Chuck Hagel in Vietnam
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A political fight has been ignited after President Obama announced the nomination of former soldier and Senator Chuck Hagel to Secretary of Defense. The choice is seen as controversial due to past comments from Hagel about Israel, gays in the military, and shadowy connections to a group known as the "E-4 Mafia."
"Chuck has served our nation in battle, and knows the burden our troops face," President Obama told reporters. "I can think of no one better for this post." Freshman congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also echoed the President's sentiment: "He knows what it's like to be in the shit [sic] taking orders. I think he'll make a fine SecDef."
Despite the honor of nomination, even Hagel didn't express excitement. "I remember hanging up the phone cursing, and told my wife, 'I've been out for almost 40 years, and they're pulling me back in for another goddamned detail.'"
