CNN Contributor Scott Jennings I stood my ground He made the remarks to a liberal panel on Tuesday's episode of “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip” while discussing Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearings for secretary of defense.
Washington Post columnist Katherine Rampel said Mr. Hegseth “couldn't answer basic questions” about the top Pentagon job, saying his primary qualification is as a television host. He claimed that he was not qualified to take on such a demanding job.
Hegseth participated in combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan while serving in the National Guard during the War on Terror.
“His main qualification is being a fighter.”
“It's probably not just the fact that he's never run something as big as Burger King, but also that he couldn't answer not only the arcane questions, but also the basic questions. For example, the Geneva Convention If the president issues an illegal order, would you veto it? Something similar to what happened with Mr. Esper happened before with the U.S. military. Have you ever criticized the American people? You know, he was very articulate and sophisticated, and he's a TV host. That's his main qualification,” Lampel said.
“Why are you disparaging this man's accomplishments?” Jennings interjected. “I don't understand. A 20-year, decorated Ivy Leaguer. 'He's a TV host. That's all he is.'
“That's his primary qualification. … He's a TV host! Not every serving member deserves to be in charge of the Department of Defense,” Rampel responded.
Jennings said it was “ridiculous” to call Hegseth primarily a TV host.
Host Abby Phillip told Jennings that the general, who served as secretary of defense in the past, had been in combat.
“His main qualification is that he's a warfighter, and he's going to be the closest combatant we've ever had to the non-commissioned officers who run the Department of Defense. He's decorated. He's an Ivy Leaguer. And he knows what he's doing,” Jennings continued. .
Hegseth performed well in his confirmation hearing and is expected to be confirmed by the Senate after Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced she would vote for him.
'Shark Tank's' Kevin O'Leary echoed that sentiment, saying Hegseth “killed it today. He was human. … I like dust on my boots!” did.
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