press reports on JK's first day at State (please add to this!)

[Mass]

6. John Kerry, Chuck Hagel confront historic rivalry

Last edited Tue Feb 5, 2013, 09:59 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/kerry-hagel-confront-historic-rivalry-87155.html

Old friends John Kerry and Chuck Hagel may not always find themselves on the same team in the Obama Cabinet.
The relationship between the State and Defense departments has historically ranged from strained to outright hostile, with their agendas often at odds.


...
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) questioned Kerry about Hagel during Kerry’s confirmation hearing and argued that debate over strategic decisions is important.
“Typically, there’s a tension. The Defense Department presses for weaponry and making sure that our country is safe. The State Department presses for nuclear arms agreements and reductions,” Corker said. “So, in the event this person is confirmed, that balance is not going to be there.”
Kerry responded that Hagel would make a strong defense secretary, and suggested that he and Hagel would approach nuclear issues practically rather than ideologically.
“We have to be realistic about it,” Kerry said, “and I think Sen. Hagel is going to be realistic about it.”

Interesting, certainly true. Now, if these two could bring these agencies together, it would be interesting, given that they come from opposite corners when it comes to VietNam. People forget to notice that Hagel was not in good terms with his brother for years after he protested against the war.