SecDef

Dad

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Chuck Hagel is nominated for Secretary of Defense. Any thoughts?
 
Chuck Hagel is nominated for Secretary of Defense. Any thoughts?

Doesn't matter. It's a political appointment. He will make some internal changes, but ultimately he will follow the orders from the President.

A good example is the don't ask don't tell policy. Did Sec Def decide, no.

I also think the Sec Def's role in determining our foreign policy should be very limited. His opinion on Iran and Isareal shouldn't matter as much.
 
Doesn't matter. It's a political appointment. He will make some internal changes, but ultimately he will follow the orders from the President.

A good example is the don't ask don't tell policy. Did Sec Def decide, no.

I also think the Sec Def's role in determining our foreign policy should be very limited. His opinion on Iran and Isareal shouldn't matter as much.

Not sure I agree with that last sentence MemberLG but in any case I like to now my president is being presented different viewpoints and I'm not sure that's going to be the case with his National Security Cabinet Members. Of course I'm also not sure hearing other points of view would make any difference anyway so...
 
He Won and can appoint anyone he wants subject to confirmation. That may be fun to watch.
 
Not sure I agree with that last sentence MemberLG but in any case I like to now my president is being presented different viewpoints and I'm not sure that's going to be the case with his National Security Cabinet Members. Of course I'm also not sure hearing other points of view would make any difference anyway so...

We could have some intereseting discussions about how our foreign policy should be formulated.

As for point of view, not sure being a combat vet will make Hagle a better Sec Def? Do we want our Sec Def to focus on what happens to soldiers or focus on the big picture?
 

Right answer Raimus. Gotta do both. I'm glad he's a vet and has been in combat. I don't think though that this is sufficient to qualify him for SecDef. I suppose I don't know enough about Hagel but I would be concerned if he had no management/executive experience. If he has always been a legislator, then that might be a cause for concern, but wouldn't disqualify him either (in my eyes).
 
He is a former US Republican Senator disliked by other Republicans, makes sense? He said what he really thought about our wars and the middle east once in awhile. That's always a problem it seems in politics. In doing so he has made a few weary on the left with statements made years ago. So he ahas ticked off some "Agressive" liberals.

Now since the R team is against him the D team is backing off. Have I got this right?

Do we really want a yes man? I would rather have someone who will speak their mind but yet is allowed to evolve in their thinking as well.
I will be interested in watching the proceedings to hear what he has to say.

I bet he makes it through confirmation.
 
It would be unusual for a Secdef nominee to be voted down. That said, the biggest concern with Hagel is that, unlike Gates and Pannetta who fought to prevent a massive and damaging downsizing to the military that would affect the capability of the forces, Hagel may have no such compunctions. That is a legitimate concern and that is why the choice of someone like Hagel ought to be carefully considered.
 
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