Hagel And Brennan

Obama reportedly has new picks for Defense and the CIA. Mickey delivers some excellent Hagel-bashing on his opposition to the surge. But the Times gives us useful context on Obama's thought process:

“The president wants someone whose judgment he respects on the big questions of war and peace,” said Philip D. Zelikow, a senior State Department official under Mr. Bush and now a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.

Obama was wrong about the surge - why should he want a guy hanging around who was right? He tried that with Gates, and all he got was the Hokey-Pokey surge in Afghanistan. Better to have a united cabinet of pacificsts. Sure, if sanctions don't work against Iran Hagel is hardly the sort of hawk that will scare Iran, but Obama won't be nominating a hawk anyway. Back to the Times:

As secretary of defense, Mr. Hagel would not be directly involved in designing or enforcing those sanctions [which he opposes]; that is the work of the Treasury and State Departments. But he would be in charge of one of the other major elements of pressure: the huge buildup of American naval might, antimissile capability and special operations in the Persian Gulf. That force is intended not only to keep the Strait of Hormuz open but also to make credible Mr. Obama’s threat to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“So far, Obama’s big problem is that the threat to use force has not seemed credible,” a former official who has worked on Iran issues with Mr. Hagel and frequently advises the administration on Iran said last week. “The question is whether if Chuck is defense secretary, the Iranians would take seriously the thought that he is willing to use force if it comes to that.”

If the plan is to force the Iranian leaders to step down because they have hurt themselves laughing, Hagel is a brilliant pick.

Comments

[narciso]

Hence finding a way to marginalize Petraeus, by moving him to CENTCOM and then to the CIA, purging McChrystal, for the effrontery of delivering what he ostensibly had asked for, moving Biden into the higher councils of state, because he argued for partition in Iraq, which is what is de facto happening now,and opposed the actual 'spiking the football' at Abbotabad,

[Clarice]

"If the plan is to force the Iranian leaders to step down because they have hurt themselves laughing, Hagel is a brilliant pick." You beat me to the punch--again--- Tom.

I can't believe this is serious. Where are the votes? Which Dems will impale themselves by voting for a guy they all disliked intensely and who will mobilize voters against them?

[narciso]

By contrast this is his supposed opposite, Vahidi, he apprenticed with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Beirut, as liason to Hezbollah, when they were blowing embassies and snatching reporters off the streets, Interpol flagged him for the Buenos Aires bombings,

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/05/27/counterterror-adviser-defends-jihad-legitimate-tenet-islam/

[Melinda Romanoff]

Of course, Hagel would authorize the use of force against Israel. Why would anybody question that?

Oh, wait....

[maryrose]

I don't believe Hagel will make it through the gauntlet of becoming confirmed. Of course I was unpleasantly surprised by Geithner and Holder making it through.
When is Holder leaving? Can't be soon enough for me. Sebelius is an abject failure too.

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

"TRANSCRIPT:

TWT: You mentioned jihad, for example, and would you agree with the lesser and greater and lesser jihad framework? I mean, that’s pretty standard.

BRENNAN: Sure, it is...absolutely.

TWT: Can you give me an example of a jihad in history? Like, has there ever been a jihad...an armed jihad anywhere in history? Has it ever existed for real, or is it just a concept?

BRENNAN: Absolutely it has.

TWT: Example?

BRENNAN: I’m not going to go into this sort of history discussion here.

TWT: But it’s important to frame the concept, because we want to say that what al-Qaeda is doing is not jihad. They say it is, and Abdul Azzam has said, in fact, ‘there’s not even a greater jihad.’ That that’s just a myth—that hadith didn’t even really happen. That there’s only armed jihad. Ayatollah Khomeini said ‘there is only armed jihad, and it would be useful to be able to characterize or to contrast what they’re doing and what they claim against a legitimate armed jihad in the past.

BRENNAN: I think we’ve finished. I have to get going.

Mr. Brennan left our offices immediately after that exchange"

http://m.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2010/aug/23/wh-counter-terrorism-adviser-brennan-storms-out-tw/

"Lesser and Greater Jihad" video at the link.

[Rob Crawford]

Let him spend his political capital on this, rather than on more infringements on our rights.

