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Why Did Sen. Rand Paul Vote To Confirm Chuck Hagel? Here’s His Answer

Feb. 27, 2013 11:38am Becket Adams

Sen. Rand Paul Explains Yesterday’s Hagel Vote: The President Has Some Leeway In Who He Appoints

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. (Getty Images).

The U.S. Senate voted 58-41 Tuesday to confirm former Nebraska senator Chuck Hagel as America’s new defense secretary, but not without a little controversy.

Four Republican senators backed Hagels’ confirmation: Sens. Thad Cochran (Miss.), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Richard Shelby (Ala.), and Rand Paul (Ky.), as noted yesterday on TheBlaze.

Understandably, Sen. Paul’s vote took some by surprise. After all, didn’t the Kentucky senator vote against cloture before voting for Hagel’s confirmation (answer: Yes).

In an attempt to figure out this apparent contradiction, Fox News Channel’s Bill Hemmer on Wednesday asked the senator about his “aye” vote.

“You helped lead the charge publicly against Chuck Hagel. Yet he you voted to confirm him as Defense Secretary. He was sworn two hours ago at the Pentagon. Why the vote to favor him?” Hemmer asked.

“I filibustered him twice because I wanted more information, and I think when Republicans stick together we could get information. I was disappointed several on my side after they filibustered him immediately announced they wouldn’t continue the filibuster so we never got the information,” said Sen. Paul.

“I’m the same way on Brennan. I want more information on drone strikes in America. On final passage though I take the position that the president does have some leeway and some prerogative in who he appoints to political appointees.

“So I would like to get as much information as we can. I will stick with the party, if the party will stick together to try to get more information. In the end I voted for John Kerry also although I agree with almost nothing that John Kerry represents,” he added.

So there you have it. Sen. Paul voted against cloture because, according to him, he was angling to get more information on President Obama’s nominee and he voted to confirm Hagel because the president has some “leeway” with his appointees.

Watch the Fox interview here [the senator's Hagel explanation appears at the 02:50 mark]:

Oh, by the way, as noted by BuzzFeed’s Rosie Gray, Sen. Paul told reporters Tuesday he never got the information he was looking for on Hagel.

Here’s a breakdown of how the senate voted yesterday:

Hagel was sworn in as secretary of defense in a private ceremony Wednesday morning at about 8:30 a.m ET.

–

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Comments (521)

universalphilos
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:00pm
During the Yom Kippur war, spirit sent from God gave this prophecy, October 9, 1973: “Beware — should the Eagle [U.S.A.] not spread its wings and give protection, then the Anti-Christ shall reign upon the earth, and the time of famine shall be upon your doorsteps. We have prepared that, as we have said before, to give you warning before each of these that should happen. But the nation of Israel shall stand, and the nation of the eagle shall stand, for they stand before God. And where once before the eagle nation [Rome] destroyed and scattered among the nations those of the servants of God, now the karmic action stands forth again. Therefore, place your minds in unisance.”
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzyT3fgGxb4-UzdESmFCZ29fMkE/edit?usp=sharing

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- Brother Winston Smith
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:30pm
  THERE YA HAVE IT! I KNEW IT, and predicted it yesterday!
  
  Rand “playin’ the game” Paul IS an ESTABLISHMENT MADE-MAN! ANY vote that could potentially anger Establishment republican voters… WILL BE DAMAGE-CONTROLLED BY THE REPUBLICAN MEDIA AND THEN QUICKLY BURIED!
  
  But, regardless… seems Rand “playin’ the game” Paul” has SOLD OUT neocons, just like he sold out the Liberty Movement, but endorsing AND CAMPAIGNING FOR the LEFTIST Establishment in 2012.
  
  Hey, Blaze,
  Any “explanation” on Rand “playin’ the game” Paul’s CALL FOR AMNESTY? Anything?
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:36pm
  You really are no different from any other radical, religious, fundamentalist. Your flavor is different, but it’s still remains ice cream.
  
  Report this comment
- edcoil
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:59pm
  Sen Paul is no different then any other politician. All hot air.
  
  Report this comment
- Small World
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:07pm
  @Universalphilos……….Amen! He could have done the right thing and didn’t.
  
  Report this comment
- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:12pm
  Yet again reaffirming that I have absolutely no faith in any elected official, nor any confidence in this govt. I believe it is corrupt at its very core. It is time to cast aside the ties that bind us.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:19pm
  Rand is absolutely correct. Why isn’t Hagel qualified? I’d like to hear why, from those here who are qualified to make that decision???
  
  Report this comment
- FormerLib
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:23pm
  Why did Rand Paul cave? Simple: he got a talking to by the old dogs who have been there forever and who sat him down as a freshman senator and told him how the game will be played. They informed him that he has only so much political capital to use as bargaining chips, and if he spent them unwisely, they could make life very difficult for him- they could keep him from getting TV time, they could make his campaign funds dry up, they could pick a challenger for his seat. This is what we get when we have career politicians running things, who have jiggered the system to preserve the status quo and keep the re-election rate at nearly 90%.
  
  Report this comment
- marybethelizabeth
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:24pm
  A main stream Republican.
  
  Glenn Beck is trying to pull the wool over his listeners eyes pretending to move away from the Republican Party.
  He mentions
  
  Paul
  Cruz
  Rubio
  Mike Lee
  
  The exact same names
  Hannity mentions every half hour of his show.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:29pm
  Rand Paul did not cave. He used reason and logic to draw his conclusion. He is absolutely correct. I’m still waiting for those here, who think that they are qualified, to tell us why Hagel is not.
  
  Report this comment
- FormerLib
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:31pm
  Rand is absolutely correct. Why isn’t Hagel qualified?
  
  Well, for one, he blames Israel for everything in the Middle East. They are our only really ally in the entire region, and Hagel sides with their enemies. Secondly, Obama, the president who has shown a stunning lack of both leadership and judgment, thinks he’s a good pick. That’s
  enough to raise a red flag. We know Obama has no understanding of the military, so one wonders about who he would pick to run it. And thirdly, leftists cheerleaders liker the New York Times, MSNBC, the Daily beast, HuffPo, et al all are in favor of Hagel. Why?
  
  Report this comment
- woodyee
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:36pm
  I can’t help but agree with Mary on this one – who knew that freek would be establishment?!? That dirtbag voted for both Hagel AND Kerry, and teabagged the Tea Party.
  
  Report this comment
- No_More_War_Please
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:40pm
  The_Jerk is correct again.
  
  Hagel is very qualified. He just doesn’t tow the establishment narrative. He understand the complexity of the situation in the middle east, and wants to strive for negotiating instead of bombing first and asking questions later.
  
  Most importantly he knows what kind of disaster the Iraq and Afghanistan wars were and does not seek to repeat them.
  
  Will he repeat them? No one can know for sure. Ultimately, our foreign policy is the president’s decision, and whatever Obama decides will have to be agreed upon by Hagel. But at least we are less likely to go to war with Hagel as defense secretary. This is why Rand made the right choice here.
  
  Report this comment
- cdn1979
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:40pm
  oh sweet goodness. what brand of bat **** crazy do you subscribe to?
  
  Report this comment
- No_More_War_Please
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:44pm
  Woodyee,
  
  Please explain to me how being non-interventionist is “establishment”. Virtually everyone (to the best of my knowledge) in the Republican party and tea party embrace a robust, interventionist, foreign policy with gusto. Please explain how opposing this makes you “apart of the status quo”. I’ll give you some time.
  
  Report this comment
- Rogue
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:45pm
  There truly is NO ONE in DC that I would trust to represent the GOP in the next Pres election. It seems that it takes only a year or two for the establishment to bully conservatives into compliance. Just keep tabs on how long it takes Cruz to buckle to the RINO leadership and fall into lockstep. If the average holds true, he’ll be out stumping for RINOs in the ’14 elections.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:46pm
  FormerLib: “Well, for one, he blames Israel for everything in the Middle East.”
  
