The more I watch of Chuck Hagel's testimony this week, the more convinced I am that he has no business being secretary of defense. Not that I agree with the person who was quoted as saying that Hagel's experience as a decorated combat veteran in Vietnam is of little relevance. I greatly respect his military experience. It is what has come after that which gives me doubt.
It seems Hagel spent most of his time "regretting" previous statements he had made about the Israeli-Jewish lobby in the US or trying to explain what he meant by past statements on unilateral nuclear disarmament or about Iran. Senator Lindsey Graham in particular made Hagel look bad on his past criticisms of Israel's supporters. Hagel has said that some senators have been intimidated by the Israeli lobby, but when pressed by Graham, he could name no one.
http://dailycaller.com/2013/01/31/lindsey-graham-to-hagel-whos-intimidated-by-the-israel-lobby/
And at one point, Hagel had to interject and point out himself that he had "misspoken" about the administration's "strong policy of containment" on Iran.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/chuck-hagel-stumbles-on-iran-question-87001.html
What he should have said is that the current administration has no policy whatsoever on Iran.
All in all, Hagel's performance was pathetic. He frankly came across as someone who is not all that bright, much like James Clapper and John Brennan, whom he hopes to join in Obama's inner circle. Hopefully, a few Democrats will come to the same conclusion and vote against Hagel.
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If Hagel had given the forthright answers the petty band of sniping little boys on the senate committee deserved, he would have been outside the bounds of etiquette and protocol of the august body.
Yes senator, you are a very persistent self-righteous bully, but I took an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth -- you're going to have to give me sufficient room to live up to my oath. Do you mind?
Ah, I see senator, you can dish it out but you can't take it without breaking down and throwing a temper tantrum.
For better or for worse, he contented himself with letting the wind blow and refusing to be drawn into pointless sniping and counter-sniping. He might have done better to have come out swinging, at least a little more. But he did show maturity.
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