WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense Tuesday after a bruising bout with Republicans, while President Obama’s nominee to be Treasury secretary moved closer to approval with bipartisan support. The votes suggested that the Republican blockade against the administration’s second-term nominees was beginning to ease.
After escaping a filibuster from members of his own party, Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska, prevailed in a 58 to 41 vote — the smallest margin for a defense secretary since the position was created in 1947, according to Senate records. Fifty-two Democrats, two independents, and four Republicans backed Hagel, and 41 Republicans opposed him.
Comments
Those who say there's no Jewish lobby must think Santa lives at the north pole. It's quite obvious from the vitriol directed at a man who has the temerity to put consideration for the US ahead of Israel. I'm a Catholic, but the welfare of the US would besomewhat further up the list from the Vatican. Another blunder in the eyes of the vaunted solons we have today is the idea that the military exists for the service of the people, not the people in thrall to the military-industrial establlshment . When you see those who are trying to red-dog Hagel, be aware that they owe concerns other than their constituents.
another fine pick.....
Glad you approve and that you're finally coming around to the light, Beggie.
Best quote: If you don’t want the guy or gal, vote against them. But don’t drag it out. That’s not politics, that’s petulance.
Clearly polarization is the name of the game. Would the Republicans have filibustered Hagel if he had been nominated by Pres. Bush? Would the Democrats have filibustered a Democrat nominated by a Republican?
I guess the Globe and the bloggers will not be concerned when Iran and North Korea get nukes. Obama's rhetoric that "All Options are on the table" for Iran's nuke program, are just that. The options will just STAY on the Table. America's enemies know they have a foreign ploicy APPEASER. Chuck Hagel did NOT misspeak when he said that America's policy is to just CONTAIN Iran's nuclear program. Iran's leaders, Israel, and the "Jewish Lobby" know what is really going on.
What an epiphaney of the lord will accomplish for the new and improved republican party; time and the passing of the current generation of "real americans"can also provide. Either alternative will ensure maturaty and stability for the country. President Obama and the ligitimacy of his administration in exercising its perogatives will continue to be impuned and impinged by the "loyal" opposition, should he be re-elected till hell freezes over . Wendell Phillips said its unortunate that the evil men do will not die with them. Then at least, he said, we should have the luxury of forgetting them.