  First, you’re lying. He does not blame Israel for “everything” in the Middle East. Any high school junior or senior would recognize your statement as hyperbole.
  
  As for Obama. He won the election. He must be given some latitude in selecting his cabinet. Unless you can give a substantive reason for not giving him his choice, you are MSNBC, New York Times, HuffPost… .
  
  Remember. You live in America, not Israel. And, religious zealotry should not interfere in secular, policy decisions.
  
  Report this comment
- Bluebonnet
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:51pm
  Wow! This is one HECK of a howdy-do! It snowed yesterday and even tho I was going to my volunteer job, I decided at the last minute to change my mind, duh??
  What was the alternative? voting NO when you didn’t get any answers? dang these lilly livered,.. …
  
  Report this comment
- hauschild
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:01pm
  Rand’s pretty much accurate again. Little gained by a “no” vote. Save the ammo.
  
  The one major downside, however, is how frighteningly clueless Hagel appears and knowing his peers approve of such a “low information” appearnace – fits into the regime like a glove. Gonna be a lot more F’up’s down the line with this doofus running the circus.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:11pm
  Hauschild, make no mistake about this. These are not F’up’s. They know exactly what they are doing. These are your old communists, today’s progressives. They really believe in an all powerful central government. And, they’re taking us there faster than the Republicans.
  
  Report this comment
- twilsa
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:19pm
  That prophecy is nonsense. “Karmic” and “unisance” occur nowhere in Scripture. That invented passage doesn’t sound like Scripture in any way. Such is counterfeit teaching.
  
  In addition, Rand Paul’s capitulation in approving a man for the cabinet who is barely able to string 5 words together coherently – unless those words disparage Israel – is just ONE MORE reason I can never vote for that policitian. Embarassing.
  
  Report this comment
- VRW Conspirator
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:31pm
  @All
  
  Why did Rand cave? because he didn’t agree with you..? because he didn’t vote like you? isn’t this the argument all the Paul-bots use? all the stupid things Ron Paul did was because he wouldn’t compromise his principles not because he was a typical political hack…
  
  yet why aren’t you saying the same about Rand? he says his principles dictated that the Senate has an “advise and consent role” in the process. he wanted more info but others voted NOT to continue the debate..so the advise role was over…seeing nothing criminal – stupidity still isn’t criminal nor is being a shill for the Islamists – Paul granted his consent to the President to appointee whom he felt he wanted…
  
  now I don’t agree with Rand…I think Hagel is a disaster waiting to happen just like this President…but I will not crucify the man over it either…I don’t agree with Rand on a few other issues either but I respect his point of view and his reasoning behind his views… UNLIKE the 20 GOP Senators that voted NOT to continue the debate when they voted for “cloture” and then turned around and voted against Hagel…THOSE are the 20 that need to be tarred and feathered and ran out on a rail in 2014/2016 even if it means giving the Libs 60 or more seats…
  
  we can’t rebuild until we cut out the cancer that is Progressivism in at least one party….
  
  Report this comment
- conservativecat
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:31pm
  I believe he has little of his father in him. He has never been my favorite in the Senate.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:31pm
  Twilsa, you’re a religious zealot. We’re America, not Israel. Hagel made more sense than your conclusion based on nothing but zealotry. Rand Paul made the correct decision based on reason and logic, two qualities lost in radical fundamentalism.
  
  Report this comment
- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:40pm
  BWs- I’m so confused some of you RP supporters hate Israel like Ausername and then there is you who support them? Clarify for me.
  
  Report this comment
- Wolf
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:52pm
  All of which goes to further prove that the only difference in a republican and democrat is spelling.
  
  Report this comment
- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:57pm
  For the LOVE OF GOD THANK YOU VRW! I feel like I’m alone against an army of angry conservatives. Are you the only sane person here?
  
  Report this comment
- GETLIFE
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:59pm
  HEY! It ain’t that complicated. Stop letting the prog trolls conduct the conversation.
  Senators vote “Yes” if they feel the guy is right for the job, and “no” if they don’t feel he is right for the job. Paul obviously thought Hagel was the right guy. No one needs to make whiney intellectualized excuses for Senator Paul. He’s a SENATOR, for God’s sake!
  
  He voted the way he WANTED to vote. Anyone who has done any research at all knows how they would vote and for what reasons. And their reasons are as good as Randy’s. So, just ask yourselves, did he represent me here, or not?
  
  Oh yeah, and Google “hagel voting machines” when you have a minute.
  Maybe Hagel got to Randy.
  
  Report this comment
- GETLIFE
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:14pm
  DLV, VRW,
  I get the “advise and consent” argument.
  Thing is, a vote is a vote. Now, if you want the vote to symbolize the “advise and consent” role– what does that change? It makes it even worse.
  
  YES– this is my advice.
  YES– I know enough to give my complete consent.
  
  Report this comment
- randy1bella2
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:44pm
  hum
  
  Report this comment
- FloraBelleza
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:49pm
  I cancel my dish today just because of this, I’m so upset with lies every where. I always told here in the blaze that this guy is another opportunist like his father, he is not what you think, this guy is a looser Dr. that decide to go with politics just for money. His father spend 30 years in DC, just for money and benefices, Ron Paul was never a effective congressman, a totally disaster, never pass on bill, he was more like Obama voting no, or present. Ron Paul never contribute with anything, he was there just to pretend, making money for himself, and sometimes to his constituents, come on, do you guys willy believe that Rand Paul is different from his father? Theyall making a good money, plus a very good salary. Remember Ron Paul lie about his letters? Rand Paul is no different that he is father, and I believe he is worse that his father.
  
  Report this comment
- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:12pm
  GetLife- No one is perfect, you have to recognize that and just because someone did one small thing you don’t like doesn’t mean you should demonize them. The fact is we need to unite or we will die. The liberals have a wide range of candidates and are not so strict on who gets in. I’d be willing to overlook someone who supports same sex marriage if it meant a turn around from liberal fiscal policies (and same sex marriage is a big issue in my book and not be taken with a shrug).
  
  Report this comment
- Brother Winston Smith
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:15pm
  FloraBelleza DISSECTED…
  
  LIE:
  “another opportunist like his father”
  TRUTH:
  Ron Paul selflessly fights for Constitutional Liberty, with particular COURAGE when taking the slings and arrows of LEFTIST republicans. Ron is NOTHING like his SELLOUT SON, Rand.
  
  LIE:
  “His father spend 30 years in DC, just for money and benefices”
  TRUTH:
  Ron Spent 30 years in DC to restore Constitutional Law and sound money.
  
  LIE:
  “was never a effective congressman”
  TRUTH:
  Ron Paul INTRODUCED HUNDREDS of bills to restore Constitutional Law. From restoration of the 2nd, to American OUT of the U.N., to anti-TSA, to ELIMINATING THE INCOME TAX! Sadly, none passed, because the LEFTIST REPUBLICAN PARTY ignored them.
  
  LIE:
  “never contribute with anything”
  TRUTH:
  Ron Paul changed a nation and made the “Federal Reserve” and “Constitution” common language.
  
  LIE:
  “Remember Ron Paul lie about his letters?”
  TRUTH:
  Ron Paul was truthful about his “letters”… even after being bullied about them FOR MONTHS – with ZERO defense from the LEFTIST republican party.
  
  LIE:
  “Rand Paul is no different that he is father”
  TRUTH:
  Rand Paul is a sellout republican with no integrity. Ron Paul is a Constitutional Libertarian WITH MONSTER INTEGRITY.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:25pm
  If he believes that president should have whoever he wants, why hold hearings in the first place? What a colossal waste of time and energy. Obama might as well have appointed his Dog Bo as secretary of defense (if he hadn’t already eaten him), like Caligula made his horse a senator.
  
  Report this comment
- 4truth2all
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:34pm
  Yo Ausername:
  
  Well if you voted for obama ( and I suspect you did) then you just went against your own words … cause you don’t need to “fundamentally change” something you agree with and support …
  
  Report this comment
- Palter
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:35pm
  What’s wrong by putting your country first! Can somebody tell me why we have to spend blood and money, that we need at home, for Israel?!
  