[Danube of Thought]

I would love to see the Senate reject this asshole.

[Melinda Romanoff]

Which one, there are 2 to choose from. As Billy Valentine's beach beauty said, "Why not both?".

[narciso]

Well what did they say, about fish at the top;

http://townhall.com/columnists/amandacarpenter/2008/05/19/obama_iran_is_just_a_tiny_country

Biden insisted in the debate, and Raddatz didn't allow for correction,that we had slowed the Iranian nuclear program, when in fact, enrichment is at all time high,

[AliceH]

--Let him spend his political capital on this, rather than on more infringements on our rights.--

I said yesterday I think this is slow-motion rope-a-dope. The plan is to have O lose this one, so when he puts forth a truly egregious nominee, the narrative will be it's "his turn" to get his way.

[Thomas Collins]

“The question is whether if Chuck is defense secretary, the Iranians would take seriously the thought that he is willing to use force if it comes to that.”

Imam Khameinei will take any threat by Chuck and Barry to use force as seriously as Roman Catholics would take seriously the College of Cardinals' adherence to traditional Roman Catholic teaching if they elected Hugh Hefner Pope.

[Danube of Thought]

I had Hagel in mind, but both would be exquisite.

[NK]

Narc-- in the previous thread you pointed out that Brennan's connections to Islamic dictators is much more of a problem than his Jesuit education-- agreed. That said, if you had heard Brennan's remarks at Fordham--Rose Hill last June at graduation when the Jack--Booted Jesuit McShane conferred unto him an honary degree, the Jesuit foundation most definitely lead to his becoming in league with those Brown Skinned Jihadis-- personally-- I have no doubt of that.

[NK]

Brennan-- Confirmation a lock; Kerry -- confirmation a lock; Hagel-- noisy, but probably confirmed b/c of Senate 'courtesy' to a former member of "the world's greatest BLAH BLAH BLAH.

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

I agree with NK. Msnbc is in the pro Hagel camp and CNN just interviewed a Rabbi that says Chuck is A-OK in his book.

[pagar]

TK, Not from the Egyptian source:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/want-to-know-just-how-close-the-muslim-brotherhood-is-to-the-obama-admin/

[AliceH]

Also, not sure how we can say anything Obama does costs him "political capital", given he's never held to account. Seems to me, it will likely cost him nothing to nominate Hagel, win or lose.

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

Thanks pager.

[Melinda Romanoff]

Don't think so, NK.

[narciso]

Hagel, is much like Dishkin or Dagan, on the Israeli side, they rarely find a reason to challenge the enemy, whether it's Iran, Iraq,
(where he gave the MoveOn stock answer) Cuba, North Korea, he is sadly in keeping with administration thinking, or lack thereof.

[Extraneus]

Alice is making a lot of sense today. (Not that she doesn't on other days.)

Zero risk, and if Hagel fails, another anti-Israel nominee will be easier to install.

[NK]

The 55 Senate Dems are like the Sicilian Mafia, the Teachers Unions and Cook county Dems-- a gangster outfit. They'll vote for Hagel and he gets in after noisy debate IMO.

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

Just part of making sausage, Ext.

[Jane: Mock the Media]

I spoke to my source in the State House and he said he's given up on predicting what Deval will do, but Barney is definitely on the short list, which we already knew.

[Janet]

The GLSEN founder Kevin Jennings as the Safe School Czar.
A jihad apologist for the CIA director.
A traitor for the Secretary of State.

Has Satan been tapped yet? :(

[Jane: Mock the Media]

Wasn;t there some dirt on Brennan that came out recently?

There is so much I can't quite remember who did what.

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

From freerepublic:

" BWAHAHAHAHA

The same John Brennan, former CIA goon, was advisor for Obambi and campaign donor who’s firm was behind Obama’s passport breach and scrubbing summer 2008!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/22/passport.files/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/20/obama.passport/index.html

Hillary’s and McCain’s were accessed to cover tracks while Obambi’s accessed 3 times. What specifically was accessed?

The passport application:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ackyapAMTtMY

“The State Department said the only document kept in an individual’s passport file is the application package. The application form includes information such as PLACE OF BIRTH and Social Security number.”

