David Brooks criticized the Senate's Democrats for focusing on Pete Hegseth's personal issues rather than his national security qualifications during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense. He argued that a culture of sensationalism has taken precedence over important policy discussions. However, historical examples like John Tower's denied nomination in 1989 highlight that concerns over personal behavior in political confirmations are not a new phenomenon. Tower lost his position despite his impressive qualifications, largely due to his personal conduct, illustrating a longstanding tension in the confirmation process.
We live in ... a social media/cable TV country. In our culture you don't want to focus on boring policy questions; you want to engage in the kind of endless culture war that gets voters riled up.
Despite his credentials and his recent membership in the Senate's old boys' club, Tower was rejected-first by his former committee colleagues, then by the full floor-because of his personal behavior.
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