  Report this comment
- macpappy
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:38pm
  Yeah, but Gandaf said that if Frodo threw the little ring in the fires of Mordor, everything would be fine and the Shire would live long and prosper.
  So, don’t worry, it’s all good.
  
  Report this comment
- macpappy
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:44pm
  Jerk:
  He is not qualified because he did not know the US stance on, “Anything”, Did you not see the confermation hearings? It is refered to as the worst confermation appearence in US history. The man did not know that we do not support containment when it come to armed conflict. Not only did he not know that, he thought we did do that. Unforgiveable.Rand is a liar, and no different than his lying dad.
  
  Report this comment
- Thomas
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 5:35pm
  Mr. Paul these are not regular crooked politicians you are dealing with they don’t just hate America but they actually hate freedom. You made a mistake, and perhaps a big one. We don’t vote you it to get along with these perverted minds. You better wake up along with all you other conservatives. We are tired of these monsters getting away with trying to rob us of our freedom. Who can trust you now?
  
  Report this comment
- GETLIFE
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 5:39pm
  DLV, I couldn’t agree more! One should not demonize.
  Simple, simple. No demons here.
  Yes means yes.
  No means no.
  I’m sure Randy would not have it any other way.
  
  Report this comment
- SocialistSlayer
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 5:43pm
  Is it me or is Rand Paul looking more like Harry Reid everyday.
  
  Report this comment
- GETLIFE
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 5:50pm
  CAVALLO, well now ain’t THAT the truth.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc333
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 5:53pm
  @ the jerk…. Its frustrating isn’t it?!
  
  Report this comment
- techengineer11
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 6:01pm
  Israel is not America’s responsibility. As a matter of fact more often than not Israel is the malefactor.
  
  Obviously AIPAC twisted arms violently in order to keep Hagel from being nominated.. The republicans know that AIPAC will turn off the cash spigots if they do not obey..
  
  Hagel will be a great Sec in this time of downsizing.. As a vet with on the ground experience unlike the previous Jew with no experience he will know exactly what to cut and what not to cut.. And perhaps he may keep us out of some these insnano ZIO inspired Wars in the Middle East which certainly do not serve our National interest.
  
  Thanks Rand! You know that you’d never get the support of Hannity, Oreilly, Beck, Levin anyway due to their obediance to the Israeli gov’t.. They will always put the Jewish interest ahead of the Constitution because that is who pays their salary and the dollar bill is their only true God.
  
  Report this comment
- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 6:38pm
  This is what you must know:
  
  Rand Paul is supported by the “Friends of Hamas.”
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- ashestoashes
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 6:56pm
  @UNIVERSAL..If you read prophesy in the Bible..Zech 12..13..and 14…then you will understand that what you say is going to happen regardless of what anyone does..
  
  @ JERK..Hi..I saved something for you..it’s an SNL skit..and I think you will enjoy it..
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gynby-0kkTg&feature=youtu.be
  
  Report this comment
- sparkyrules
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 7:04pm
  Another clueless establishment Republican politician without a spine.Who would’ve guessed?
  
  Report this comment
- ashestoashes
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 7:11pm
  @TECH..Hi TECH..You might want to watch that skit that I provided to Jerk..I didn’t see you on here until just now..
  @Everyone else who has a brain..you might want to read the bible verses that I provided Universal..We are headed into the NWO like it or not..Google Obamas Lucky Charms..it is said that he is a Prince Hall Freemason..Netanyahu is listed as a Freemason as is Reagan..Karl Marx..Stalin..and several arab leaders..Bush Senior was the first Pres to mention the NWO and Henry Kissinger mentioned it extensively..saying it was best for us..The UN issued the Global Report called Our Global Neighborhood and it reads no one will enter the NWO without first taking a vow to worship Lucifer..The Jews who call themselves Jews who are not REV 2:9 practice Kaballah..in direct conflict with God..Father of Jesus..THey practice the occult/witchcraft..Rothschilds were behind Hitler..and are behind all NWO secret societies..Google David Rockefeller NWO quotes on Utube..Peace talks to begin March 20, 2013..Our time is very short..R U Ready?
  
  Report this comment
- SendTheMeteors
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:04pm
  What I find strange is that decorated veterans of Vietnam, or other actually military men like Colin Powell, people who have seen their friends killed in battle, are criticized as unpatriotic and un-American by people like Rand and Cruz who never wore as much as a boy scout uniform. You know, these tough guys who want to hear politicians threatening war with Iran, like North Korea does.
  
  If you are of the “blessed are the peacemakers” type, whose opinions have been formed in part by seeing war up close, and seeing shattered skulls and scattered brains on the battlefield, then you are reviled by the Republican tough guys.
  
  Report this comment
- ashestoashes
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:22pm
  @SENDTHE METEORS..I didn’t know that the military men were criticized by the Republican big shots..the military..boys mostly 18 yrs of age are indoctinated into war..just like education is indoctrinating our people and people all over the world into Communism..in the guise of Socialism..The NWO hierarchy have instigated and funded all of the wars..It has never been about our freedom..as they indoctinate us and our military to think..but it has been about their profit and their overtaking of the entire world by men who are their own gods..their greed and the lies that they believe themselves make them believe that this is possible..It will not be so in the end..A lot of military men awaken after having been in war..killing people they don’t even know..when Jesus has told us to go and make disciples of people of all nations..It has a tendency to go against one’s conscience..our God given one..the people are deceived..by no fault of their own..Our Father God gives discernment..
  It is only by Him that we can discover the truth..Wide is the path to destruction..Narrow the path of the way and few be that find it..
  
  Report this comment
- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:29pm
  Hey DRV:
  To answer an earlier post, I am a libertarian, but there are times I disagree with Soy, but I do enjoy his posts and his point of view. What you may find is a lot of libertarians do not wholly agree with each other, and I have heard an analogy “Getting Libertarians together on a subject is like herding cats”. I have been a Libertarian since 1992 when I first learned about them, and voted for them religiously (when I was a Washington state resident) for local elections. We actually got a few elected and they did very well.
  The problem is I am also very conservative in my values, so sometimes the Libertarian stances do clash, and I think that is somewhat where I disagree with Soy. But Soy is a good guy and as I said, I do enjoy reading his posts. Keatonc does remind me of a few of my Liberal friends, who are very good friends, I love them dearly, but they do drive me nuts when debating them. They seem to want to debate from emotion, and exclude facts when they won’t support their viewpoint (I am not saying that about Keatonc). So, I am trying to not name call or get frustrated with people on this site, but honestly debate and discuss the issues.
  
  I am trying to be more civil and respectful to everyone, and I will even be respectful to Encinom, although he is a loon.
  
  Report this comment
- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 9:20pm
  darmock- got it. And yes, Soy is a good guy.
  
  It’s hard to take Encinom with a shred of seriousness because he insists on not making any arguments only spouting off hateful remarks every chance he gets. He is about as brainwashed as they get. I truly feel sorry for him.
  
  Report this comment
- PeachyinGA
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 9:48pm
  I am totally blind-sided by Paul’s answer. I’d like to see video of his answer. I am beginning to think that congress needs to live at home during the year, only to meet in DC for specific votes, like the original days of congress. Living inside the beltway makes even the best of the elected go brain-dead.
  
  Report this comment
- SendTheMeteors
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 9:55pm
  ashestoashes, if you actually understood the Bible, which clearly you are only pretending to have read let alone understand, or if you even once had listened to Alex Trebeck’s radio program, you’d know that the NWO is the will of God, one foretold in the Gospels.
  
  I understand that few will have the knowledge and comprehension of to True Word that I posses. I encourage your further study. First, read the Bible in the original Hebrew if you are capable and/or willing to learn the language. If not, read the ENTIRE Bible in English, not some abridged version or some list of quotes on the internet. Next, listen to the present day profits – there are but a few – who understand the writing of the Bible and how the Word of God explains the NWO. Praise God!
  