Looks like the NON NATURAL BORN USURPER IN THIEF had his file scrubbed.

Key Witness working with Feds in Passport Case Shot: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/apr/19/key-witness-in-passport-fraud-case-fatally-shot/

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0408/512644.html

Wow, look at all those conspiracy websites. Now this tool gets full throttle. And fully expect CIA’s role to now watch domestic populace contrary to their charter. More lawlessness. If the gun ban passes in Senate and House it should be quite obvious a coup happened to this government as it no longer represents the people and the contract has been broken beyond repair. It’s too bad we have no leaders or former leaders speaking out against this treason and corruption. Alas, the lead will be doing most of the talking soon enough anyway most likely. Prepare for full fledged war."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2975561/posts

[narciso]

Yes, he leaked the name of a Saudi Interior Ministry asset that had infiltrated AQAP back in May,

A picture tells it all;

http://washingtonlife.smugmug.com/keyword/chuck%20hagel/729949426_RkzyW#!i=729949426&k=RkzyW

[Rob Crawford]

Also, not sure how we can say anything Obama does costs him "political capital", given he's never held to account.

The more time they spend on this, the less time they have to spend on destroying the value of citizenship, er, "immigration reform" and disarming the people.

Plus he's got to prevent defections from vulnerable Dems who'd have to explain votes for gun control, immigration amnesty, and a blatantly unsuitable SecDef.

If you want him to be the invincible autarch, and can't see what can be gained by denying him easy victories, go for it. I think it's critical that he be fought, because if you only fight the easy fights, you end up losing every time.

[maryrose]

Nk:
Brennan still has to answer for Benghazi and all we hear are crickets.
Obama thinks he is riding high now since the election and can do whatever the hell he wants.
Kerry no deal till Hil testifies. Of the 3 of them he probably has the best chance of confirmation.
As to the others fight it out. Both are tainted goods- proIranians and therefore totally ineffective for a tough stance against Iran.
Sue: It is great to see you so feisty about the sports teams.
Gad: Thanks for the Andrew Luck correction. Some year we will get a good quarterback{she said as the eternal optimist}
RSE: Love your education information. keep up the good work.
I am afraid I have to agree to disagree with you about the abortion issue. We pro-life people are a patient dedicated sort who ultimately will see this issue returned to the states where it belongs. By no stretch of the imagination is there anything good about RoeV Wade. It was government over-reach then as it is now. Modern technology has proven the pro-abortion advocates wrong.
The complaints you have about modern education parallel the over-reach wrt abortion. Some day you will see the similarity.
Did I tell you that for the last 20 years A Planned Parenthood near me has had protestors in front of it.? As I said , slow and steady wins the race.

[Threadkiller (Get off your couch and leave the GOP!)]

"I think it's critical that he be fought, because if you only fight the easy fights, you end up losing every time."

You are kidding, right?

Take it from someone who picked the hard fight, "friendly fire" will get you long before you have a chance.

[AliceH]

--If you want him to be the invincible autarch, and can't see what can be gained by denying him easy victories, go for it.--

Quite a leap from what I said to THAT.

[peter]

NK, that is insulting to compare the Democratic Senators to the Mafia. Apologize to the Mafia.

[NK]

Peter-- I know-- I was only being metaphorical. The Sicilian Mafia operated with a Code of Honor, and they were 'honest' gangsters in that they knew what they were. The Senate Dems-- no honor, and they are dishonest crooks. Apologies to the Sicilian Mafia-- they are moral superiors to the Senate Dems -- I agree.

[sailor]

I thought I had become immune to O's arrogance, but the Hagel nomination tops all! And the pitiful part about the whole thing is that Hagel will be confirmed.

[Captain Hate]

In addition to what AliceH said, the Hagel nomination gives the JEF the vaunted "nonpartisan" appearance. If he's rejected the MFM can say "Look at how reasonable he tried to be only to be thwarted by the EXTREMISTS that have taken over the Republican party".

The answer to that would be to purge the party of dimwits like Hagel but I won't hold my breath.

[Rob Crawford]

Quite a leap from what I said to THAT.

I quote, again:

Also, not sure how we can say anything Obama does costs him "political capital", given he's never held to account.

