John Avlon : We targeted him since he was nominated for secretary of state . In 2006 , John McCain said he 'd be `` honored to have Chuck with me in any capacity . Bush : Hagel wrongly called anti - gay , anti - war , but it 's really about opposing Iraq War . Hagel is a social conservative and Vietnam vet , wary of going to war , he says . Avlon : Unfounded attacks show ` ` you 're with us or against us '' neoconservative view .
John Avlon : We targeted him since he was nominated for secretary of state . Bush : Hagel wrongly called anti - gay , anti - war , but it 's really about opposing Iraq War . Hagel is a social conservative and Vietnam vet , wary of going to war , he says . Avlon : Unfounded attacks show ` ` you 're with us or against us '' neoconservative view .