cabinet" episode.

Actually, Cliff Clavin would probably have done better. Remember that he kicked ass on Jeopardy.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at January 31, 2013 05:10 PM (hpDVh)

232 217 5th in line of succession Secretary of Defenseso that's nice...
----

well if we get there, we are pretty boned anyway.

------

Boehner is in third position.
So...yeah, we're boned.

Posted by: wheatie at January 31, 2013 05:10 PM (BZMZX)

233 We spent about 715 billion in Iraq.

Less than the stupid Crapulus, by the way.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 05:10 PM (EDjKF)

234

OK, you morons won't take my bet. Maybe we should have a pool on the confirmation vote count goes.

I'll take 78-17 affirmative. (some absent)

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:11 PM (1Y+hH)

235 Yea, no worries putting a blithering idiot in charge of the Defense of County.

Posted by: Infidel at January 31, 2013 05:11 PM (O/fK8)

236

I just can't figure out what this is a smokescreen for.

Posted by: behind the opaque curtain at January 31, 2013 05:12 PM (LpQbZ)

237 Meet the new designated fall guy for a clusterfucked A-Stan pullout.

Posted by: @PurpAv at January 31, 2013 05:12 PM (GlnE7)

238
>>I'll take 78-17 affirmative. (some absent)

If the $50 goes to getting AtC's webcam up and running, I'll take that suckers bet.

Posted by: garrett at January 31, 2013 05:12 PM (pjKE/)

239 "Do you think Containment is an option?"

"Well, not NOW..."

Hahahahaha!

Posted by: Colorado Alex at January 31, 2013 05:12 PM (hpDVh)

240 I'll take 78-17 affirmative. (some absent)
Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:11 PM (1Y+hH)

No, if he gets approved, and I am afraid he might, it will be pretty much down party lines.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:13 PM (9Bj8R)

241

Anyone with a fake tan is a winner in my book!

~Boner

Posted by: the other white meat at January 31, 2013 05:13 PM (LpQbZ)

242 Well, now we know what it would've looked like if Cheers

had ever done a "Cliff Clavin gets nominated for the Cabinet" episode.

Actually, Cliff Clavin would probably have done better. Remember that he kicked ass on Jeopardy.

I'm going with Reverend Jim from "Taxi" crossed with Mr. Kruger of industrial smoothing fame from "Seinfeld."

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 31, 2013 05:13 PM (EDjKF)

243 This definitely will be the dumbest administration on record ifHagel gets confirmed. Itmay be without his confirmation.

We didn't even need a neutral press to point this out in order to prevent this debacle.A left leaning with just a hint of intellectual honesty would have been sufficient. Instead we have a press that goes beyond useful idiotacy and isat full blown advocacy.

Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 05:13 PM (m2CN7)

244 *Country*

Posted by: Infidel at January 31, 2013 05:14 PM (O/fK8)

245 #ChuckHagelRulesForSuccess

Admit during the interview that you have no intention to make decsions

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:14 PM (piMMO)

246 If the $50 goes to getting AtC's webcam up and running, I'll take that suckers bet.Posted by: garrett at January 31, 2013 05:12 PM (pjKE/)--- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---- - --- ---- ---- -- -- - - -You are much too trusting. I'm going to have to require aperformance bond.

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:14 PM (1Y+hH)

247 But as I said before I think the Republicans should go for the throat and try to force the Senate to approve him with 60 and hope they can not get it. This guy is a disgrace and a danger to America

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:14 PM (9Bj8R)

248 If anyone ever needed voice lessons, it's Ayotte.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:15 PM (piMMO)

249 if hagel had any dignity, he'd withdraw

I agree.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit. at January 31, 2013 05:16 PM (+z4pE)

250 No, if he gets approved, and I am afraid he might, it will be pretty much down party lines. Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:13 PM (9Bj8R)So, nominate a Republican that all the Democrats vote for and the R's vote against.Interesting, isn't it?

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:16 PM (1Y+hH)

251 I say the vote is 61-38.

Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 05:16 PM (m2CN7)

252 I just now read Ace's twitchy post going after @RolandMartin. Does anyone know how much it hurts to have Jack Daniels come out your nose? Classic bro. Just classic.

