"I always ask the question is this going to be worth the sacrifice because there will be sacrifice," Hagel said. "Now, was it required? Was it necessary? Senator McCain has his own opinion on that, shared by others. I am not sure. I am not that certain that it was required. It doesn't mean I am right."
Other Republicans on the panel complained that Hagel failed to turn over requested copies of past speeches and financial reports they requested, and he avoided directly answering some questions seeking to force him to declare that previous positions or comments were mistaken.
Hammered during questioning by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, Hagel conceded that he never should have made the comment about the Jewish lobby.
Hagel had three major preparatory sessions for Thursday's hearing, according to an administration official involved in the confirmation process. The official said Hagel chose to "take the high road" by not responding with anger to "political theater."
However, another official acknowledged Hagel had some difficulty, saying "we think he's on his way, but he didn't round the bases today. He could have. He didn't."
A plurality of Americans back Hagel's nomination to succeed Panetta.
According to a CNN/ORC International poll conducted January 14-15 and released two weeks ago, 48% of the public said the Senate should confirm Hagel, with 22% saying no and three in 10 unsure.
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