MSNBC Hosts Defend Anti-Gay Comments Sen. Chuck Hagel Made in 80s

MSNBC Gives Hagel a Pass on Anti-Gay Remarks (National Review Online)

Chuck Hagel himself has already apologized for opposing ambassadorial nominee James Hormel in 1988 on the grounds that Hormal was “openly, aggressively gay.” In a statement last week, Hagel said, “My comments 14 years ago in 1998 were insensitive,” and “They do not reflect my views or the totality of my public record, and I apologize to Ambassador Hormel and any LGBT Americans who may question my commitment to their civil rights.”

On MSNBC’s Now with Alex Wagner this morning, however, a roundtable sought to excuse his remarks. “His only truly objectionable comment was his comment on the gay community, which he made about one person who’s forgiven him,” said Joy Reid. “It was a very different time in gay rights,” said Nick Confessore. Hey, we’ve all made an anti-gay remark or two over the course of our careers, right?