Hagel was confirmed today by a vote of 58 to 41. Only four Republican senators voted for Hagel: Sens. Thad Cochran (Miss.), Richard Shelby (Ala.), Mike Johanns (Neb.) and Rand Paul (Ky.) No Democrats voted against Hagel. Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of NJ did not vote.
Hagel plans to negotiate with Iran and John Kerry said Monday that the U.S. is prepared to negotiate with Iran in good faith.
The latest round of nuclear talks with Iran have gone nowhere but that won’t stop us from pretending negotiating with them makes sense.
Iran has been vocal in their support of the Hagel nomination. He is seen as pro-Iran and has said that we should stop picking on Iran.
Hagel has met regularly with Iranian front groups. Daily Caller.
He has also talked about putting an embassy in Tehran.
Hagel is no friend to Israel and has said that the State Department has become an adjunct to the Israeli Foreign Minister’s office. Hagel cannot remember making that statement though many others can.
He believes that if Israel is faced with an existential threat by Iran, the US shouldn’t be thinking about bombing Iran.
When Obama visits Israel next month, Shimon Peres plans to give him an award – the Presidential Medal of Distinction. Obama is the first sitting U.S. president to receive the award. The press release said it will be for “a unique and significant contribution to strengthening the State of Israel and the security of its citizens.”
It’s a strange world we are living in.
In this video, Hagel agrees we are the world’s bullies:
The vote for cloture – to end debate and vote – assured Hagel confirmation and many Republicans voted for that cloture.
Why those four voted “aye” is beyond me…especially Senator Rand Paul, who seriously hurt his stock as a possible presidential candidate in 2016. Right at this moment in time, Senator Paul would have a difficult time getting elected as dog catcher.
Hagel only needed a simple majority (51) votes and the Democrats hold 55 Senate seats, so why those four Republicans shot themselves in both feet is difficult to figure.
They could have all saved face and a very long political headache by voting against Hagel.
Just think; Senator Paul is slated to speak at CPAC I’ll bet that’s a riotous event after today’s debacle.
These are the individuals you can call out for saying they voted against Hagel, they’re liars:
Alexander
Ayotte
Blunt
Burr
Chambliss
Coburn
Collins
Corker
Flake
Graham
Hatch
McCain
Murkowski
Sessions
Thune
You’re right on Paul Dell, he’s trying to play both sides (imagine that from a politician), his father’s nutty followers and their “views” on Israel and the conservative side..As far as any Republicans shooting themselves in the foot, nothing will happen, life will go on and they will continue collecting paychecks..Politicians being honorable are things only found in history books..