McCain responded by tossing out the name of a dear old friend and colleague , the very man who would be nominated to that post by a Democrat and frequent McCain target 13 years later . In 2008 , candidate McCain said Hagel would make a great Defense Secretary . In 2013 , McCain says he has doubts over Hagel 's nomination to the post . The lives of the onetime friends have ` ` diverged dramatically , '' McCain said .
In 2008 , candidate McCain said Hagel would make a great Defense Secretary . In 2013 , McCain says he has doubts over Hagel 's nomination to the post . The lives of the onetime friends have ` ` diverged dramatically , '' McCain said .