  Report this comment
- ashestoashes
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:30pm
  @SENDTHEMETEORS..I do understand the NWO Send..I do not follow Alex Trebec..but I have studied with Messianic Jews..and those same Messianic Jews have studied Kaballah and their lives have fallen apart..in fact the wife of one is has fallen away and now thinks that Buddism might be a good religion..I do follow the Bible..The trick of Lucifer is to give you much truth..with a little lie thrown in to throw you off..I see it all of the time..say like A Course in Miracles..etc..There will be the millenial kingdom..after Tribulations..which will arise in the midst of the peace treaty..the NWO will not come about for the Luciferian Societies..It will be hell on earth..but then there will be a Sheep and Goats judgment going into the thousand yr reign of Jesus..The ones going into that reign will be farmers..children will be born to that reign who will know no sin..Jesus looses Satan toward that end to cull the herd..Then the Great White Throne Judgement will commence..and the the ones belonging to Lucifer will be raised and joined with their bodies to be judged along with the rebellious fallen children of the Millenial Reign..and will be cast into hell where the smoke of their torment will rise forever..I know the Bible Send..And yes..it is all God’s will..Praise God…the Father of Jesus Christ..
  
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- techengineer11
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:36pm
  ashestoashes
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 7:11pm
  @TECH..Hi TECH..You might want to watch that skit that I provided to Jerk..I didn’t see you on here until just now..
  
  No! That was not SNL. That was live! Saw it with my own eyes. lol
  
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- FOREIGNANDDOMESTIC
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 1:50am
  You have to be either utterly naive or an RP cult member to believe Rand’s excuse. So purportedly Rand was unable to research Hagel on his own. What is he incompetent or just plain stupid?
  
  Nah! Rand is a hypocrite and a great pretender, just like his father. This was his turn to vote against Israel, and he did it was gusto. Scr*w Rand Paul.
  
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- FOREIGNANDDOMESTIC
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:06am
  And then, to add insult to injury, he says the commie-in-chief has the prerogative to appoint whom he pleases. No kidding! That’s because of traitors like Rand who support him. Scr*w them both.
  
  Report this comment
- milez5
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 2:54am
  I would have voted for him too. I never heard a single, rational reason not to.
  
  Report this comment
- Obama_In_PeePee_By_Zee_ArTeest_Glenn
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 8:42pm
  “Why Did Sen. Rand Paul Vote To Confirm Chuck Hagel? Here’s His Answer”
  
  STOP! That your 2nd answer. Your 1st answer was YOUR VOTE.
  
  Rand Paul is a politician (not any kind of “Libertarian” unless he’s confusing it with the sound-alike “Liberalism”) and he’ll go “any way the wind blows”.
  Conservative? Nope.
  TEA party? Nope.
  Republican? Yes (not necessarily a good thing, now that Progressives are embedded).
  Progressive(communist)? Possibly (smells like it).
  So cross him out … along with the Rubio’s, Perry’s, Huntsman’s, and Santorum’s. Why? They just don’t get our whole “Constitution” thing:
  
  “NEW WORLD ORDER National ID & Economic System To Be ENFORCED In U.S.A. January 15th 2013″
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFG2Nb2Lj2U
  
  “We are going to replace national borders with electronic surveillance. They don’t seem to be able to defend the border, do they? They have appropriated millions of dollars to build a fence but somehow we cannot find any fence builders. We haven’t got one built yet. So, I don’t think they really want to.”
  
  “We’ve got about 12 million illegals here. How do you get 12 million accidentally? I think it was done on purpose. Because I think these people have a plan”
  
  “It is the time for the New World Order’s economic system to be implemented. Nation ID will be required to hold a job. Every major American Presidential candidate, except one, favors the Nation ID. EVERY CANDIDATE, EXCEPT ONE, FAVORS YOU HAVING A NA
  
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- tzion
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 9:03pm
  @Tech
  “Obviously AIPAC twisted arms violently in order to keep Hagel from being nominated”
  
  Really? Then why is it that not one Jewish senator voted against him? Seems strange that the ones that you claim are controlling our government on Israel’s behalf are the ones supporting Hagel. In fact, had every Jewish senator voted against Hagel, he would have only received 49 votes. So in other words, Hagel only got through at all because of the very people you claim are destroying this country. Maybe you and Jerk ought to look into that.
  
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- tzion
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 9:07pm
  @Tech
  Oops my math was off. That should read 47 not 49.
  
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- Anamah
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 12:05am
  For all Americans to see: Rand Paul is a guy which can not be trusted.
  
  Report this comment
- Gigi42
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 12:58am
  THE_JERK’s name suits him
  
  Report this comment
- old white guy
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 6:41am
  a no vote by rand would have been more appropriate. just what did he think his supporters would do. jeez, his only valid option was a no vote. the yes vote shows that he is as much a fool as the rest of the pols.
  
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- Viperscale
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 2:17pm
  Some of you make it sound like Rand “sided with the establishment on this one”. LOL. John McCain and Lindsey Graham ARE THE ESTABLISHMENT. He went against them no matter what the pressure. I think this shows that id anything he is one of the most independent Senators.
  
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gbo
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:00pm
Here’s a novel idea. Vote according to whether of not you think the appointee is qualified to do the job. Period.

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- Trigus
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:25pm
  Glenn hit the nail on the head with wrestling and wanting to be the next Andy Kaufnan.
  
  Congress is like wrestling – there is a script – a lot of bolstering on TV – and when it is all said and done – they vote how the script is written and not the will of the People.
  
  Report this comment
- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:26pm
  “and thus does conscience make cowards of us all.”
  
  You hit it Geebo, how long now have ALL our “representatives” abrogated their RESPONSIBILITY to LEAD and GOVERN to the CULT of PRESIDENTIAL PERSONALITY!
  
  Do we have REPRESENTATIVES or merely Commissars or Mandarins?
  
  Arguably THE Greatest Statesman of the English Speaking World–Edmund Burke–once told a bunch of “low information voters”: “Your representative owes you, not his industry [hard work] only, but also his JUDGEMENT and he BETRAYS instead of SERVING you if he sacrifices it to YOUR OPINION!”
  
  We need a new Party, the Diogenese Party, searching through this “Dark Night of the Soul” of The Republic for one of Washington’s “Virtuous Men”.*
  
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- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:26pm
  “and thus does conscience make cowards of us all.”
  
  You hit it Geebo, how long now have ALL our “representatives” abrogated their RESPONSIBILITY to LEAD and GOVERN to the CULT of PRESIDENTIAL PERSONALITY!
  
  Do we have REPRESENTATIVES or merely Commissars or Mandarins?
  
  Arguably THE Greatest Statesman of the English Speaking World–Edmund Burke–once told a bunch of “low information voters”: “Your representative owes you, not his industry [hard work] only, but also his JUDGEMENT and he BETRAYS instead of SERVING you if he sacrifices it to YOUR OPINION!”
  
  We need a new Party, the Diogenese Party, searching through this “Dark Night of the Soul” of The Republic for one of Washington’s “Virtuous Men”.*
  
  Report this comment
- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:26pm
  “and thus does conscience make cowards of us all.”
  
  You hit it Geebo, how long now have ALL our “representatives” abrogated their RESPONSIBILITY to LEAD and GOVERN to the CULT of PRESIDENTIAL PERSONALITY!
  
  Do we have REPRESENTATIVES or merely Commissars or Mandarins?
  
  Arguably THE Greatest Statesman of the English Speaking World–Edmund Burke–once told a bunch of “low information voters”: “Your representative owes you, not his industry [hard work] only, but also his JUDGEMENT and he BETRAYS instead of SERVING you if he sacrifices it to YOUR OPINION!”
  
  We need a new Party, the Diogenese Party, searching through this “Dark Night of the Soul” of The Republic for one of Washington’s “Virtuous Men”.*
  
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- CatB
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:28pm
  Yes .. and since they didn’t get the info they wanted .. a no vote would have been the right vote.
  
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- freedoc
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:30pm
  No sh**.
  
