WATCH: McCain Statement On Hagel, Senate Armed Services Committee: "Worst" Performance Ever

Arizona Senator John McCain (R-AZ) said that Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel's appearance two weeks ago in front of the Senate Armed Services committee was "the worst that I've seen from any nominee for office. He refused to answer a simple, straightforward question as to whether the surge was a success or not, and whether he supported it or not.  That was a key moment in the history of this country"

McCain, who used to be friends with Hagel and touted him as a possible Secretary of Defense during McCain's 2000 run for the Presidency, did later briefly defend Hagel's honor when it was under attack by other GOP Senators.  However, the McCain-Hagel showdown on January 31 still weighed heavily on McCain today: "He did not want to be forthcoming to this Committee."



McCain joined his fellow Republicans in voting against the nominee, who was a Republican Senator from Nebraska.  The nomination was passed on to the entire Senate, and McCain has indicated that he would not try to filibuster the nomination.



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