Hagel: Hey, sorry about that “Jewish lobby” remark
In a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), released Monday, Hagel called the remark a “poor choice of words,” and vowed that he would work to “expand the depth and breadth of U.S.-Israel cooperation” if confirmed for the Pentagon’s top post.
“I regret saying it,” Hagel wrote. “I used that terminology only once, in an interview. I recognize that this kind of language can be construed as anti-lsrael. I know the pro-Israel lobby is comprised of both Jewish and non-Jewish Americans.”
Hagel, who has been tapped to replace departing Secretary Leon Panetta, has faced intense scrutiny over the past remark, where he accused a “Jewish lobby” of intimidating lawmakers. Pro-Israel groups and many GOP senators have seized on the comment, charging that Hagel would be a weak ally to Israel.
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But I meant it in a good way. You know, like how you folks are so organized and stick together.
Flange on January 15, 2013 at 2:04 PM
Wink.Wink.
portlandon on January 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM
All of a sudden Hagel, Obama and Al-Jezeera love the Jews.
Fools, ya get what ya voted for.
Schadenfreude on January 15, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Alternate headline:
Jewish Sellouts Give Jew-Hater Cover
Rixon on January 15, 2013 at 2:12 PM
The Joooooooos are now threatening him!!!
trs on January 15, 2013 at 2:18 PM
Rule #1: There is no Jewish lobby.
Rule #2: Do not acknowledge that there is a Jewish lobby.
Rule #3: Better still, just change the subject ASAPINS.
MelonCollie on January 15, 2013 at 2:24 PM
What a putz.
Pork-Chop on January 15, 2013 at 2:30 PM
What is there to apologize for? There IS a very active Jewish lobby in Washington. And I say this as one who supports Israel but that doesn’t change the reality.
tommyboy on January 15, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Too bad that you fail to recognise the fact that you call into question the loyalties of those that are part of the so-called “Israel Lobby”…just as your defender, Colin Powell, does.
“Jewish Lobby” = “pro-Israel Lobby” = “Israel Firster”
When the “Hispanic lobby,”
“Cuban lobby”(oops, it IS) or “Muslim lobby” start having their loyalties questioned by people like Chuck Hagel, then perhaps, I’ll believe that he isn’t singling out Israel and its supporters.Of course, I think the entire “loyalty question” is pretty despicable to ask of anyone.
Resist We Much on January 15, 2013 at 2:50 PM
This Jew says to cut Hagel some slack on this.
I realize it’s a counter-factual that’s inconceivable and absurd, but if Israel with its current policies comprised a few million historically oppressed white Catholics, would Boxer, Schumer, et al be supporting it? They’d be screaming about how support of Israel hurts our image, how militaristic it is, and how oppressed the Palestinians are; and they’d be working to cut off aid.
bobs1196 on January 15, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Good thing he didn’t say anything bad about the Muslim Lobby. No forgiveness for that.
RadClown on January 15, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Even acknowledging that there is such thing as a Jewish lobby can get you called a “Neo-Notzee” by the Zionist butt-kissing bumpkins.
It’s absolutely insane…they have a lobby for many reasons, not the least of which is because Israel’s survival without American support is a terrifying prospect. But even say it exists, nevermind speculate about the scope of its extent, and you’ll get treated like an Alex Jones disciple.
MelonCollie on January 15, 2013 at 2:53 PM