  I support Rand Paul in many, if not most, of his positions, but I cannot idly tolerate ambivalence toward political appointees when the Constitution requires consent from the Congress.
  
  R. Paul may be parsing his choices for battle, I suppose.
  
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- Halgar
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:32pm
  I have always had a problem with this entire subject.
  Where exactly is the wording in the Constitution, that explains how the vote for confirmation should happen?… Oh that’s right… there is NO such requirement… merely a mention of advise and consent.
  
  To me, that means that the Senate should present advice on people to consider for such positions (though the President is not obligated to follow or even listen to such advice) and perhaps… at most a simple majority vote to consent. Honestly, I don’t think there should even be a vote. I think consent should be assumed, unless the Senate votes to object.
  
  So basically if the Senate does nothing (which they are VERY good at) nominees walk through.
  
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- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:36pm
  DANG! Multipost! Won’t try that “hit the reply button again and maybe the little spinning arrow will QUIT!” trick again.
  SORRY!
  Time to sacrifice a Virgin—getting hard to find those with Pharaoh BOs New and Expanded SS–to the Computer Gods.
  
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- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:38pm
  Rand is absolutely correct in his reason and logic.
  
  Report this comment
- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:40pm
  Washington, upon receiving the news of Lexington and Concord at Mount Vernon, wrote to a friend:
  “The once happy and peaceful plains of America are now to be either drenched in blood, or inhabited by slaves; sad alternative, but can a Virtuous Man hesitate in his choice?”
  
  WANTED! Virtuous Men.
  
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- AvengerK
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:43pm
  Paul gave a rather convoluted and lengthy answer for why he voted for Hagel. He could have simply offered “politics” and that would have covered it.
  
  Report this comment
- MainStreet
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:49pm
  That’s a novel idea!
  
  Report this comment
- crazyrightwingmom
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:55pm
  Exactly!
  
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- DAYWATCHER
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:00pm
  GBO is correct.
  
  The hell with “the party”.
  
  The vote is supposed to be about “the persons’” abilities or lack there of.
  
  He is just another turn coat wimp…..vote your conviction not the party!
  
  The majority and 7/8′ths of minority are nothing but B.S. blowhards.
  
  I’m just saying……..
  
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- Free_Thought
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:04pm
  I gotta admit that it is quite enjoyable to watch. Every week it seems, the balzers are all jacked up about a potential challenger for 2016. Then that person says or does one thing they dont agree with and they are cast out as a rino. Lol. The list is long but the good thing is that the list of candidates for you guys is getting smaller and smaller. Romney, santorum, newt, christie, paul, paul jr., mccain, mcconnell, etc. all were praised here on the blaze at one point and them torn down by you all. It is a wealth of humour for all to see.
  
  Looks like some of you are going to have to run yourselves. I nominate avengerk, doug huffman, socialist slayer, the big mick and glenn beck himself.
  
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- JacquesChirac
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:29pm
  And maybe – just maybe – vote the way the constituents you represent would like you to vote…
  
  HA!! Like THAT would ever happen!
  
  I’m reading “Re-thinking the American Union” by Donald Livingston.
  
  Interesting take on the “new republic” that Mr. Lincoln created through the war of northern aggression…makes you see Washington, D.C., in a whole new light. (And I’m sorry to say that the light bulb has just gone on for me on that one after 50 years of life in this…country…)
  
  Nice sellout, Rand. Let’s see…where’s that “unsubscribe” button on your daily Rand PAC e-mails???
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:10pm
  Maybe rand paul knows that America needs peace and not war
  
  Report this comment
- Onesimus
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 6:34pm
  AvengerK “Paul gave a rather convoluted and lengthy answer for why he voted for Hagel. He could have simply offered “politics” and that would have covered it.”
  
  “It does not require many words to speak the truth.” Chief Joseph
  
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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:41pm
  Hey Soy:
  As a boss once told me, “You only have so many Silver bullets to fight with, always ask yourself, is this fight worth a silver bullet”. I think Rand Paul may have thought, I got my point across, and this isn’ t worth a silver bullet.
  
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- pantokrator
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 12:48pm
  “Then that person says or does one thing they dont agree with and they are cast out as a rino. Lol.”
  
  A truth all too right and frustrating, unfortunately. I do not favor at all with Rand’s vote, and I’m not entirely satisfied with his answer, but this, to me, is nothing but a mere strike. I judge politicians based on how I feel a conversation between the two of us would go. Any politician or political pundant I feel I could have an intelligent and honest conversation with is someone I will favor. Rand is no exception. I truly miss the diversity of American opinion. Nowadays, it’s either you are 100% with me, or 100% against me. A lot of Conservatives accuse Obama of class warfare, and division of the country, yet these same people are the ones drawing lines in the dirt. These days, a man could do a thousand things right, and one thing wrong and he’s branded as a Communist for life. I don’t agree with all of what Sean Hannity says, but while I disagree with his establishment Republicanism, he shares my same ideologies in general, and that’s why I listen to him. So when he has Newt Gingrich on his radio program, I don’t condemn Hannity to political hell for it and refuse to listen to him ever again, I just change the station until Newt’s gone.
  
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Allseasonangler
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:58am
When you are running for president in 2016, you are not simply running for Republicans to vote for you. Rand Paul is clearly going to appeal as a non-obstructionist by voting for the presidential appointees, which appeals to Libertarians and Independents as well as the Democrats. If Beck bots haven’t figured out Democrats and Independents leaning Democrat outnumber Republicans and Independents that lean Republican by a 47% to 42% margin. That is why Romney lost.

If Rand were to win, he could also count on Democrats giving him more leeway on his appointees. It makes perfect sense that if the Republicans refuse to block Hagel, and no information other than criticism to lobbyist groups surfaces; you vote yes for the presidential appointee as a means to appeal to non-Republicans in Independents and Democrats.

It’s about inning elections, not appeasing lobby groups like Beck and his supporters do.

What is more important, the United States of America, or the Israeli Lobbyist Groups?

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- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:03pm
  Don’t get mad at Rand. Elections have consequences. I say fill the cabinet with idiots. The greater the train-wreck, the better for the mid-terms and 2016.
  
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- firman
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:06pm
  Which is why the country is going down the toilet..No principles anymore..Just got elected and re-elected, tell em what they wanna hear, play the game,blah,blah,blah.
  
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- NC Watchdog
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:09pm
  Total BS
  
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- 13th Imam
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:10pm
  Again , another Jerk blames the Jews. All you RPers seem to cut Ron and Rand slack for any waffling. Face it, he folded like a cheap suitcase
  
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- DRSAVAGE24
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:11pm
  Agree with most of this, but Romney didn’t lose because of independents. Independents voted for him by a wide margin in the swing states. It was the conservative grassroots that he peed on during the RNC that stayed home and didn’t vote. He didn’t motivate the grassroots in the least bit. His campaign acted arrogantly and all but told the grassroots they didn’t want or need their support. They thought they had this election in the bag even without the grassroots, so they changed the rules at the RNC to cement Romney as the nominee in 2016, which makes me wonder what he was planning on doing that was so bad that there would be a Republican primary challenger in 4 years.
  
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- HOOT_OWL
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:16pm
  Squid. I don’t see it that way .I’m not sure if this country will see 2016’
  and this doesn’t help.
  
  Report this comment
- The Big Mick
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:32pm
  “America or Israel Lobby”
  And on what cogent basis do you assume those are mutually exclusive?
  Why not “both and”.
  Why could the aims of both, the GOOD of both, overlap if not be coterminous?
  Indeed, the Prime Directive of the “Death to NeoCons”, “Death to Israel”, “Death to the Cosmic Jewish Conspiracy” Crowd seems to be that they don’t CARE if America is hurt as long as the “Jewish Bankers” go down.
  
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- sweetieboat
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:36pm
  Smart Republicans have already learned that the idea to give the dems one to get one doesn’t work; That is why we do not have the spending cuts. I heard someone say that he doesn’t have that much power to make decisions in that position. But, today I heard that President Obama chose him because he could be a puppet. He may be kinda saving this vote for John B., for head of CIA. Maybe saving the vote gives more weight to the CIA vote.
  I think it would be OK if congress were on top of the decisions that are made, but too often they are not. Lets see what happens with the spending cuts.
  
