Sources close to the White House are indicating that if former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel does not get confirmed as Secretary of Defense, the Obama administration has another potential nominee up their sleeve.
Hologram Ronald Reagan.
In the latest attempt of the Obama administration trying to appeal to their Republican counterparts, the Obama administration is taking a bold move here.
However, this nomination is already generating controversy amongst the Republican ranks. A notable amount of Senators are already ramping up their efforts to distance themselves from the 40th President.
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina stated that:
Look, we cannot have a Secretary of Defense that hasn't even visited Israel yet. We need to keep Israel as an ally, not as someone who we ignore. I respect the former President's service to his country, but I'm going to have to vote no.
John Cornyn on NBC's Meet The Press
questioned Reagan on torture:
I just want to throw a hypothetical out to the former President. If Mikhail Gorbachev said "the only way I won't attack America is if you torture me", then what would he do? The answer appears to be obvious. It seems like a resounding "no" and that terrifies me as an American.
Rand Paul, son of Ron and a potential 2016 presidential candidate, had this to say on Alex Jones's radio show:
If anyone knows me, they know I'm one to slash the military budget. But Mr. Reagan? He makes Obama almost not look like a socialist with his dramatic spending increases. I personally don't feel comfortable with him in charge of the Secretary of Defense job. I for one, recommend myself for the job.
But it's not just the Republican Senate that's questioning Obama's backup pick. The blogosphere is weighing in on their thoughts and opinions.
Erick Erickson, of CNN and RedState, wrote this on his blog:
Mark my words here, RedStaters. If Ronald Reagan gets confirmed as the Secretary of Defense, we will fund a primary challenge to him. I just love this country too much to put the country in his hands. America needs a President like Ronald....no we don't anymore actually.
The news is still breaking regarding the former President and current hologram, but his office could not be reached for comment. An anonymous White House source also indicated that the President would not reveal who his backup plan would be, but is confident Chuck Hagel will be confirmed.