Senators Grill Chuck Hagel

Former senator Chuck Hagel, Obama's pick to be the next defense chief, was grilled by senators regarding Iran and Israel during his confirmation hearing.

Published

5 months ago

Categories

US

Topics

US Politics, United States

People

Barack Obama, John Mc Cain, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Hagel

Places

United States of America

Tags

secretary of defense

Transcript

Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's pick to be the next Secretary of Defense faced a grilling on Capitol Hill. Mostly from his fellow Republicans. SOUNDBITE: Senator John McCain saying: "Were you correct or incorrect? Yes or No? Are you going to answer the question, Senator Hagel? SOUNDBITE: Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's Pick to be the next Secretary Of Defense saying: "My reference to the surge being the most dangerous..." SOUNDBITE: Senator John McCain saying: "Are you going to answer the question, Senator Hagel?" A former Senator who broke with his party regarding the Iraq war, Hagel was asked to explain remarks he made about Israel. SOUNDBITE: South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham saying: "You said the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here. I am not an Israeli senator. I am a United States senator. This pressure makes us to do dumb things at times. I could not think of a more provocative thing to say about the relationship between the United States and Israel, and the Senate or the Congress than what you said. Do you agree with me you shouldn't have said something like that?" SOUNDBITE: Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's Pick to be the next Secretary Of Defense saying: "Yes I do. I already said that." Senators also requested clarification about his views on Iran. SOUNDBITE: Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's Pick to be the next Secretary Of Defense saying: " I am fully committed to the president's goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. My policy has always been the same as the president's, one of prevention, not of containment." There were several questions about his support for for gay and lesbian service members. SOUNDBITE: Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's Pick to be the next Secretary Of Defense saying: "I will faithfully, diligently enforce our our laws. All men and women deserve the same rights and that will be a high priority." While only one of the Senate's 45 Republicans say they will support his nomination, Hagel is expected to be confirmed.