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- barber2
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:48pm
  SQUID: Agree but I fear the idiots will do us in BEFORE 2016 !
  
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- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:15pm
  Season, you still think there’s a difference between the parties?
  
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- AUsername
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:22pm
  Rand Paul demonstrated his loyalty lies with America not Israel, good.
  
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- AUsername
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:33pm
  Rand made the best choice of America over the zionist lobby which is good. I will never vote or support someone who supports another country over the country there suppose to serve.
  
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BlazeMom
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:57am
So, McCain voted “Nay” and Paul voted “Yea?” We all know this: Senators know who is going to vote how before they vote. So, we’ll never know… but can we all imagine the “poker-strategy” that went down between these two? Paul is counting on us to forget this ever happened. He’s not gambling wisely.

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- DRSAVAGE24
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:17pm
  I hope we remember that he voted with integrity on this vote. On some major votes, Chuck Hagel has a better voting record than Rick Santorum. Do you despise Rick Santorum, too? You see, establishment, pro-perpetual war Republicans get a pass from the Fixed News, talk radio crowd because they are pro-war. So-called conservatives will absolutely destroy other actual conservatives like Ron Paul for the sole reason that he is non-interventionist and prefers only legally declared, constitutional wars.
  
  The mask is coming off the “conservative” agenda. It’s all about perpetual war and militarism. The talk about freedom, the constitution, liberty, etc. is all just lip service and nothing more.
  
  Nevermind that Rand is THE warrior on cutting spending, fixing the debt crisis, and protecting civil liberties. He speaks out strongly against Obama’s drone strikes and assassinating a 16-year old American boy who “should have had a better dad”. The establishment hacks will use this vote to dismiss Rand Paul as a candidate in 2016. All he did here is prove he is an independent thinker and he’s not beholden to the RINOs in DC.
  
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- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:17pm
  The second you said “Fixed News” you lost all credibility.
  
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- KidCharlemagne
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:05pm
  BlazeMom
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:57am
  Paul is counting on us to forget this ever happened. He’s not gambling wisely.
  ===========================
  
  That’s laughable…….
  
  When John McCain partnered with Teddy Kennedy to push for a mass amnesty for America’s illegal aliens back in 2007, then it was less than a year later that conservatives nominated McCain for president….
  
  Conservatives would vote for any liberal living in the closet with an ‘R’ next to his name these days.
  
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paperpushermj
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:54am
So you don’t think he would be a good Sec. of Defense but voted for him anyway?

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cdn1979
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:54am
hahhahahah. choke on it beckbots!!!!!

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- IndyGuy
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:59am
  @cdn1979……Obama and his administration are destroying your country too idiot…
  
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- UNALIEN
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:02pm
  CDN1979 represents the Sociopathy of Modern Liberalism very well.. keep up the good work BRAVO
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:08pm
  CDN Will you still be laughing when your EBT card is shut off you stupid sob? How will you pay for your gay prostitutes?
  
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- barber2
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:09pm
  UN: Agree. How these young idiots run victory lapses while the radical Democrats ruin the American economy and their future is beyond stupid. But then….
  
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- moreteaplease
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:24pm
  Get in all the laughs you can now because soon you will be choking on it too while Obama is laughing at you.
  
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- cdn1979
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:31pm
  you all pay your money to glenn every month to watch his propaganda and indoctrination nonsense. He tell’s you this radical brand of conversivitism is actually normal and you buy it. than when the rest of the planet goes along its normal path you wonder why your isolated bubble world is not a reality. @progressive slayer. I do not have an EBT card. didn’t even know what it was until i saw your comment and googled it. what i do have is a six figure salary, a nice home, a nice car, a balanced and rewarding portfolio. I don’t pay for sex. I have a beautiful woman by my side. I don’t know what you’re all complaining about. the economy is quite rewarding in my opinion. just because you don’t know how to manage money or get a real job is no reason to take it out on me. I just laugh at you because you can’t do those things and somehow think you have it right and everyone else has it wrong.
  
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- vendingdude
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:36pm
  barber – “victory lapses” Is that like a Freudian Typo? hehe
  
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- barber2
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:51pm
  VENDING: Good observation ! As in ” lapses in good judgement ! “
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:54pm
  @CDN Since you’re so intelligent with your money maybe you should instruct the Marxist POS currently dismantling our economy to come up with a budget. The big money man needs a budget right,to lay everything out and stay within that budget correct? Barry hasn’t had a budget in over four years,hell the progs in his own party won’t even vote for it it’s so bad. If you think we’re getting out of this without first going through a depression you don’t know jack ****. 16.5 trillion in the hole and it’ll be 25-30 trillion before the POS is done with us,I’ll be kind,you’re delusional. BTW I’m doing quite well and have enough silver, gold and lead to keep us comfortable and when the dollar loses reserve currency status you can let me know how well that balanced and rewarding portfolio is doing.
  
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- katzkiner
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:26pm
  Republicans are through unless Obama fails miserably. They tried being the party of “no” for 4 years and the worst president in history got re-elected. The repubs have nothing to lose. The only option they have now is to give our “Lord and Savior” enough rope to hang himself. And he will. “What difference does it make at this point anyway?”
  
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- Stoneez
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:16am
  cdn1979 = A mind-numbed imbecile blinded by his own prosperity. That is if he’s not lying like all libs do.
  
  When your supposed “6 figure salary” is taken away what then genius?
  
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Cavallo
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:53am
So much for 2016.

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- chips1
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:02pm
  And I was saving my money to buy a color TV in 2016. Guess not!!!
  
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- Gonzo
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:34pm
  Damned disappointing, that’s for sure.
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:58pm
  Our one party system is alive and sick.
  
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- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:49pm
  Come on people really? I mean I appreciate you guys have Jesus standards “perfection or nothing” but the fact of the matter is people are not perfect and they will screw up. Even if I disagree with Paul about Hagel’s nomination, I certainly think he would be an awesome prez. He even made it clear here that he wanted more info on Hagel. I guess he thought he liked him enough. The fact is knowing Obama and the socialist he is Hagel is probably one of the best we’re going to get from him. It’s not like Obama will put Ron Paul or Glenn Beck in his cabinet. This is as close as it gets. I still support Paul and until he starts spending wildly, suddenly pro-choice, anti-freedom etc, I’m sticking with him. Unite now or Hilary Clinton comes 2016!
  
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JetBlue
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:53am
Looks like Rand is just as stupid and gutless as the rest of them. I hope he’s happy with his vote for an anti-Semite.

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- rose-ellen
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:46pm
  Hegel did not tow the anti semitic line.The antisemitism today is against arabs and he spoke the truth about the right wing zionist lobby .It is also true that the right wing anti semites[against arabs] are running fox and you’re all gulled by their false narrative.As are most politicians. But when it comes to all other issues-they go left as their one and only agenda is war against arabs and promoting israeli expansion! Gulls!I hope going forward Hegel dos not cave to the anti arab anti semites-but in all likely hood he will as pressure is put on him to do so.At least for one brief shining moment we heard the truth from an mainstream influential American !Kudos to Paul for following his consciense which of course would clash with the right wing zionist agenda.
  
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The-Monk
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:53am
Will the real Rand Paul please stand up?

Oops, he just did…. : (

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- neverending
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:14pm
  He most assuredly did.
  
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- The-Monk
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:19pm
  Hi Neverending,
  
  I wonder what the WH has got on him?
  
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- S-O-B-E-R
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:41pm
  What does the WH have on ALL of them? This is getting more and more absurd by the minute. Stand up, admit your sins or shorcomings or character defects, or whatever you want to call them, before God and man. Go and sin no more. Walk in the Light of God, no one can touch you and your ways will be right. Sheesh, are they all a bunch of perverted addicts? One would think so when reading the events of the day. Did y’all see the Politico article about the Repugnants considering “ceding their power on the sequester”? Argggh.
  