Clear conclusion from your statement.

But I see the consensus is to surrender, and you're all just working out your explanations.

[Captain Hate]

I thought I had become immune to O's arrogance

The next four years should correct that.

[Jane: Mock the Media]

I'm really sick of catering to low information voters. I'm not sure I see an alternative tho.

[Melinda Romanoff]

Just catering, Jane?

Hell, they're on your payroll.

[NK]

BTW-- the fact that the Dem Senator gangsters will confirm Kerry, Brennan and probably Hagel-- does not mean conservatives just 'surrender'. No Way. They should all be vigorously opposed on the merits. Kerry-- NO HEARING until Benghazy truth comes out; Brennan-- use the hearings to prove that He AND many Barry I appointees are owned by Gulf Oil interests who also support World-Wide Jihad; and Hagel-- expose that he hates Jews and loves the Mullahs. Make the Senate Dems --especially those up in 2014 -- Bleed Votes because of their support for these 3 characters. Use the opposition to educate persuadable voters-- especially Jews.

[NK]

BTW-- opposing the 3 has NO COST for conservatives/Repubs-- Hagel WAS a Repub and has no constituency; nobody knows who Brennan is-- and Kerry? the opposition isn't against him persoanlly -- it's against the Benghazy cover up where the Obamaniacs have already admitted-- MISTAKES WERE MADE. This is cost free opposition.

[Danube of Thought iPad]

A reporter asks Bill Clinton, "How's Hillary's head?"

Bill says "Well...she's no  Monica."

[Rick Ballard]

"Clear conclusion from your statement."

That's odd. The clear conclusion which I drew from Alice's statement is that BOzo is putting very little at risk by nominating a few more incompetents to fill positions in his Maladministration. I agree with the observation and I'd prefer to see low volume inflexible opposition to these cretins rather than high volume ineptitude. High volume opposition should be reserved for the budget and immigration idiocies which will be coming soon enough.

[maryrose]

NK:
Excellent plan!
Still don't see all three getting through. Hagel has too much baggage. Dems are nervous about 2014 because of voting for Obammycare. They don't want to antagonize voters. Gun control votes will also be interesting.
I did like the fact that Joe Manchin helped Kirk Up the Capitol steps when he returned to the Senate. If Only Manchin were a Republican.
What are Scotty Centerfold's chances in the run-off election for Kerry's seat?

[Melinda Romanoff]

HAH!

[peter]

The MSM spin will be that the Repubs in fighting the nomination of Kerry and Hagel are against Vietnam vets--swift boats be damned.

[Threadkiller]

Try catering to high information voters, Jane.

http://today.yougov.com/news/2012/07/11/birthers-are-still-back/

The way I see it there are two directions we can go to get voters. We can go against our values and compete against the Democrats for their "low information" block that is pro-abortion, pro-amnesty, pro-"big government", pro-handouts, etc.

Or, we can go with a group that shares our values but is stuck on one pesky little issue.

Is pro-"wanting to see credible identification of the Commander of the United States Armed Forces" so bad you would rather associate with the pro-socialism crowd?

[NK]

Peter--- of course the Legacy Media Teamates will cover for the Senate Dems-- that's what they do. And probably all three will be confirmed-- probably. The point is to cost the '14 Senate Dems as many votes as possible-- and persuade some of the few remaining naive Barry I voters that he really is the anti-American Marxist we say he is.

[AliceH]

Jeez, Rob. I don't call for surrender. I am stressing the importance of the fight being waged with a clear understanding of the terrain and the actual goals of the WH.

The ONLY way your accusation could be legitimate (that my statement clearly leads to me advising to not fight) is if I thought that the only cost of the battle is Obama's political capital.

There are lots of costs - some of the worth exacting more than others, but from my perspective, none is less likely to be accomplished than costing Obama himself "political capital". I want the GOP to fight - I also want them to acknowledge the old rules whereby the loser is weakened for the next fight no longer apply.

[Extraneus]

Rubio should take advantage of the opportunity to question Kerry during the Foreign Relations committee hearings.

"Senator, you said back in 2004 that you had signed a release of all of your Navy records. I believe the form is called an SF-180. Yet your records were never released, and no evidence has indicated that you had, in fact, signed the release.

