It made me physically nauseous. he’s just simply so incompetent that my only hope is he will bungle the job so badly that he will be begging to quit before 6 months pass. Much like Trump - neither of them could pass a standard HS history or geography … or algebra … any actual test of knowledge. O’Donnell said it well last night when he pointed out how Trump’s “gift” to this country has been to lower the standards of every single metric that exists in the United States.
I am in disbelief that we voted this convicted felon into office. When as Jack Smith clearly showed us; he would otherwise be in jail and unable to nominate vulgar nitwits like good old Pete.
Trump is only good at appointing his ilk. Monday will be a sad day not only for America but for the Western world. So sad that it will fall on MLK Day, one of the 🇺🇸 most brave public figure.
I think O'Donnell got the lowering of standards idea from Slotkin or one of the committee Senators.
Although it did seem a bit confusing I think Colorado may have had it right about the 14th Amendment section 3 that SCOTUS threw out. But actually McConnell could have led the Impeachment Conviction in the Senate and we would have had the correct outcome but that would have took courage. But, after how he denigrated his wife it should have been easy.
I’m sending emails to my senators and especially to Joni Ernst encouraging her to look closely at Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Sec. of Def. If she decided he didn’t have the qualifications for the job, that would probably be a turning point. She was unbelievably lenient yesterday. Perhaps an outpouring of dissent would make a difference.
All of them who looked like they were wavering have been threatened. Million$ being spent on ads & calls to action, etc. Major groups - one led by Mike Davis who helped push Kavanaugh’s confirmation through - and of course Fox helping all they can.
I would never vote for her but, I would rather have her as SecDef than Hegseth. I guess I could email her but I am quite disappointed in her lack of courage. She unfortunately probably had death threats. If it is a threat of a primary it would be even sadder.
I think they’ve all been threatened with “being primaried” & they justify lack of principles and watch the harm that even a week let alone 6 months could do. I could search; instead asking: who’s number 2 at DoD? How much could they thwart this ignoramus’s actions?
I suspect that you’re whistling in the wind. This is a done deal from my vantage point as are trumps other nominees for a Cabinet post. Really sad for me watching from north of the 49th.
We can only hope and, perhaps, pray though I speak to and with God daily by reading short religious writings. If only we all could think more clearly, myself included.
Imho, Hegseth’s alcoholism should have prohibited him from holding such an elevated position. The sexual abuse scandals and the mismanagement of funds are also incapacitating for such a high level job. If the GOP caves to the felon on this appointment, our military will be in serious danger. His refusal to respond to questions about policies is another strike against him. Never has someone so unqualified been a candidate for this cabinet position.
Oh yes, America deserves - or at least MAGA does - a Secretary of Defense who has no control over his impulses! Aggressive Mr. Hegseth drinks to the point of inebriation, assaults women (apparently the red state sign of masculinity), lies about same. Perfect.
When one of your biggest supporters is Rick Scott (of the giant Medicare fraud $candal) because of all the good you did for veterans’ health care, we can see the corruption has come full circle. His refusal to meet with Democratic members of the committee individually prior to the hearing was a first.
Hegseth avoided answering questions that asked about substantive issues. His few measly attempts failed. Otherwise it was he would “look under the hood”. He parroted goals of the Orange Menace or dropped other buzzwords. The TV version of a Fox nominee was on full display.
He did invoke a new version of taking the 5th without saying so for questions about character and past behavior. It was used sparingly until Mark Kelly asked for “yes or no” responses. In quick succession he answers each question with “anonymous smears” (even though names are attached to many of those allegations).
The only qualification needed for Hegseth, and any of the other nominees, is loyalty to Trump.
Trump benefits in that no one is going to seriously question him or push back. But there is one other huge benefit no one is pointing to. That of a scapegoat.
Trump has a well-known history of throwing people who have worked for him under the bus. Using Hegseth as an example, if...no... when something goes bad Trump can immediately point to Hegseth and accuse him because he's.... unqualified.