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- GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:44pm
  Hi Monk,
  
  Maybe….like father like son……both anti-semitic….
  
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- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:24pm
  Someone offered to scratch his back, if he’d return the favor.
  
  Report this comment
- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:55pm
  Monk don’t lose faith in Paul because he did one thing we don’t like. By that standard, God would send us all to hell, Christian or not. I love ya, but people need to learn not everyone is going to do things we agree with and until Christ returns we have to settle with less than perfect, every… single… time…
  
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- neverending
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:48pm
  I wish I knew MONK – because I can’t make any sense out of it at all.
  
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KidCharlemagne
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:53am
Much ado about nothing:

——————————
“Israel officially welcomed Chuck Hagel’s confirmation as US defense secretary on Tuesday, with its ambassador saying it looks forward to working closely with him in the future.

“Under the Obama Administration, security ties between the United States and Israel have been superb. We are fully confident that those bonds will grow stronger still as our countries continue to meet common challenges to our security,” said Israel’s Ambassador to the US Michael Oren.”
Times of Israel (Feb. 27, 2013): “Israel Welcomes Hagel as Defense Secretary”

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- UNALIEN
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:57am
  diplomatic PR
  
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- Gonzo
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:33pm
  What did you expect them to say? They would say the same thing if The_Jerk was the new SOD.
  
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- No_More_War_Please
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:25pm
  See, there ya have it. Looks to me like the Israelis are just fine with this decision. Why are the neocons so up-in-arms about Hagel’s confirmation?
  
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- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:53pm
  Gonzo- I doubt it. IF they knew someone really hated them, they would say it. Why do you think they aren’t crazy about Obama. They aren’t saying it really loud, but you can tell they don’t like people who hate them. Jerk well they wouldn’t like him to put it mildly.
  
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spfoam1
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:53am
The republicans never stick together. That has been a serious problem for a long time, but that doesn’t mean he should vote against them to prove it.

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neverending
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:52am
Only one answer to that question is that he caved and he is just the same as the rest. Wow senator that didn’t take long. Unbelievable – absolutely unbelievable.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:52am
To do anything that Barry wants is wrong,Paul should’ve voted no on this, it’s shocking indeed.

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- Steelhead
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:59am
  it makes sense to me…..
  
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- barber2
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:05pm
  STEELE: It would to you…
  
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- Rillobymorning
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:15pm
  If the Repubs are just going to grand stand and then give the pres everything he wants, we’re all really screwed. What’s the point of voting then? We didn’t vote these guys into office to give this president what he wants.
  
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- Zipit
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:16pm
  But, you’re a bonehead, steelhead!!!
  
  Report this comment
- pragmaticpatriot
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:41pm
  Blackmail….. Or just let it circle the drain? We need to divorce DC
  
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- 00100111
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:25pm
  MetalLatrine, you have your nose stuck up Obama’s backside. Of course it makes sense to you.
  
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Cavallo
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:52am
The RINO Roy Blunt voted No… Rand you have no excuse.

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- stealthman
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:06pm
  Hey, Roy Blunt is no RINO!! Sorry, but I am from Missouri, and he is no RINO. Kit Bond was a RINO. Blunt is as blunt as they come.
  
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IndyGuy
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:52am
Stick a fork in Paul…He’s done…

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- Cavallo
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:04pm
  Reenforces my decision that I have voted for my last GOP candidate ever.
  
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- libertylion
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 5:06pm
  Everyone needs to turn off Fox News! Is Israel the 51st or according to Obama the 58th state. The US is heavily intertwined in virtually all activity w/in the Middle East and has only worsened the situation over time. The Founders warned against tangling alliances and our current foreign policy clearly demonstrates the conflicts and dangers.
  
  US foreign policy is a disaster and Hagel is not an acceptable choice for Conservativess, but he can’t do much worse than what has occurred over the last 40 years. The f#*% US govt is giving virtually every Middle Eastern country some form of foreign aid and has considerable influence with the puppet dictators in the region. Spreading military across the globe is not foreign policy that promotes peace and harmony and I can assure you that I am not a flippin tie-dye wearing pot smoking beatnik. I grew up in this country in the 70s and 80s and I didn’t live in fear of some Islamist blowing me up. Islam was barbaric then and it still is, but I still don’t live in fear of a terrorist act in the states. There have always been Muslims living in the US, but amazingly enough it was foreign born Muslims that were the force behind 911. We need the oil from the Middle East and because of the disasterous US energy policy we have given a culture that is incapable of creativity and prosperity capital they never had.
  
  The Pauls are principled men and they don’t rely on Fox News or a lobbyist group to tell them how to think.
  
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- IndyGuy
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 9:23am
  @libertylion….I thought Paul thought for himself too…But on this one he’s merely playing Politics…He’s not as principled as he’d lead you to believe…
  
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- wilsonj72
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 8:39pm
  It is sad but your right!
  
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mpman001
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:51am
There is no excuse for his vote = FAIL

Very disappointed….

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firman
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:50am
I will no longer support him. Huge disappointment. Giving the president “leeway” is more important than standing for your principles?

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Xanderson
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:49am
I’ve always heard you can’t have it both ways. Apparently Sen. Paul CAN!

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- Trigus
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:56am
  he is not facing re-election till 2016
  
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Godswatching
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:48am
Seriously??? His excuse is I just followed the crowd?
I was told once, if you can’t be trusted with the little things…you can’t be trusted with the big ones.

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- neverending
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:53am
  amen to that one.
  
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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:55am
  That is why God gave Barrack such a small male member, he can’t handle the little things, so he can’t be trusted with the big ones.
  
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- Rillobymorning
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:13pm
  Great point. He’s lost all credibility with me, for sure.
  
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- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:43pm
  Free Thought is correct on one thing. someone does one thing you guys don’t like and then you all throw him into the fire. The fact of the matter is Paul’s voting record indicates he does not go with the establishment a good chunk of the time. He sticks to principles. He also gave the info that he wanted more info on Hagel. It seems to me he got the info he needed, liked and then confirmed him. I may not agree but he did far more than just go along with the establishment his past record proves that…
  
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RaydocX
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:48am
Obama was NEVER going to appoint an appropriate SecDef.
Anyone he submitted was going to be a horror.
Let him have who he wants, the Congress having raised appropriate questions, and having received no credible answer in response.
MAKE POTUS OWN THE RESULTS.

Stop eating our own.
We have to broaden the base or face further losses at mid-terms, folks…

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- mercenary4freedom
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:30pm
  Agreed RAYDOCX, who else was there to choose from at this point. They’re all disasters. Let Hagels approval @ this position prove to the American people what a failure of a SOD he’ll be. Thus confirming more failed policy & decisions from obama.
  
  Kerry is already stepping in his own d*-ck.
  
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- Small World
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:13pm
  Ted Cruz or Dr.Carson.
  
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- SimpleTruths
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:53pm
  Run either one of those and they will get trounced, will you shut up then?
  
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grimmster
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:46am
Another paid off rino sell out,rand, you’re just as much a dumbass ass your daddy,worthless pos……….Oh, and isnt he a libertarian?………….

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- Allseasonangler
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:02pm
  You are the reason Obama won. An ignorant sheep that blindly follows the mass group think led by Prophet Beck that libertarians like Ron Paul were dangerous.
  
  Romney was a Liberal that supported abortion, gun restrictions, and big government socialized health care.
  
  Beck manipulated the uninformed voting base to support a terrible candidate in Romney.
  
  Just like Beck will eventually support the big government non-constitutionalist Marco Rubio.
  
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AmericanStrega
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:45am
So he never got the information he was looking for but voted to confirm anyway? Did I read that correctly? And if so, WTH?

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jakartaman
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:44am
This guy is wacky as his old man.
Hope you Paulbots are paying attention and lose your tin hats.
There is NO good reason to vote for Chuck Hagel – unless you are an anti semite – oh wait a minute both Paul’s are.