Did you sign the release? And, if so, why haven't the records been released?

Would you provide the committee with a signed copy of the SF-180 form?"

[Threadkiller]

"I also want them to acknowledge the old rules whereby the loser is weakened for the next fight no longer apply."

Good luck with that quest. The GOP can't even make a case against the Senate not passing a budget for four years. (On Fox now)

They are impotent.

[rse]

maryrose-I think sbw wrote about abortion. All I said was this is an issue that will continue to cost the Rep's access to power at the federal level because of the way it is portrayed and how many women are single issue voters.

I definitely see the parallels. First time I ever read Roe V Wade all the way through was in a Logic and Language philosophy class as a spectacularly poor example of reasoning.

I have 2 daughters and a son as you may have guessed so talking to teenagers is something I spend a great deal of time doing and have for years. My house is hangout place. I think this generation is far less radical on abortion and seeing it as a baby from conception than older women. I have found it interesting.

I do get the impression from my college age daughter than the morning after pill gets heavily pitched at colleges now and has become a matter of right in college kids eyes. Perhaps that will become the new line. If you fail to act promptly, then you cannot complain you had no choice.

On abortion perhaps more than any other issue. the historian in me finds the different approaches and generational views fascinating. You have no idea how many angry prof women I have asked "is that the only issue you care about?" I am too much of a federalist not to appreciate the danger in these issues and enforcement. Or even my very conservative mom who says she would never have wanted anyone second guessing her miscarriages.

Right now we lack the requisite federal power to stop encroachment on virtually every issue that matters to most of us. How can that be better than recognizing how toxic the issue is and costly to any political power at all?

Like I said I am genuinely surprised about the attitudes of today's teenagers. If handled correctly politically, I think that generation does largely find abortion unacceptable.

I don't want the Muslim Brotherhood running foreign policy decisions that make us physically unsafe. Or socialism that means no future prosperity for my children. Those are genuine and primary federal decisions.

[NK]

Ex-- Rubio wouldn't dare do that-- would he?

[jor]

Good Job TM --- lets bring back the geniuses that gave us the Iraq war. If Bill Kristol opposes him --- that means he's the right guy. Nuff said.

[Extraneus]

British woman jailed for fatally beating 7 year old son over Koran study

LONDON – A British judge on Monday sentenced a woman he called a "devoted and loving mother" to at least 17 years in prison for beating her son to death after he failed to memorize passages from the Koran.

[NK]

Man of the people BRUUUUUUUCE Springsteen's daughter engages in her passion-- that most plebian of sports.... Equestrian: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2258258/Bruce-Springsteens-equestrian-starlet-daughter-Jessica-competes-Trump-Invitational-Florida.html

[AliceH]

Thanks, Rick Ballard@12:31

[Danube of Thought iPad]

The genius Hagel voted for the Iraq war, dolt. Nuff said.

[Danube of Thought iPad]

"Is pro-'wanting to see credible identification of the Commander of the United States Armed Forces' so bad you would rather associate with the pro-socialism crowd?"

I deplore these false choices.

[Threadkiller]

Tell it to Arpaio.

[jor]

Yes -- but at least he's not completely in line with the neo-cons. They should have absolutely ZERO say after a disastrous war. But they are the main critics of Hagel. When are you guys going to throw them out of power? NEVER. Reality, facts, and outcomes, don't matter in republican politics.

[Jim Rhoads a/k/a vjnjagvet]

Let's get down to cases. Are there the votes to derail confirmation of any of these jaboneys? Assuming the Pubs vote against, where are the Dem votes? Can we get 51 nay votes? Possible, but the probability is not high, IMO.

Therefore, I'm for the NK - Ext approach with a little Borking for good measure.

Rubio and Cruz could make their bones on this one.

[Appalled]

Alice H:

Impotence as a strategy is sure an interesting approach on the part of Obama. It falls apart if the Dems do not line up behind Hagel.

I am through thinking that he might even be some kind of supergenius carefully sowing the seeds of the destruction of the GOP. He's made it clear he does not want to deal, and is digging his little heels in the sand in such a way that is going to be hard not to notice.

is it possible that Hagel is intended as a beard for Brennan? Or is Obama so sick of Isrel that his he's lost all touch with political realities?

