Public Argument and Democratic Life

When Republican leader Trent Lott came under fire from conservatives on the issue, Hagel jotted him a short note: “Don’t let the ankle-biters get you down.” Lott said these communications helped sway him to support the treaty. In 1999, Hagel technically did oppose the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty— but not before trying to scuttle a vote on it. Just prior to the roll call, he signed a letter to table the treaty—a ploy that supporters were advocating as a last ditch measure to keep the treaty alive for a more amenable Senate.

There’s nothing Hagel likes less than talking about right and wrong in the context of foreign policy.

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When Republican leader Trent Lott came under fire from conservatives on the issue, Hagel jotted him a short note: “Don’t let the ankle-biters get you down.” Lott said these communications helped sway him to support the treaty. In 1999, Hagel technically did oppose the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty— but not before trying to scuttle a vote on it. Just prior to the roll call, he signed a letter to table the treaty—a ploy that supporters were advocating as a last ditch measure to keep the treaty alive for a more amenable Senate.

There’s nothing Hagel likes less than talking about right and wrong in the context of foreign policy.