Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri Pete Hegseth's War on the Pentagon
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Dec 12, 2024 Paul Rieckhoff, an Iraq War veteran and host of the 'Independent Americans' podcast, shares his insights on Pete Hegseth's controversial nomination for secretary of defense. Rieckhoff critiques the political maneuvers surrounding Hegseth and the cultural tensions within the military. He also discusses the potential implications of Tulsi Gabbard as DNI, emphasizing the need for qualified leadership in national security. The conversation sheds light on the risks of politicizing the military and the importance of accountability in political appointments.
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Rieckhoff's First Encounter with Hegseth
- Tara Palmeri asks Paul Rieckhoff about his personal connection to Pete Hegseth.
- Rieckhoff reveals he met Hegseth when he led Vets for Freedom, a group focused on keeping troops in Iraq.
Hegseth's Limited Defense Experience
- Hegseth's experience primarily revolves around political advocacy rather than defense policy.
- His groups, Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, focused on partisan issues.
Aggressive Tactics for Hegseth Confirmation
- MAGA supporters are employing aggressive tactics to pressure senators into confirming Hegseth.
- These include threats of smear campaigns, primaries, and private investigations against any holdouts.