Posted by: Talibill at January 31, 2013 05:17 PM (qk/nQ)

253 This guy is a disgrace and a danger to America

The new normal. Get used to it. This is what happens when empires collapse.

Posted by: @PurpAv at January 31, 2013 05:17 PM (GlnE7)

254 1
Hagel will get our men and women in the military killed or hurt. This assclown needs to withdraw his nomination.

Posted by: EC at January 31, 2013 04:34 PM (GQ8sn)

I'm not getting how the first sentence implies the second. Must be wingnut logic.

Posted by: Whoredon at January 31, 2013 05:17 PM (7xeJQ)

255 Just saw this on twitter:

"It doesn't matter what I think." — man being scrutinized at Senate confirmation hearing

Posted by: Tami at January 31, 2013 05:18 PM (X6akg)

256 say the vote is 61-38. Posted by: polynikes at January 31, 2013 05:16 PM (m2CN7)Aplaya! It's on.

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:18 PM (1Y+hH)

257 Hey give people some time to dwell on this hearing. It was an unmitigated disaster for hagel. Let it sink in.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:18 PM (9Bj8R)

258 195---" I really just want to cry about what is happening to my Country"
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (9Bj8R)

Me too.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 31, 2013 05:18 PM (C8mVl)

259
Seeing this hearing only confirms my original knee-jerk reaction - Hagel is a Dan Pfeiffer appointee. So what ifHagel looks old, senile, and quasi-evil... those are the three lenses by which all Republicans are viewed from the left. By blessing this charade, this confirms the President's insatiable appetite of politics trumping policy. Obama now has another duplicitous pawn to trot out every time the generic topic of defense - and by extension, foreign policy - makes the headlines.
Bi-Partisanship: "Obama's middle ground gesture of nominating Hagel shows extremeright still in control of Republican Party."
Defense Spending: "Obama's efforts to cut militaryblessed by Republican Hagel."
Foreign Policy: "Obama, under advice from Hagel (R), chooses to accelerate drawdown/exit strategy ahead of schedule."
Cold War: "Putin meets with Hagel (R). U.S. signs unilateral draw down of nuclear arms to pave way for Russian participation."
Iran: "Hagel (R) agrees with Iran's right to defend country after Israeli strike in Syria."
The hearing today is just another reminder of how decisions are made in the White House.Hages as thestrawman that can be propped up for both good and evil, fulfilling Obama'sfence-straddling style of leadership. Now that's the mark of a great minion.

Posted by: Lucas at January 31, 2013 05:19 PM (flH3R)

260 #ChuckHagelRulesForSuccess

Let the interviewer know that you are no threat to take his job

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:19 PM (piMMO)

261 So John Kerry, who served in Vietnam, will unilaterally disarm the United States acting under the instructions of Obama to reduce our nuclear weapons, and Hagel , also acting under the instructions of Obama reduce the effective fighting strength of the US Military.

Obama, acting on his ideology, will shrink the US economy, bankrupt the nation, divide our citizens into waring factions, and the result will leave China as the sole super power on the planet.

Khrushchev was right, they will bury us.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at January 31, 2013 05:19 PM (rfWyg)

262 new Hagel thread up

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 31, 2013 05:20 PM (piMMO)

263 "Let's start with where we are." Future SecDef. Speaks for itself.

Posted by: weirdflunky at January 31, 2013 05:20 PM (tlhtD)

264

Guys, guys.

He's just lowering the bar so that when he can spell his name correctly, he gets a gold star.

Posted by: See what I can do! Fooled ya! at January 31, 2013 05:20 PM (LpQbZ)

265 Khrushchev was right, they will bury us.
Posted by: Skandia Recluse at January 31, 2013 05:19 PM (rfWyg)

Maybe he knew obama's mommie who was a commie

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:21 PM (9Bj8R)

266 If I was leader of a country hostile to the United States, I'd make my move the moment Hagel sits down at his desk at the Pentagon. Given the weakness of Washington leadership, I'd never have a more opportune window.

