Former Senator Chuck Hagel has begun the long process of confirmation hearings that so many upper-level Cabinet nominees have faced before. As usual, each panel is full of critics with extensive lists of questions. Thus far, he has at least appeared undisturbed by the interrogations, even in the face of opponents such as
Senator Deb Fischer, who called his ideas “extreme” and “far to the left” of President Obama and Senator John McCain who brought up the fact that Hagel had opposed the US decision to “surge” the number of troops in Iraq 2007. He has responded to questions and critiques on topics ranging from his views on the level of danger posed by Iran to his service as a young Army officer in the Vietnam War.
“No one individual vote, no one individual quote, no one individual statement defines me, my beliefs, or my record. My overall world view has never changed, that America has and must maintain the strongest military in the world,” Hagel said. “I believe, and always have believed, that America must engage in the world, not retreat from the world, but engage from — the world. My record is consistent on these points.”
With a Democratic majority in the Senate, it appears unlikely Hagel will not be confirmed. “Unless the Republicans filibuster him, the nomination is going to go through,” said Bill Galston, a former adviser to President Bill Clinton. However, it is becoming evident from the hearings that upon becoming the new Secretary of Defense Hagel will face difficulty forming comfortable working relationships with his former Republican colleagues. “There’s no indication that this is peeling off any support that was there before today,” said one administration official.
