Former U.S. Ambassador forgives Hagel for his homophobic remarks

[alp227]

James Hormel, the first Gay U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, gives Stephanie his reason for forgiving former Senator Hagel. Hormel says that when he started forty years ago, "things looked bleak indeed." He sees a shift in all of Washington. Hormel believes that Hagel genuinely meant his apology. He says, "times have changed and this gentleman has changed as well."

Stephanie Miller's Current TV page: http://current.com/shows/talking-liberally/

[Fearless]

1. I'll believe it when Hagel proves it.

Until then it's meaningless.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Did you watch the clip?

The quotes in the exceprt DO NOT match what is being said in the video (see my post below).

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Here is REALLY what was said for those not watching the clip!

"Hormel believes that Hagel genuinely meant his apology."

He NEVER said this in this clip. Has he said it elsewhere?

What was ACTUALLY said:

SM: So, ambassador you put out a statement, um..., that you would support this nomination you say basically that you accept Chuck Hagel's apology and you think obviously if he answers the questions that he should be confirmed.

JH: Well, I said more specifically in a later statement that I would be willing to accept his apology and, and that uh... his comments did not disqualify him from consideration.

SM: Yup.

JH: So, in my opinion it is up to the committee to elict from him the statements that will satisfy them uh...and uh... then we will see.

"He says, "times have changed and this gentleman has changed as well." "

That is NOT what was said!

SM: You say in your statement, "14 years have passed and public attitudes have shifted, and perhaps Senator Hagel has progressed with the times as well."

[Fearless]

4. Hmmm.... n/t

[UnrepentantLiberal]

5. That's not spin,

that's flat out lying. The worst thing is, it doesn't surprise me at all.

[mucifer]

6. He also said he thought there were good reasons to nominate him and he thinks

Hagel deserves a chance to be questioned.

Yes, the OP is wrong. But, Hormel is looking at the big picture of whether Hagel is a good candidate who might have "evolved".