Posted on 02/14/2013 2:13:03 PM PST by Bryan
On Thursday, the U.S. Senate failed to pass a cloture resolution on the nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) as secretary of defense, with 58 in favor and 40 against ending debate on the matter, with one senator voting "present." A 60-vote majority is required to end debate before the nomination can proceed to a simple majority vote, and it appears the Senate is going to come up short.
Hagel's nomination was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this week in a 14-11 party line vote.
Although Hagel came under fire for remarks he made about Israel specifically the "Jewish lobby" during his confirmation hearing, Senate Republicans appear to have switched their rationale for opposing their former colleague. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has been one of Hagel's most outspoken opponents, and this week said that regarding the nominations of Hagel for defense and John Brennan for director of national intelligence, there would be "no confirmation without information" regarding last September's deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
The threat comes despite the fact that Hagel had nothing to do with the Benghazi attack, or was even employed by the U.S. government at the time.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) slammed his GOP counterparts earlier in the day. This isnt high school getting ready for a football game or some play thats being produced at high school, Reid said. Were trying to confirm somebody to run the defenses of our country, the military of our country.
Reid also acknowledged that the Democrats do not have the necessary 60 votes at this time. There are 53 Democrats in the Senate, plus two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Today's failure to reach 60 votes doesn't mean Hagel's nomination is finished. The Senate will reportedly try again after the Presidents' Day recess perhaps as late as a week from Tuesday, according to Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.) in his floor speech on the nomination.
Pretty severe case of Scoliosis though.
Not sure I understand the point. John F-in Kerry will be worse for the country than Hagel. Is the point that, as a quasi-Republican, Hagel will become the scapegoat for any Obama failures?
The Rats are just playing with the Stupid party people. All of this is to showcase that the Stupid party are eating their own and can’t be trusted with even confirming one of their own. This is why Hagel was nominated in the first place.
The Stupid Party people are too dumb to see this.
It’s all a game to make the Stupid party look bad and it is succeeding in the public’s eye.
When the Senate’s back is turned, Mr. Soetoro will toss in another recess appointment and sneak Hagel in.....
Finally some spine. Is Skeeter having a shortage of blackmail ammo too.
It’s a small and temporary victory, but with what has transpired in the last 4 years, I’ll enjoy it, if only momentarily.
I’m probably alone here, but I think this appointment is not the one that should be halted. Should have directed all fire at Lew. JMHO
Let’s talk about that video, Mr. President. And let’s talk about why NO military assets were deployed to evacuate the embassy staff.
Yes, Mrs. Clinton, it does make a difference.
The Dems are arguing it is a filibuster.
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Doing what comes naturally — lying. That’s what Democrats do. Lie about everything.
Great, now why couldn’t they have done that to John “I was a war criminal” Kerry? Hagel had no business being nominated but it seems a big coincidence to me that the only person they had the balls to oppose was an ex republican.
Is Hagel out for good?
McLame was on Cavuto predicting Hagel would be confirmed just minutes before this vote. Hes such a loser!
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Juan McLame may yet be proven right as Republicans will likely fold like a cheap lawn chair after they return from recess. Leaving town was like the proverbial “shot of courage” that enabled them to look tough for the moment. After recess, the The Stupid Party will revert back to its normal supine posture.
He wasn’t just predicting it he was promoting it.
Are the Pubbies spineless or stupid? Sometimes its hard to tell which. Perhaps its both.
Hagel is that bad but what difference does it really make(aka Hillary). All the people the jackass nominates are going to be bad. Keep holding,delaying and stalling as long as possible but we need to start winning elections
Reid said. Were trying to confirm somebody to run the defenses of our country, the military of our country.Well then get someone qualified, it's an important job that shouldn't be given to someone with all those skeletons in his closet and not pratical experience.
The last one, Panetta was a political favor appointment lets not do that again.
Harry Reid, grow up and stop the childish high school remarks to try to insult our intelligence.
Its all a game to make the Stupid party look bad
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Roger that. Unfortunately the Republicans can’t figure that out.
Of course, it is. But it's also a vote that stands.
In this case, I think it's Reid playing the lead kabuki. He didn't want Hagel in there, either. Hated him [just like the rest of us].
I hear Karl is over at a K street mixer planning the demise of the TEA Party, THAT is where REAL bi-partisan support is needed right now...not these silly little games in the Senate...
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