Hagel to Meet Schumer to Discuss Policy Issues

[alp227]

Source: NYT

In what could be a crucial moment in the Obama administration’s efforts to advance the nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense, he will meet this week with Senator Charles E. Schumer, the most influential Jewish member of the Senate, who is expected to press Mr. Hagel on issues concerning Iran and Israel.

Mr. Schumer, Democrat of New York, will be among the first senators to meet with Mr. Hagel since his nomination last week. Mr. Schumer has told aides and other senators that he could be persuaded to support Mr. Hagel depending on the meeting’s outcome. Mr. Hagel’s nomination has been met with suspicion, and even outright hostility, among Republicans and Democrats who are strongly aligned with Jewish groups.

Mr. Schumer plans to ask Mr. Hagel to clarify and in some ways recant statements about Iran and Israel, according to a person with knowledge of the senator’s plans for the meeting. Mr. Schumer also intends to press Mr. Hagel about conservative views he has expressed on gay rights and abortion. Other Democrats are likely to take their cues about the nomination from Mr. Schumer, who is the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate and has strong ties to pro-Israel groups.

Of deepest concern to Mr. Schumer, reflecting the anxiety of many Israel advocacy groups, are Mr. Hagel’s positions on the nuclear threat posed by Iran, according to the person with knowledge of the senator’s plans. Mr. Hagel has said a military strike against Iran would be counterproductive.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/14/us/politics/schumer-to-meet-with-hagel-over-policy-issues.html

[TwilightGardener]

1. Schumer is going to ask Hagel to "recant" his views on Iran and Israel.

I have officially lost whatever respect I had for Chuck Schumer.

[Cynicus Emeritus]

2. American taxpayers need a candid discussion about countries that interfere with our politics.

When was the last time that any American citizen or politician went to Israel, lobbied or demanded a change in their politics or appointments? Taxpaying Americans who are forced to pay foreign aid to subsidize Israel have not only the right, but the obligation to speak up with their opinion on Israel's politics .

[DallasNE]

3. So Hagel Will Be Asked To Recant Something Obvious

Like how a military strike against Iran would be counterproductive. What is he supposed to say, Mission Accomplished? That is not a policy but wishful thinking -- just like it was for George W. Bush.

[Purveyor]

4. Hagel needs to walk into the room, turn around, pull down his pants and tell schumer to "kiss his

ass"...

Just saying...