White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Friday that former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), President Obama’s pick for defense secretary, answered questions “appropriately” and did a “fine job” at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Carney said the White House expects Hagel to be confirmed.
Carney added that the headlines out of the hearing focused on Republicans “badgering” Hagel on issues like the Iraq War.