Thoughts like this make it hard to sleep at night.

Posted by: troyriser at January 31, 2013 05:21 PM (vtiE6)

267 217 well if we get there, we are pretty boned anyway.

---------

Indeed.

Posted by: Colonial President Laura Roslyn at January 31, 2013 05:21 PM (FzhYM)

268
>>>I'm going to have to require aperformance bond.<<<

Shit. If there's bondage involved, I'm in for double!

Posted by: garrett at January 31, 2013 05:22 PM (1xfrQ)

269 258 195---" I really just want to cry about what is happening to my Country"
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 31, 2013 05:04 PM (9Bj8R)

Me too.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 31, 2013 05:18 PM (C8mVl)

John Dean said something similar to this on March 21, 1973.
He was only partly correct: There is a cancer on the nation, not just the presidency.

Posted by: jwb7605 (Let It Burn) at January 31, 2013 05:22 PM (Qxe/p)

270
Obama gets a double whammy win by cutting defense, btw. Cutting defense hurts the economy because it kills jobs at the private companies that make military equippage.

Obama can claim he's a deficit hawk while he kills the economy. Then he can point out that cutting govt hurts the economy and add domestic spending to "save the economy."

Posted by: Meremortal, watching it burn at January 31, 2013 05:22 PM (1Y+hH)

271
ha!

former sec of state hillary: what difference does it make what happened?

new sec def hagel: what difference does it make what i think?

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at January 31, 2013 05:24 PM (p/cQy)

272 "Quick, let's confirm him. We need the Dumb Perspective represented in government."

I thought John F'n Kerry filled that requirement.

Posted by: Peregrine Took, Hobbit S.O.B. at January 31, 2013 05:27 PM (erlzv)

273 Every member of the military should get a vote on who is appointed Secretary of Defense. Their votes are never counted for President, at least let them have a say in this.

Posted by: AAA at January 31, 2013 05:43 PM (JFsQc)

274
so Chuck Hagel is the Forrest Gump SecDef. Glad I only have to hold out for 3 more years....

Posted by: Stacy0311 at January 31, 2013 06:03 PM (XyOhR)

275 Here's a thought.

The Obama administration realizes that things are about to get much hotter because the Obama foreign policy is essentially a big naively narcissistic assumption that the world will be nice to us because Obama is so cool and because he is not Bush, who sucked. Unfortunately the 4+ years of negligence, clumsy gestures, and under the table deals have weakened our image to the point that bad people in far away places are lining up as we speak to hump his leg and see what he does about it.

Obama's administration realizes that the shit is going to hit the fan. Why not have a dim and unpopular republican in State when it happens? Then he takes the blame and we can pretend that Hillary was a good SecState while Hagel was a disaster that happened because Obama wanted to extend a good will gesture to republicans and unfortunately republicans are just to stupid to be in state, even those in open rebellion against their party.

Then the history goes Hillary was great, Hagel sucked, and Obama got played by the stupid evil republican because he is such a nice reasonable trusting guy.

This is theatre.

Posted by: Cackfinger at January 31, 2013 07:31 PM (CCHli)

276 Oh screw it. He's in for SecDef. Never mind.

Posted by: Cackfinger at January 31, 2013 07:51 PM (CCHli)

277 It's simple. Give Hagel one of Hillary's "Reset" buttons to play with. He'll probably think it's a Rubik's Cube and won't be heard from for 4 years while he tries to solve it.

Posted by: dissent555 at January 31, 2013 08:18 PM (yR6A1)

278 A long-time Capitol Hill Democrat astounded by the hearing tells me, “It
is very clear from the testimony thatSen. Hagel will not be bringing
the potato salad to the next Mensa picnic.”

…of course, the astounded, “long-time Capitol Hill Democrat” could be
Hank “Guam might tip over and capsize” Johnson and I’m pretty sure that
he won’t even be bringing the red ants to the next Mensa picnic.

Posted by: Predictable History Unpredictable Past at February 01, 2013 04:58 AM (weW3v)

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