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Krauthammer Blasts Hagel: ‘Incredibly Remarkable Lack of Competence’

Jan. 31, 2013 10:57pm Jason Howerton

Krauthammer Blasts Chuck Hagel Over Lack of Competence

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing to become the next secretary of defense on Capitol Hill January 31, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama nominated Hagel, a controversial choice as Hagel opposed former President George W. Bush and his own party on the Iraq War and upset liberals with his criticism of a gay ambassador, for which he later apologized. Credit: Getty Images

Appearing on Fox News’ “Special Report” with Bret Baier on Thursday, syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer blasted Chuck Hagel’s performance at his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, saying he displayed an “astonishing lack of competence.”

“His problem is a demonstrated, incredibly remarkable lack of competence,” Krauthammer began.

He also argued Hagel’s honesty was called into question as he was forced to either walk back or change his position on a number of issues.

“He’s been denying essentially the essence of a dozen statements and ideas that he’s said in the past. And now he says all of a sudden, ‘oh no, you know, on Iran I’ve changed my mind,’” Krauthammer said.

“From both sides,” Baier pointed out. “On the gay issue, on climate change, on other things.”

Hagel appears to have “seen the light” on a number of issues overnight, conveniently while he is being challenged by members of Congress on his record, Krauthammer added.

“What happened today was shocking because it showed an astonishing lack of competence. I mean he was wobbly, he was weak, bumbling,” he continued.

Krauthammer also slammed Hagel for his handling of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) question on his previous remarks in which he accused “the Jewish lobby” of intimidating a lot of people in Washington.

During Thursday’s hearing, Hagel expanded his apology for the way he phrased his comments.

“I’ve already said I regret referencing the Jewish lobby,” Hagel said. “I should have said pro-Israel lobby. I think it’s the only time on the record I’ve ever said that.”

Featured image via Getty

(H/T: RCP)

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Comments (72)

Benetto
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:30pm
He is NOT the right man for the job!

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calmandcents
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 12:48am
Krauthammer Blasts Hagel: ‘Incredibly Remarkable Lack of Competence’

And that, Charles, is precisely why Hagel is part of the select Obama team! Did you really expect more?

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wowjustwow
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 12:16am
Is it just me…or does Krauthammer look like someone who just crapped his pants. I always imagine he just sharted when I see him. I know it’s a juvenile thing to say, but that is what I think every single time I see him. Am I alone in this?

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ledbythnose
Posted on February 1, 2013 at 8:49pm
With Kerry as Sec. of State and this Clown as Sec. of Defense , Soetoro may as well hand the keys to the White House to the Chinese Premiere. If he is approved to take office by Congress. The American People should by all intents and purposes storm Washington . Build a huge Gallows on the Mall , and began the task of hanging every stinking one of the Traitors who voted for him. WE have had just about all of this schit we can stand.

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Tigress1
Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:37am
“…weak and bumbling” – just like Obama.

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- wowjustwow
  Posted on February 2, 2013 at 12:17am
  Yeah, weak…those wartime vets are usually so weak(?)
  
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DeannaRae
Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:21am
And now we will see if the incompetent Senate will actually approve an incompetent colleague to fill an important post for this incompetent administration.

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