Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) on Friday acknowledged that defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel had a “tough, grueling day” during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, but contended that the former Nebraska senator has not lost votes from declared supporters.
“Very tough, grueling day for Senator Hagel,” Blumenthal, who is a member of the committee, said during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “But I have seen no shifting of votes from supporters.”
Blumenthal also lamented the scathing line of questions Hagel faced from Senate Republicans on the panel.
“You know I said to Senator Hagel yesterday that quotes and votes matter. So, questions about his past statements and actions are fair game,” Blumenthal said. “But I really regretted the lack of civility and respect for a man who has fought for the nation, been decorated for combat heroism and who is obviously a thoughtful and insightful person when it comes to many of these issues. And where he was willing to say he regretted and apologized for some of his statements, which were in fact regrettable and unfortunate.”