I wonder how many of these nominees see that coming?
Yes Hegseth is most assuredly not qualified to lead anything or anyone. He was a joke. The Democrats on the panel were the only ones asking Hegseth hard questions.The Republicans Senators asked fluff questions. Pete Hegseth is not qualified to lead anyone. He needs a leader.
At this point I am so disgusted and depressed that I am not sure what we do next. There have been hundreds of thousands of letters and phone calls opposing these horrible picks. Yet the Republicans have not even pretended to listen. The fact that they wouldn’t even allow a second round of questioning shows their complete disregard for the people they are supposed to represent.
Serious question. Does the mantle of immunity in effect extend from Trump to all of his lackeys who are apparently willing to violate the Constitution and all of our laws if asked to do so by Trump since he can simply pardon them all after the fact? When I wake up at 4 a.m. everyday (unintentionally) I feel an actual weight of dread on my chest. It's going to be more terrible than most Americans can imagine. Surely there are a few principled GOP Senators still out there? (Maybe not now that Romney is gone)
From the Nuremberg trials to Oliver North “I was only following orders” was used as a get out of jail card. Didn’t work then. CF45’s minions may use that same ploy if held accountable for illegal actions demanded of them, but I doubt (hope) the felon in chief’s immunity extends to them.
As an AF Maj Gen on the Joint Staff working for CJCS Mullen and SECDEF Gates, I was deeply involved with many operational and strategic aspects in the Pentagon. It is a complex and “everything, all the time” system that does not suffer fools or those who lack high level leadership experience. And it requires absolute integrity and the ability to speak truth to power.
This will not go well… and the results in blood and treasure, as well as our weakened global security will be on the heads of those senators who allowed this to happen. Cowards all!
It’s Howdy Doody Time, the children’s show equivalent that’s back on the air. Your host? Buffalo Don and his merry band of yes men and women. Watch Buffalo Don pull the strings to have total control over our government. And, sadly, watch his Republican worshipers in the Senate fall for this load of crap.
This guy, Hegseth, is an embarrassment to this nation. His nomination, to state the obvious, is nothing short of a travesty. Why else would Trump choose him, but to throw the Department of Defense into turmoil? But this should come as no surprise since Trump, in nominating his collection of weird reprobates to head our most important governmental departments - education, health, defense, environmental protection, justice, national security - is looking to destroy this country from within. Is there any other reason why he would choose to do this but to fulfill his orders from his master, Putin?
What is deplorable to the point of criminality, however, is that the mob of Republican senators are willing to play along with Trump when they know what the costs to this nation and the world are going to be. Is there not so much as a speck of conscience or morality among the lot of them?
Homi, did you see Robert Reich's post yesterday about what happened when he was interrogated by Congress for the position of Secretary of Labor? He explained that it was all about deference, not competence. His handlers told him that in effect he was supposed to grovel. The senators weren't interested in substance but in "respect." This is what's going on. It makes me sick.
Hegseth reminds me of my sister’s first husband with his slicked back hair, smarmy smile, and utter lack of knowledge. The ex was a school principal but highly unqualified one; his horrible grammar, among other things, was cringeworthy. Different level of responsibility from what Hegseth may potentially have, but similar level of incompetence.
It made me physically nauseous. he’s just simply so incompetent that my only hope is he will bungle the job so badly that he will be begging to quit before 6 months pass. Much like Trump - neither of them could pass a standard HS history or geography … or algebra … any actual test of knowledge. O’Donnell said it well last night when he pointed out how Trump’s “gift” to this country has been to lower the standards of every single metric that exists in the United States.
I am in disbelief that we voted this convicted felon into office. When as Jack Smith clearly showed us; he would otherwise be in jail and unable to nominate vulgar nitwits like good old Pete.
Trump is only good at appointing his ilk. Monday will be a sad day not only for America but for the Western world. So sad that it will fall on MLK Day, one of the 🇺🇸 most brave public figure.
