Why Hagel?

[hlthe2b]

14. I don't discount concerns from progressives out of hand... That said, I'm NOT convinced by them.

His comments re: the gay ambassador were disgusting, but I do believe in the possibility of evolution of attitudes towards GLBT--even among Republicans, or at least moderate Republicans. After all, the American people have shown such an evolution of attitudes over the past two decades--attitudes that has advanced rights for GLBT well beyond what even Barney Frank has said he would ever have thought possible in such a short time. I can conceive that an individual could sincerely evolve in their attitudes, since we've seen similar from our own President in terms of his views on gay marriage.

I'm also not impressed that his attitudes towards Israel reflect anything more than a need to put US interests first, while maintaining that important alliance. After the neocons, I think a bit of balance in all of our alliances is not uncalled for This attempt to demonize him for (clearly) inartful language--to suggest he is actually anti-Semitic in his views could be applied to a large number of politicians and public figures. If there is malintent behind some inpolitic language, I've yet to see evidence of it.

He has strengths in other areas--not the least that DOD needs someone versed in the ways of Congress AND the military to push through very needed reforms and wasteful spending cuts.

Yes, he's a Republican, but of a more moderate nature that is nearly extinct now. That distinction would seem to be relevant and very likely the reason that the current crop of RETHUGs are so determined to preemptively destroy him.

I'm not at a point of promoting his nomination, but I am willing to give Obama benefit-of-the doubt on this one.