With so many retired [tag]generals[/tag] calling for [tag]Donald Rumsfeld[/tag]’s resignation, Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee got an idea: why not hold a hearing to explore why these decorated veterans feel so strongly about the issue. As [tag]Hillary Clinton[/tag] suggested in a letter to Chairman [tag]John Warner[/tag] (R-Va.), an open discussion “can help ensure we learn from past experiences and better shape future operations.”
On Monday, Warner said he’d eventually open the matter to a vote — if the committee wanted a hearing with the retired generals, they’d get one. Of course, there are more Republicans on the committee than Dems, so the minority would need a little support — specifically, two votes — from GOP members. As luck would have it, Dems might actually get it.
Sen. [tag]Susan Collins[/tag] (R-Maine) indicated this week that she supports a hearing. Dems need one more Republican to break ranks — and so all eyes are on John McCain, who once famously said he has “no confidence” in the Defense secretary.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the No. 2 member of the [tag]Senate Armed Services Committee[/tag], said yesterday that he would support a hearing featuring the seven retired generals calling for the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld — with one caveat.
McCain said he would be in favor of the testimony on Rumsfeld’s performance “if it is a hearing that is balanced,” adding that it would have to include testimony from officials who back the secretary of defense.
As far as I’m concerned, that sounds fine. This would be the Senate Armed Services Committee acting as it should — a controversy arises surrounding generals and the Defense secretary, so lawmakers get together to hear what the relevant players involved have to say.
Even if the hearing features Rumsfeld backers, the point is the committee would publicly debate whether or not the Defense secretary is capable and competent. At an absolute minimum, it’s a debate worth having.