I think O'Donnell got the lowering of standards idea from Slotkin or one of the committee Senators.
Although it did seem a bit confusing I think Colorado may have had it right about the 14th Amendment section 3 that SCOTUS threw out. But actually McConnell could have led the Impeachment Conviction in the Senate and we would have had the correct outcome but that would have took courage. But, after how he denigrated his wife it should have been easy.
I’m sending emails to my senators and especially to Joni Ernst encouraging her to look closely at Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Sec. of Def. If she decided he didn’t have the qualifications for the job, that would probably be a turning point. She was unbelievably lenient yesterday. Perhaps an outpouring of dissent would make a difference.
She was pretty clear that she is going to support him. Rolling Stone reported that she refused to meet with Hegseth’s sexual assault accuser.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/14/joni-ernst-pete-hegseth-defense-secretary/77703982007/
I know. and ugh. I’m sure she’s been threatened with being primary-ed. If she sees support from the other direction, perhaps she would reassess.
All of them who looked like they were wavering have been threatened. Million$ being spent on ads & calls to action, etc. Major groups - one led by Mike Davis who helped push Kavanaugh’s confirmation through - and of course Fox helping all they can.
I would never vote for her but, I would rather have her as SecDef than Hegseth. I guess I could email her but I am quite disappointed in her lack of courage. She unfortunately probably had death threats. If it is a threat of a primary it would be even sadder.
Disappointed? She is nothing but a servant to the Demented One. More like deplorable. That’s what Ernst and the rest of them are.
And, now I am wondering if any of them will go against any of his nominees?
That would be a big fat NO. They and their families have been relentlessly threatened by the Mump (Trump & Musk) regime.
I think they’ve all been threatened with “being primaried” & they justify lack of principles and watch the harm that even a week let alone 6 months could do. I could search; instead asking: who’s number 2 at DoD? How much could they thwart this ignoramus’s actions?
I suspect that you’re whistling in the wind. This is a done deal from my vantage point as are trumps other nominees for a Cabinet post. Really sad for me watching from north of the 49th.
Don't we need more Republicans to defect, though? They have a three-vote majority (is that right, or is it four?).
It’s 4.
We can only hope and, perhaps, pray though I speak to and with God daily by reading short religious writings. If only we all could think more clearly, myself included.
Asa nation what will we do?
Nazi Loyalty Pledge:
Meine Ehre heißt Treue: "My honor is [called] loyalty”. The official motto of the Schutzstaffel (SS) from 1931 to 1945
("Man of the SS, your honor is loyalty")
The foregoing is not hyperbole. There is something dark and sinister hiding in the Trumpian shadows.
I'm not even sure it's hiding anymore.
Imho, Hegseth’s alcoholism should have prohibited him from holding such an elevated position. The sexual abuse scandals and the mismanagement of funds are also incapacitating for such a high level job. If the GOP caves to the felon on this appointment, our military will be in serious danger. His refusal to respond to questions about policies is another strike against him. Never has someone so unqualified been a candidate for this cabinet position.
Oh yes, America deserves - or at least MAGA does - a Secretary of Defense who has no control over his impulses! Aggressive Mr. Hegseth drinks to the point of inebriation, assaults women (apparently the red state sign of masculinity), lies about same. Perfect.
When one of your biggest supporters is Rick Scott (of the giant Medicare fraud $candal) because of all the good you did for veterans’ health care, we can see the corruption has come full circle. His refusal to meet with Democratic members of the committee individually prior to the hearing was a first.
Hegseth avoided answering questions that asked about substantive issues. His few measly attempts failed. Otherwise it was he would “look under the hood”. He parroted goals of the Orange Menace or dropped other buzzwords. The TV version of a Fox nominee was on full display.
He did invoke a new version of taking the 5th without saying so for questions about character and past behavior. It was used sparingly until Mark Kelly asked for “yes or no” responses. In quick succession he answers each question with “anonymous smears” (even though names are attached to many of those allegations).
So they did confirm him ?!
