He emphasized his `` unequivocal , total support for Israel '' and support for tough international economic sanctions against Iran , the paper reported . Obama says the then - senator from Nebraska is ` ` the leader that our people 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 positions on Iraq , Iran and Israel . Colin Powell says he supports him ; Iraq vet Colonel Tom Cotton opposes him .
Obama says the then - senator from Nebraska is ` ` the leader that our people 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 positions on Iraq , Iran and Israel . Colin Powell says he supports him ; Iraq vet Colonel Tom Cotton opposes him .