Hagel is an old-school conservative with a history of opposing much of what Democrats stand for

[oberliner]

Excerpt from The New Yorker:

On economic issues, Hagel supported the Bush tax cuts, the G.O.P.’s calls for a balanced-budget amendment, and the 2001 bankruptcy law that made it harder for credit-card debtors to walk away from their debts. He voted against No Child Left Behind, a ban on drilling in the Arctic, more restrictions on the tobacco industry, and campaign-finance reform. He voted for means-testing Medicare, eliminating fuel-economy standards, and the partial privatization of Social Security. In short, he was a faithful supporter of pro-corporate, trickle-down policies.

When it comes to social issues, Hagel's record is, if anything, even more conservative. A lifelong Roman Catholic, he is strongly anti-abortion and consistently voted to restrict its availability. Based on this history, the abortion rights group NARAL gave him a zero rating, and the National Right to Life Committee gave him a rating of a hundred per cent. He supported teacher-led prayer in schools: the Christian Coalition gave him its top rating of a hundred per cent. He was staunchly in favor of gun rights—he got an “A” rating from the N.R.A.—capital punishment, and the drug war.

Also:

But before the process goes any further, let’s also be clear about Hagel’s over-all record, which also includes a zero rating on military issues from SANE—the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/johncassidy/2013/01/hagels-views-on-israel-arent-the-problem.html#ixzz2HLIwwpdt

[kelliekat44]

1. He enlisted and twice risked his life for this country. He has earned the right to serve in

higher office. Not all of positions would I agree with but some I do. He was against the Iraq war...me too...he favors supporting American interests first over other nations interests...me too...he thinks the military has a lot of waste, fraud, and abuse...me too. As far as AIPAC and other Israeli lobbying groups is concerned I think they really need to rethink the ways they spend money interfering in US government policy. No one believes that for on moment Israel would consider anything our citizens or government officials would have to say about their appointment of the IDF chief or any other of their government officials. Hagel has the support of military "grunts", the VFW and a lot of military families.

[bowens43]

6. putting a republican in any position of power is a HUGE mistake (when will Obama ever learn?)

and enlisting doesn't give the guy any special status. It certainly does NOT qualify him for higher office.

the military worship stuff is nonsense and support of military "grunts" the vast majority of whom are hard core right wingers is not an endorsement that should be even considered. The military has civilian leadership for a reason. NO former military person should ever be considered for Sec of Defense.

[bullwinkle428]

8. Whoa, hang on a second! Does this mean that Oliver North deserves a place

in the President's cabinet?

[kelliekat44]

12. More so than some of Hagel's chickenhawk detractors. I don't like North but he has more than some

earned the right to be selected by a President who would want him. And I think I would want someone to serve who puts US interests first over Israeli government desires or any other country. What would the Israeli supporters in our Congress say if anyone in the current administration would voice displeasure or disagreement with any appointment int he Israeli government? I believe they would be roundly chastised for daring to interfere with the government selection process of a foreign nation.

[TheKentuckian]

9. Millions have served. None of them have earned the right to serve, it part and parcel of citizenship

to be considered based on their merits.

[TwilightGardener]

2. Well, it's a good thing he's not being elected President.

What a pointless article.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

3. Yep.

Noting that Hagel is an old-school conservative with a history of opposing much of what Democrats stand for is a point that should not be overlooked.

If being a combat vet is an essential requirement for the job, can't Obama find a Democrat combat vet who has valued Democratic principles for the job? With all the former Marine generals that opposed the Afghanistan war, at least one has to be a Democrat.

[oberliner]

4. Being a combat vet is an essential requirement for the job?

Better tell Leon Panetta.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

11. Leon Panetta, in contrast to some of the posters on this board, did not say or imply that.

[pipoman]

5. I don't trust RINOs or DINOs..

[TheKentuckian]

10. Leon has been both

[forestpath]

7. No wonder Obama chose him.