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Hagel is the worst of both worlds. Domestically his record is ultra-conservative. He has been a strong supporter of Bush's right wing social policies. Has vehemently opposed even stem cell research.
On foreign policy he has been isolationist. A throw-back to the rightwingers of the 1930's. He's not just opposed to the Iraq war, he is opposed to any US intervention anywhere. He has opposed aid to Israel, and any action against terror groups directly or indirectly.
Take a look at his record. It's shocking and sad that there are reports that Obama is considering him for a position. I hope it's not true.
Hmm...If this is the case - even better. This should quell those eschewing the mantra that the President-elect is going to espouse and implement some ultra liberal agenda...looks like this could provide the balance many desire.
Hell no. You do not reinforce the idea that Republicans are good at National Defense. I'm OK with GOP cabinet members but not for Military matters.
That just plays into the right wing storyline that they know what's best for National security.
LOL, not really diversionary, just alternative. I don't care if people want to start 100 threads about Palin, but since she hasn't done anything new or particularly colorful lately I find her boring. I'd much rather speculate about what the future holds, and try to figure out the puzzle of who fits where in Obama's cabinet.
Hey, I was behavin', wasn't I...only one teeny tiny "Palin" comment in the Plumber thread. (Is there an "innocent angel" icon?)
And I agree with your premise....she's history.
The cabinet guessing game IS fun...but he sure is keeping us hanging!
Hagel is anti-choice so he can have some cred with the GOP. He pretty much hitched his horse up to the Obama cart during the big playdate in the Middle East and Europe, looking supercool.
Gates will probably stay on until at least a year into the Obama presidency to oversee the drawdown of troops in Iraq and the shift of troops to Afghanistan. Hagel will have an office close by.
Hagel is the worst of both worlds. Domestically his record is ultra-conservative. He has been a strong supporter of Bush's right wing social policies. Has vehemently opposed even stem cell research.
On foreign policy he has been isolationist. A throw-back to the rightwingers of the 1930's. He's not just opposed to the Iraq war, he is opposed to any US intervention anywhere. He has opposed aid to Israel, and any action against terror groups directly or indirectly.
Take a look at his record. It's shocking and sad that there are reports that Obama is considering him for a position. I hope it's not true.
Uhmmm Maybe a stupid question but.
Why should we send our troops into harms way if it has no bearing on our own national security? Playing world cop has gotten more than a few soldiers killed. Somalia? Lebanon?
Why should we continue monetary support of Israel? By any measure they are a wealthy nation on par with Italy or spain but with a smaller population. Not to mention their loyalty to the USA is questionable at best.
Looks like Gates will stay on as Secretary of Defense... but for how long? Will Chuck Hagel fill Gates' vacancy if and when Gates leaves office--and when would that be?
And... do you think Hagel will fill some other spot in the meantime?
I don't see Hagel as SecDef, but he'd probably be great as head of the Veteran's Administration.
Hmm...If this is the case - even better. This should quell those eschewing the mantra that the President-elect is going to espouse and implement some ultra liberal agenda...looks like this could provide the balance many desire.
I think people are looking for Obama to appoint a moderate Republican. Not an ultra-conservative who has a record which makes him a combo of Bush and Buchanan.
I don't see Hagel as SecDef, but he'd probably be great as head of the Veteran's Administration.
I can see him heading the VA at first, and then making the transition when Gates leaves. Gates, BTW, is an independent--so that wasn't who Obama was referring to when he said his cabinet would definitely have at least one republican. I'm guessing it's Hagel--because as much as Schwarzeneggar is trying to get on the team, I don't think he'll end up in Obama's cabinet.
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Chuck Hagel: Secretary of Defense?
