Hagel for Defense

Hagel's worldview shaped by business as much as war

Chuck Hagel is probably one of the most qualified people to have ever been nominated for this office.  His status as an enlisted man during Vietnam has exposed him to the horrors of war rather than the commanding of forces from the rear.  He will not be eager to commit military power in doubtful circumstances.

In this article his business acumen is noted.  This has been a potential weakness according to some who say he lacks administrative skills.  No matter what anyone says this is going to be a transformational time for the American military.  You may recall that Bill Clinton began this only to have W engage us in ground wars for which we were ill prepared and were unnecessary.  Those errors have cost the United States grievously in terms of lives and treasure.

His willingness to both work across party lines and to buck his own party bode good things for our country.  We need people who are uninhibited by political loyalties.