Obama says the ex-senator from Nebraska is `` the leader that our troops deserve '' Hagel says he 's eager to `` set the record straight '' about where he stands on issues . He 's been criticized by Republicans for his position on Iraq , Iran and Israel . TL;DR The White House has released a list of candidates who are being considered as possible replacements for Defense Secretary Robert Gates in an administration shake-up announced Thursday.
Obama says the ex-senator from Nebraska is `` the leader that our troops deserve '' Hagel says he 's eager to `` set the record straight '' about where he stands on issues . He 's been criticized by Republicans for his position on Iraq , Iran and Israel . Colin Powell says he supports Hagel ; Iraq vet Rep. Tom Cotton opposes him .