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)
