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The politics of sequestration

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    Sen. Dan Coats weighs in

  • Duration 4:17
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-- of -- -- -- factored into some key confirmation hearings if that's secretary Leon Panetta was planning to ease into his retirement this week.

But instead he's heading to Brussels for key NATO conference that's a cut senate Republicans refuse to allow confirmation vote on Chuck Hagel the president's pick to head pentagon.

Joining us now to talk about the vote and explain why Republicans have objected if Indiana senator Dan -- senator thank you so much for joining us today.

You're welcome thank you.

How about this -- -- they came together late on Thursday.

Essentially saying no for now we're not gonna vote and the debate and put the -- nomination to the actual upper down vote why.

Well we just lot of more time that it only been two days since it committee had reported it out.

There's still a number of key answers that have not been.

Given to us by the administration and the real concern about whether why the president made this choice.

It was an embarrassing performance on the confirmation process and Chuck Hagel.

For this position just does not seem to be the right person.

Based on his performance and based on his policy positions in the past so we just want a little time to.

Examine this a little more detail.

And we're waiting for some answers.

You've indicated at one of your primary concerns is to his position on Iran explain.

The Iranians have been pursuing achieving nuclear weapon capability for several years now we've tried diplomacy sanctions.

None of this is work senator -- -- positions.

On this issue.

Have been very favorable toward the Iranian position and not the US position in fact.

The confusion that he had during the confirmation hearing.

Over what our policy was it wasn't even in coordination of what the White House policy so he's just out of touch there or -- informed.

And that was just one of many embarrassing things that came out of that confirmation hearing which is why we want more time to processes.

-- you've done a lot of work on the specific topic of Iran and its nuclear program already get your reaction to this week.

The supreme leader -- -- Ayatollah Ali come manes said this week essentially.

They don't want nuclear weapons but even if they did -- -- weaponized what they do have.

That no power including the US could stop them at this point your reaction.

Well I think we ought to take that statement very seriously no one could stop them at this point we've been.

Delaying -- Dowling over this for nearly a decade.

Sanctions I said in diplomacy has not changed the leaders' minds and in Iran it's a serious situation that has serious consequences not only for the Middle East.

But -- the reports also for the rest the world.

The last four presidents the United States -- Republicans into Democrats have basically said it is unacceptable.

To allow Iran to -- Nuclear weapon capability.

And that portends a very serious series -- consequences if we stand by and stand back and let them get away with this.

-- back to the overall nomination and eventual vote and that we expect it will be within the next week or two on the nomination of former senator Chuck -- Senate majority leader Harry Reid says what you've done so far blocking his vote is just more GOP obstructionism.

-- your rationing up the partisanship in Washington.

And -- the GOP is playing games with us.

Well that's classic -- -- he says that about everything that comes up that when we do something that he doesn't like if we.

Agreed with everything Harry Reid wanted to do I suppose he might be happy.

Nevertheless this is a serious situation when you're talking about -- secretary of defense.

It's not just some ordinary cabinet position this is probably would be most important choice of president can make.

And I think he's made a choice that even Democrats are scratching their heads and I think they were embarrassed also.

About this performance.

Unacceptable performance of chucking you'll before the armed services committee.

And so I think you -- deserves at least a little time to continue to look at.

And what his position is he's going to be in what kind of leadership he can provider can't provide.

I don't know what the Democrats will do ultimately whether -- circle the wagons and support the president but I do know many of them have real concerns over whether this was a good choice.

I'll see if they go public with us senator Dan -- thank you for your time today so there.

You're welcome thank you.

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