The Crucifixation of Chuck Hagel

Former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel has seen his name floated recently as a potential Defense Secretary for the President's second term. Chuck Hagel has long been one of my favorite politicians and indeed has for quite sometime held the title as Democrats most favorite Republican.

Perhaps that is the reason that this man, a Conservative Republican Senator , has seen a groundswell movement against his potentially taking this job. Hagel, a decorated Veteran of the Vietnam War would also be the first enlisted man to hold the title of Defense Secretary.

What did the Senator do to bring about the ire of the Neocons in the Republican right. According to the primary inciter of the anti- Hagel chorus Bill Kristol Hagel has had the temerity to make statements advising against the United States taking military action against Iran. A position not ruling out any future action but simply stating that a reckless campaign for another Mideast intervention should be considered somberly and not entered into lightly suddenly becomes not a voice of reason but an anti Israel statement. Only in Washington.

That is not his only crime. Hagel also has stated that we should engage in conversation with those we do not agree, some would say our enemies, such as the Taliban and yes, Iran. I am sure that I am not smart enough to understand all the reasons for not engaging with a group we disagree with. However it seems to me that refusing to talk, not with a splinter group, but a viable government whether we disagree with them or not, is a recipe for further strains, trouble and the like.

As a man who has seen all sides of the military Hagel might be the best candidate to oversee troop draw downs in Afghanistan and some potentially painful cuts in Defense. Certainly the President has reasons for looking for a Republican in this position, it gives him some political cover for a very hard reduction in forces.

That said going after Chuck Hagel in the way that is being done is silly. Would the right prefer to have a Democrat in that office. Perhaps they would. To me the only thing more embarassing than the actons of Kristol and his ilk is the potential that the President himself will throw Hagel over the side if his nomination proves to be too controversial.

Already throwing Susan Rice, perhaps as a sacrifice to hypocrites like John McCain it is time for the President to understand that he has to stand up for those who stand up for him. Chuck Hagel would be a good place to start.