[NK]

Let's see--- The Conservatives saw the need to and value of taking political power in Afghanistan from the Taliban and ejecting Sadaam's Baathist dictators from Iraq in order to prevail over state sponsored terror. Well the Afghan gov't is not s state terror sponsor (it's an inept victim of terrorism) and Iraq is a stable federal republic-- not switzerland, but stable. Contrast the Bush/Cheney work with Barry I's "Arab Spring" mass state murder in Syria, Libya mayhem with AQ controlling Benghazy and a dictatorial Islamist State being formed in Egypt rolling over liberal democrats. Yeah, Jor is really a smart dude.

[NK]

Appalled@1:20-- it's pretty simple really. Barry I is a hardline anti-American marxist. And post-election he feels entitled to do WHATEVER he wants and be as radical as he wants, because he's a petulant narcissist punk. So-- dems and USA BE DAMNED -- I'll do what I want!!

[Danube of Thought iPad]

"after a disastrous war"

A war in which we toppled a dictator who had invaded two neighboring countries, fired Scud missiles into four, and attempted to assassinate a former American president--all at a lower cost in lives than the capture of the island of Guadalcanal. At the end of that war Iraq was a functioning democracy friendly to the United States, and the Obama administration has pissed it all away.

Meanwhile Obama's half-aeed, ineffectual "surge" in Afghanistan has accomplished nothing but getting more Americans killed.

[Danube of Thought iPad]

*half-assed*

[NK]

DoT-- well at least Bam sucessfully navigated the "Arab Spring" in Libya, Egypt and Syria.... wait... wait!

[Danube of Thought iPad]

The most delightful thing of all would be a united GOP Senate filibustering Hagel.

[NK]

Filibuster-- is that worth giving harry Reid the opportunity to kill the Filibuster rule?

[Danube of Thought iPad]

Democrat Mickey Kaus:

"And remember, Hagel didn’t just oppose the surge. He declared that it was 'the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam'– the sort of emotionalized MSM-pleasing misjudgment that seems to have endeared him to so many GOP colleagues (who, as Marc Ambinder notes, 'think he’s a showboat and turncoat')."

[matt]

I believe the Springster wrote a song about an American working man who had lost his job shoveling horse manure, which led him to investigate the working conditions in American stables, where he found he really liked horsies, especially $100,000 show horsies.

So he bought a dozen or so so the working man would have something to shovel.He then flew off in his Gulfstream G 500 to Gstaad, where he can commute in his motorcade to Davos, where the World Economic Forum and the world's leaders can discuss whether a lack of leadership will put the world at risk (I shit you not. It's from their web page).

All on behalf of the working man.

[matt]

nk;

Iraq is hardly a stable republic these days. the clashes between Shiite and Sunni factions are increasing. Maliki, who is looking more and more like a strong man, went after another top Sunni politician 2 weeks ago and has been massing troops on the border with Kurdistan trying to intimidate them.

Iraq is also a superhighway for Iranian arms destined for Assad and probably other allies of Iran such as Hezbollah.

SNAFU.

[Jim Eagle]

Netanyahu is in trouble for re-election.

You couple that with a Hagel/Kerry/Brennan triumphirate then you have an Iranian wet-dream. The mullahs and Iamanutjob are probably sitting down for tea with their jaws agape not understanding how they couold have won the nuclear weapons lottery without lifting a sanction.

If it looks like this is going to be the real deal then Israel really does have a decision to make.

[NK]

compared to Libya, Syria and Egypt? (not to mention Iran)
Iraq IS Switzerland.

[NK]

PS: Iraq is where it's at today in no small way because Barry I walked away from them when he petulantly refused to sign a SoF agreement with Iraq.

[glasater]

Hagel didn’t just oppose the surge. He declared that it was 'the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam'

Just shows that the guy isn't very bright and could really step on himself during the confirmation hearing as Brit Hume pointed out yesterday.

[Melinda Romanoff]

NK-

There is proving to be quite the chasm separating the street from it's rulers in all the Arab Spring! countries. Food inflation is going to the proof of the pudding.

