Bad day for Chuck but a great day to show toughness on Iran and support for Israel

There is no denying that Chuck Hagel's confirmation appearance rivals Obama's first 2012 debate appearance as a stunning flop.  Even so, the preoccupation of the Senate Armed Services Committee with with Israel was an education in grandstanding.  The word cloud that appears below, was helpfully prepared by Yousef Munnayer.  Check his excellent post for his comment and a game.

[Added: Henry Siegman's timely commentary: "...the U.S. Congress remains in the grip of the Israel lobby. This was more than fully confirmed at last week's hearing."]

[Added: Walter Pincus nails it: Graham: “name one person, in your opinion, who is intimidated by the Israeli lobby in the United States Senate”. 

"One answer could have been “the two of us”: Graham, for example, by asking such a silly gotcha question, and Hagel for not standing up for his past words that reflect the belief of many who have watched the Senate over the years."]