Key Republicans say Chuck Hagel now likely to be confirmed

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | February 17, 2013 | Brad Knickerbocker

[haffast]

If nothing else, the congressional break for the week of Presidents’ Day is a cooling-off period for the fight over former Sen. Chuck Hagel’s nomination to be secretary of defense.

Questions about President Obama’s handling of the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, which killed four Americans, including the US ambassador – an issue, by the way, which Mr. Hagel had nothing to do with – are being answered to the apparent satisfaction of Republicans … at least to the point where they’re willing to end their de facto filibuster of Hagel’s nomination.

snip

Sen. Graham, along with Sen. John McCain, led the opposition to Hagel in the Senate Armed Services Committee.

snip

“The president isn’t done with Benghazi,” McDonough said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday. “He’s demanded of us, since that night, to find out exactly what happened, and to make every reform needed to ensure it does not happen again.”

The politics of the Hagel nomination are obvious to those aware of election cycles – particularly regarding Sen. Graham, who faces reelection next year and the likelihood of a challenge from his right (as did Sen. McCain in 2010).

“Graham's antics have as much to do with events in Columbia, S.C., as with events in Washington,” writes Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank. “His sentiments are no doubt genuine, but the ferocity with which he has been attacking the Obama administration – taking a high-profile role on Benghazi, Susan Rice, Hagel and gun control – are helping him to repel a tea party primary challenge at home.”

snip

[Eleutheria5]

You speak treason against the king. He must maintain the appearance of an opposition, so as to pass on his kingdom to his elder daughter. But you insist that they actively oppose? Treason. Have at thee, knave./sarc?

[ZULU]

Excellent analysis of a vacuous egomaniac.

[ZULU]

Excellent analysis of a vacuous egomaniac.

[ZULU]

Excellent analysis of a vacuous egomaniac.

[ZULU]

Excellent analysis of a vacuous egomaniac.

[trebb]

There had not be a single member of the GOP that votes for this traitor. If any do, we must see to it that they are GONE in their next primary.

Would be nice if we could actually follow through - history says they get away with it and we keep making idle threats.

[Theodore R.]

We are all Walt Kell(e)y Republicans now: the enemy is from within or own ranks and has been for a long time!

[pgkdan]

Key Republicans say Chuck Hagel now likely to be confirmed

Anyone surprised? The GOP is a dead carcass. It's past time to bury it. There really is no hope in it ever being relevant again.

[Fawn]

What a crock. Republicans justy played this little game to make them look like they had balls. A total lie.

[Repeat Offender]

Now you've gone and done it.

Any minute now someone will be by to tell you how this was strategically "smart" of the Stupid Party that they strategically and heroically ran away.

From there you'll be called a kook and an idiot because you appear to support 3rd party [actually 2nd] and this will mean conservatives will never get a "win." (because the spineless GOPe is doing so well for us)

I'm surprised, literally surprised, that no one has been by yet to blame the voters for not throwing support to that severe conservative and "second coming of Reagan" (I think I actually threw up a little during election season the first time I saw someone seriously posted that) Myth Romney.

WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

REPUBLICAN IS CONSERVATISM

[Carry_Okie]

OBAMA INTRODUCES CHUCK HAGEL & DAVID BOREN AS CO-CHAIRMEN OF THE PRESIDENT’S INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY BOARD / PIAB [WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN THE BAD INTELLIGENCE TO SUPPORT BRENNAN'S SECRET WAR] WE SEE LATER ON BENGHAZI?

There, fixed it.

[fwdude]

If any do, we must see to it that they are GONE in their next primary.

Oh, please! How do you intend to do that?

I identify with your viewpoint and zeal, but the Maine twins are NOT going away to be replace with someone MORE conservative then they can be construed to be "conservative."

[Howie66]

You never win a fight without fighting.

[fwdude]

Then, more power to you.

Let me know what works and I'll be fighting right along beside you.

[Bulwyf]

Things will turn around when real Americans stand up and say enough is enough and realize voting isn’t going to fix anything and carry out mass arrests.

[Karliner]

What a crock our political “leaders” have become. They must have signs when elected,
“Leave Your Spine and Balls at the Front Door.”

[Hilda]

Then what was the point of blocking him in the first place? SHOW? How stupid do they think we are?

[AmericanExceptionalist]

It is just about a foregone conclusion that Hagel will be confirmed.

Still, it may be something of a Pyrrhic victory for the Democrats, given the fact that those who will have voted for confirmation will need to (try to) defend that vote when they run for re-election--some of them, as early as 2014...

[Eva]

As I recall, Aburdene put up the seed money for Hagel’s PAC, Sand Hills.

[haffast]

I saw this "Republican international political consultant George Ajjan " Skype call on Fox and Friends this morning. Never heard of him. Story evolves toward the foregone conclusion:

Hagel supporters stay positive after confirmation vote falls short
Fox News ^ | February 17, 2013 | Lisa Daftari
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2989672/posts