Sources tell GestetnerUpdates.Com that the White House contacted key Jewish leaders this evening, informing them that former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel will be nominated this week, likely as early as Monday, to be America’s next Secretary of Defense.
Many Jewish leaders and voices expressed concern about and open opposition to a potential Hagel nomination due to some controversial statements that he made about “The Jewish Lobby” who “intimidates” people on the Hill. The cold reception to Hagel was visible last week Sunday on the ‘Morning Shows’ when leading Democrats – including NY Senator Schumer – were not at all coming to Hagel’s defense.
11:08 PM from BuzzFeed’s Miller:
Top Senate source following nominations says Hagel report is “highly dubious.”
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) December 30, 2012
11:16 PM: I spoke now with Orthodox Jewish Talk Show Host Zev Brenner. He tells me that in a pre–recorded interview for tonight’s show (sarting at 12:00), Malcolm Hoenlein says he is almost certain it’s Hagel.
11:37 PM: “It’s most likely that on Monday they will announce that Hagel will be the choice.” – Malcolm Hoenlein in the pre-recorded interview that I am listening to now.
11:39 PM: “[Hagel Nomination] is something we will live with it. Or whoever is in office.” – Hoenlein.
He also make a lengthy interesting point about Tom Friedman’s article. HERE is the Audio:
Sunday 8:14 AM: The Atlantic’s Clemons writes ‘he Just Got a Call From a Senior Executive Branch Person’ that Hagel ‘is very much on the list.’
Sunday 9:10 AM: Hoenlein told The Algemeiner in an email that “the White House did not call anyone that I know of,” reports the Algemeiner. But of course the story/issue is not about a White House phone call. The story is whether Hagel is being nominated or not. Mr. Hoenlein – the only person on record – says ‘most likely’ yes as first reported by Gestetner Updates Saturday Eve.
