Hagel Chides Colleagues On Iraq Vote: ‘If You Wanted A Safe Job, Go Sell Shoes’

[rodeodance]

http://thinkprogress.org/

Hagel Chides Colleagues On Iraq Vote: ‘If You Wanted A Safe Job, Go Sell Shoes’ »

This morning in his opening statements before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) said, “The American people are far ahead of us” on what to do next in Iraq. “They’re not conflicted with the nuances of life. They understand what’s going on.” According to a recent Gallup Poll, 56 percent of Americans want a withdrawal from Iraq within a year.

Hagel chided his fellow colleagues for being too concerned about the politics of their Iraq positioning. “If you wanted a safe job, go sell shoes,” he said. Hagel concluded that all 100 Senators have a responsibility to take a position on escalation. “We owe it to those men and women that we continue to send in that grinder.” Watch it:

[DURHAM D]

1. If any Dem had made this remark Fox, CNN, MSNBC, etc

would be all over him/her for belittling shoe salespeople.

[CTLawGuy]

2. though I respect Mr. Hagel

I wish he had said this in 2002.

[napi21]

3. I know Hagel is a Pub, but I loved that remark! At least NOW

he really sounds like astraight forward guy! I want a Dem in the WH, but I'd sure take this Pubover Shrub any day.

[DianeG5385]

4. Sen. Hagel I applaud your courage

We need the rest of the Senators to hear you loud and clear. Listen to the American people and vote in the clear light of day so your constituents see how you voted. This war is a shame and a stain on our country. Leaders like you, regardless of party make me proud. Any cynicism I may have is on off mode.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. K&R!