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- AUsername
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:21pm
  most Israelis are not semites, most are from Europe however most Muslims are semites and you always talk about killing them.
  
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- rose-ellen
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:35pm
  The anti semitism of the 21st century is against arabs[muslims]and Hegel is not a 21stc anti semite. Hence the fox right wing zionist war mongering anti semites[against arabs]are against him. He has not towed that line.How dare he not!.Kudos for Paul for taking a principled stand -even if it costs him elections in the future. The right wint anti semitic[against arabs] zionists have a hold on the media and politicians and it’s always a breadth of fresh air when someone bolts !Though now Hegel will most likely back track as he is forced to tow that 21st century anti semitic[ anti arab],pro right wing zionist stand. It is good that for one brief shining moment he did speak the truth!
  
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petey
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:43am
I can’t speak my mind.
I’m too stunned.
What I read makes no sense at all.

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- Trigus
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:48am
  because he is a democrat?
  
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- neverending
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:55am
  Reminds me of some of the airhead beauty contestants in answering questions.
  
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UNALIEN
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 11:43am
Rand blew it on this one…

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- DRSAVAGE24
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:08pm
  The reason the Republican establishment opposes Hagel is that he dared to speak against our 51st state, Israel, and he believes in a more humble foreign policy. The guy was a war hero and the president should have some leeway with whom he appoints. When a guy like Rand Paul bucks the rest of the party, we all ought to be thinking long and hard about why he is likely right and they are likely wrong. The Republican establishment has been getting it wrong for decades.
  
  Look at some of Hagel’s votes, then tell me he is such a bad guy:
  
  Voted for the Patriot Act (I disagree with this vote)
  Voted for the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts
  Voted against No Child Left Behind
  Voted against Bush’s Medicare prescription drug bill
  Voted against McCain-Feingold
  
  We criticized the Republicans for their terrible spending record during the Bush years and we’re led to believe that people like Rick Santorum are conservatives. Santorum voted for the Bush Medicare expansion and No Child Left behind. That’s not conservative in the least. It was Chuck Hagel who voted against McCain’s attack on free speech, Bush’s budget busting Medicare expansion, and Ted Kennedy’s doubling the size of the department of education. So, why is Rick Santorum Glenn Beck’s hero and an acceptable “conservative” to people like Rush, Hannity, and Levin? In a nutshell, it’s because he believes in perpetual war. Who cares about the rest of his record? The inverse is also true (see Ronald Ernest Paul).
  
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- chips1
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:21pm
  You mean, he was a guest at the White House?
  
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- UNALIEN
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:21pm
  Hagel is first incompetent as demonstrated in testimony
  
  second he is cozy with the Muslim Brotherhood and its funders Qatar, either naive or bought
  
  it isn’t that he isn’t pro Israel, it is that he is Pro the Muslim Brotherhood/Progressive alliance… THAT IS THE PROBLEM
  
  Hagel is a subversive,,
  
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- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 2:50pm
  Unalien- I agree Rand blew it but he hasn’t lost my support. Unlike you people my faith isn’t so fickle that I think Rand will turn into an evil progressive. Also can I have link on where Hagel was pro Muslim Brotherhood?
  
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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:42pm
  Hey DLV
  
  Look at the people on this website who are abandoning rand because of this vote and calling him traitor. Remember last week when Glenn said libertarians were facists and Nazis for not liking people who they don’t agree 100% with? The same people who supported glenn when he said that are now abandoning rand paul….Sounds hypocritical, right?
  
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- DLV
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 3:54pm
  Soy- Absolutely, and it annoys me to no end. I think conservatives biggest problem is they jump onto demonize people who are supposed to be on their side too quickly. Here is my way to deal with it. If you see a story where you see a person you like doing something you don’t like…. 1. Stop and take a breath. 2. Do not jump to conclusions and demonize them because more likely than not you don’t have all the facts. 3. INVESTIGATE. Who? What? When? Where? Why? All valid questions. Get to the bottom of it. Nobody bothers to look at the fact that Paul wasn’t going with establishment he just wanted more info on Hagel and then it’s possible he liked him 4. Even if when all is said and done, you don’t like his decision… who cares? Paul is 99 percent right on everything else and because he slips up once everyone attacks him like ravenous wolves. It’s not like he is suddenly a progressive. So get OVER YOURSELVES people. No one is jesus. No is perfect so we have to settle for less than perfection. I’m sure you agree Soy.
  
  Also look at the top of the page, BWS is demonizing him. At least he is consistent though.
  
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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 4:07pm
  Lol yes. BWS has been saying for awhile that Rand Paul is just another politician. And I agree with BWS. I also think that Rand Paul is one of the best politicians we have now that RP has retired
  
  I am hoping the next crop of leaders does not come from washington
  
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- Walkabout
  Posted on February 27, 2013 at 6:24pm
  If Rand Paul makes to many problems for Obama, then Obama can make sequester cuts fall heavily on the military bases on Kentucky hurting the state economy.
  
  Politics has played a role in budget cuts before.
  
  “Mr. Clinton lets Mr. Bevill and other Democratic lawmakers know that he no longer supports the program.”
  
  Budget Politics Exposed in Fight for Supercollider – NYT
  
  “Texas scientists regret loss of Higgs boson supercollider quest 20 years ago” -lubbockonline.com
  
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- Nlitend1
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 12:11am
  @Dr. Savage
  I don’t necessarily agree with your politics, but you make the right argument here and I respect your ability to use facts rather than hyperbole. I personally dislike rand paul, but after reading all the posts from conservatives that hate him, I am torn. I don’t even hate him, and I disagree with just about every significant vote he has made. I hate dick cheney, is that a thing? Do conservatives also hate dick cheney, because I’m on board with that. What about reagan? You know he banned assault rifles, do conservatives hate reagan now? What about Osama bin Laden? That guy hated obama a lot, and he didn’t tolerate any dissension in the ranks–he would have beheaded rand paul for this vote. Osama also hated the immorality in america, and was the most vocal and adamant opponent of the NWO. He fought against the establishment, the banks, and he really hated homosexuals. Do conservatives love him, since he agrees with them on just about everything, or do they hate him cause he was a muslim? That is definitely the trump card.
  All of the extremism is fun to watch, but only because you are such a minority and the worst you are capable of doing is writing mean things. I can write mean things too, is anyone afraid of me? All of you will never leave your basements and that is a blessing…your revolution is dead but your whiny complaints live on.
  
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- DLV
  Posted on February 28, 2013 at 1:11am
  nl- I don’t even know what to say to you anymore. This is certainly trolling with its own little style. I am not one here to demonize Paul. I still love him and I think other conservatives are jumping the gun here. They have jesus standards which is nice but not realistic at all.
  
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- Nlitend1
  Posted on March 1, 2013 at 3:31am
  @DLV
  I love jesus and wish that more people wdwjwd, funny thing though, having jesus standards is the opposite of what jwd, right? (As a jew, I have made many passover seders uncomfortable with this love of jesus admission, lol.)
  More importantly, you should stop calling me a troll. I am very clearly not here for the sole reason of eliciting a response, and my comments, while incendiary at times, are not ever anything but my true feelings. That being said, I can confidently deny being a ‘troll’. Now, am I an annoying, elitist, smarta$$, who loves to argue, and thinks he is almost always right? that is a better question. I’d refute all of it, except the almost always thinks he is right part…You should also note, that I think I am the only one on this site who thinks they may be wrong. (if you ever find someone that admits being wrong in these comments, I would appreciate a link, bc i’ve never seen it here…except from me)
  btw, the inability to admit when you’re wrong is correlated to conservatism, gun ownership, and having a small wee-wee. That is a true and funny statistical phenomenon that I have never told one of my clases bc I think it may ‘indoctrinate’ them, lol.
  
  Last thing, I would love to address you point from a while ago–when you said half the military/police may be on the revolutionaries’ side in the upcoming civil war…I think I can disprove that with some logic that you may not have considered. find me in a newer article and I’ll give you my t
  
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