[Starve The Beast]

In this case he's trying to swing to the right.

Logically, you're correct. But I don't think that's what's going on here. Hagle hasn't ever distinguished himself as an opponent of GOP overspending. What's with the sudden attack of thrift?

If you look at all of the positions Hagle has taken over the last eight to twelve months, the only pattern that emerges is an attempt to down-talk the administration and cozy up to the Dems.

This is a pre-presidential bid 'move to the center'. Nothing more.

[SpringheelJack]

If you look at all of the positions Hagle has taken over the last eight to twelve months, the only pattern that emerges is an attempt to down-talk the administration and cozy up to the Dems.

I agree. I just think he's trying to cover his flank here. He wants to be President and I think he realizes he needs to be to the right of somebody if he hopes to get elected, or to pass the primaries.

He probably sees this as an issue on which he can appeal to conservative discontent.

But yes, you're fundamentally correct about Hagel and his liberal pandering.