[Melinda Romanoff]

Perhaps Hagel is a closet graduate of Tancredo School of Public Speaking?

[NK]

MelR-- the Arab Spring rulers will blame the Jews. That should hold down the "Street" muddle for a while.

[matt]

agreed, nk. Just pointing out that the ME is still the wild, wild, ME.

Abu Dhabi is hunting down MB cells. The Saudis are dealing with a resurgent American oil industry; AQAP in Yemen, and instability throughout the ME; Jordan is sitting on top of its own time bomb. And the rest of them are barely keeping it together.

[Melinda Romanoff]

That's the gap I'm talking about, it's widening in Egypt especially.

[Melinda Romanoff]

The Street vs The Elite.

[NK]

Matt/MelR-- the M-E? It may be wilder than ever; With the economic collapse in Europe, and if Barry I fails slow down US/Canada crude/nat gas production such that the USA de-links from Brent Crude prices and competes with Saudi nat gas and chem prices,the Saudis and Gulf Sheiks may have to decide between paying off their Arab 'brothers' to keep 'stability'or keeping their princlings in Ferraris, because the Chinese are gonna drive a very hard price bargain, as they'll be the only export customer in town. Without Saudi/Gulf payoffs, no more fuel and food subsidies in Egypt etc.... that would get crazy fast.

[NK]

As MelR has reminded us many times-- there is no question who the Fed "works for": http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-01-07/case-there-was-any-confusion-just-who-fed-works

[Melinda Romanoff]

Citing Elijah Cummings as a Fed-watcher does little for The Tylers credibility.

[NK]

Obviously, but oversight committee Chairman Issa wrote to ben b and said don't sign until we get the deal and evaluate-- Ben B laughed at that.....

[Melinda Romanoff]

I should have reposted Insty's Dr.HousingBubble post from Saturday. Explains just what's going on in bankland.

Back in a few.

[matt]

Drudge sez that Krugman turned down the Treasury job. If true, that would indicate Obama is taking his cues on cabinet level positions from Chavez and Kirchner. Krugman is about as far out as it gets and would have us spending even more trillions just to see if his policies work.

Handing the keys to the Treasury to Krugman is like handing the keys to dad's Cadillac and a case of Budweiser to an inebriated teenager.

[Jim Eagle]

Did you know that the Jesuits, Christian Brothers, The New York Times, The Metropolitan Ttansit Agency and the CIA conspired to bring Brennan into the CIA while he was a student at Fordham?

Another Jersey Boy

[Captain Hate]

Drudge sez that Krugman turned down the Treasury job.

I don't get this. Here he has a chance to put our borrowed money wherever his ignorant columns advise and he takes a pass on it. That Enron experience must bother him a lot more than he admits.

[Melinda Romanoff]

NK-

If these mortgages haven't been getting paid for years, how are the MBS that own the cash flow getting paid? Hint: Think Fed

[Melinda Romanoff]

matt-

You think Krugman's would have been the worst choice?

I'll raise you another height-challenged economist with firehose Keynsianatic tendencies.

Reich.

I can do this all day. It'll be a banker from Wall Street.

[narciso]

And I saw the Egyptian finance Minister El Hegazy
'Arab for Krugman' is a specialist in Islamic finance, not macroeconomic development, re the Herald.

One of the problems in that fractious part of the NorthWest Frontier, is we declared we were leaving in a year's time, Biden did a big deal of insulting Karzai, who is the sovereign as far as Armitage's charity case, DynCorp lets him be, and luckily Karzai didn't reciprocate in making Biden, part of the Bushkazi match

[NK]

JiB@2:42-- and your point is?
PS: are you still in Southampton or back in Fla?

[Beasts of England]

Please allow me to get this out of the way so I can build an altar, burn some incense, rotate the tires on my house, sacrifice a few virgins, i.e., my typical pre-championship rituals. Here we go:

Is Alabama ready?
Hell, yeah!

Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer, give 'em Hell, Alabama!

[pagar]

rse, you and others may be interested in the

headline next to NK's 02:22 outstanding link.

http://www.zerohedge.com/contributed/2013-01-07/how-profit-impending-bursting-education-bubble-pt-2-knowledge-how-diplomas-fi