John Kerry, Chuck Hagel confront historic rivalry (politico)

[Inuca]

A rather misleading title, since the article emphasizes that they are likely to get along very well.

Old friends John Kerry and Chuck Hagel may not always find themselves on the same team in the Obama Cabinet.

The relationship between the State and Defense departments has historically ranged from strained to outright hostile, with their agendas often at odds.

But Kerry, the new secretary of state, and Hagel, the nominee for secretary of defense, may be uniquely positioned to bring the departments closer together

A collegial relationship prior to their confirmations doesn’t guarantee a good State-Defense relationship, as with Rumsfeld and Powell. But Cordesman said it’s likely to be an asset for Kerry and Hagel.

“They know how to work together and are people who by their very nature really don’t care about turf fights,” he said. “They know that they have as much of a challenge in terms of dealing with the Congress and [the White House Office of Management and Budget] in the face of sequestration and other financial challenges.”

“They’re more likely to work together in any given case than usual,” Cordesman said, “simply because they’re going to be pushed together.”

Congressional Democrats point to Hagel and Kerry’s friendship as a sign they could strengthen the relationship between State and Defense.


Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/kerry-hagel-confront-historic-rivalry-87155.html#ixzz2K7op2bkk

[Mass]

1. It is about rivalry between state and defense, not Kerry and Hagel, and how they may actually

improve things.

[MBS]

2. I think they'll make a great team

Fingers crossed that the Senate does the sensible, sane and appropriate thing and confirms Hagel quickly.