He is such a cocky piece of crap. Insulting to our men and women in uniform
Not yet officially but it looks very likely. This was the committee hearing. It has to go to the full Senate.
The only qualification needed for Hegseth, and any of the other nominees, is loyalty to Trump.
Trump benefits in that no one is going to seriously question him or push back. But there is one other huge benefit no one is pointing to. That of a scapegoat.
Trump has a well-known history of throwing people who have worked for him under the bus. Using Hegseth as an example, if...no... when something goes bad Trump can immediately point to Hegseth and accuse him because he's.... unqualified.
I wonder how many of these nominees see that coming?
Hoo boy, great point. Pass the popcorn please.
Yes Hegseth is most assuredly not qualified to lead anything or anyone. He was a joke. The Democrats on the panel were the only ones asking Hegseth hard questions.The Republicans Senators asked fluff questions. Pete Hegseth is not qualified to lead anyone. He needs a leader.
At this point I am so disgusted and depressed that I am not sure what we do next. There have been hundreds of thousands of letters and phone calls opposing these horrible picks. Yet the Republicans have not even pretended to listen. The fact that they wouldn’t even allow a second round of questioning shows their complete disregard for the people they are supposed to represent.
Such a sad state of affairs. I fear for what America will become.
Serious question. Does the mantle of immunity in effect extend from Trump to all of his lackeys who are apparently willing to violate the Constitution and all of our laws if asked to do so by Trump since he can simply pardon them all after the fact? When I wake up at 4 a.m. everyday (unintentionally) I feel an actual weight of dread on my chest. It's going to be more terrible than most Americans can imagine. Surely there are a few principled GOP Senators still out there? (Maybe not now that Romney is gone)
From the Nuremberg trials to Oliver North “I was only following orders” was used as a get out of jail card. Didn’t work then. CF45’s minions may use that same ploy if held accountable for illegal actions demanded of them, but I doubt (hope) the felon in chief’s immunity extends to them.
As an AF Maj Gen on the Joint Staff working for CJCS Mullen and SECDEF Gates, I was deeply involved with many operational and strategic aspects in the Pentagon. It is a complex and “everything, all the time” system that does not suffer fools or those who lack high level leadership experience. And it requires absolute integrity and the ability to speak truth to power.
This will not go well… and the results in blood and treasure, as well as our weakened global security will be on the heads of those senators who allowed this to happen. Cowards all!
It’s Howdy Doody Time, the children’s show equivalent that’s back on the air. Your host? Buffalo Don and his merry band of yes men and women. Watch Buffalo Don pull the strings to have total control over our government. And, sadly, watch his Republican worshipers in the Senate fall for this load of crap.
Yes, let the clown show begin.
This guy, Hegseth, is an embarrassment to this nation. His nomination, to state the obvious, is nothing short of a travesty. Why else would Trump choose him, but to throw the Department of Defense into turmoil? But this should come as no surprise since Trump, in nominating his collection of weird reprobates to head our most important governmental departments - education, health, defense, environmental protection, justice, national security - is looking to destroy this country from within. Is there any other reason why he would choose to do this but to fulfill his orders from his master, Putin?
What is deplorable to the point of criminality, however, is that the mob of Republican senators are willing to play along with Trump when they know what the costs to this nation and the world are going to be. Is there not so much as a speck of conscience or morality among the lot of them?
Homi, did you see Robert Reich's post yesterday about what happened when he was interrogated by Congress for the position of Secretary of Labor? He explained that it was all about deference, not competence. His handlers told him that in effect he was supposed to grovel. The senators weren't interested in substance but in "respect." This is what's going on. It makes me sick.
You’re right, Paula. It is a disgraceful charade.
Hegseth reminds me of my sister’s first husband with his slicked back hair, smarmy smile, and utter lack of knowledge. The ex was a school principal but highly unqualified one; his horrible grammar, among other things, was cringeworthy. Different level of responsibility from what Hegseth may potentially have, but similar level of incompetence.