Powell Defends Hagel as Defense Chief

Believes he'll be confirmed

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday launched a full-throated defense of former Sen. Sen. Chuck Hagel and his nomination to head the Pentagon.

"He's had a very, very distinguished public service record that he can stand on," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "There are a lot of comments about different things he's said over the years, and I think he'll have a chance to respond to all those comments at the his confirmation hearings."

Powell said he believes Hagel will ultimately be approved by the Senate.

"I think he gets confirmed," Powell said. "I've read some of the responses that he's already put together, and I think he will make a very, very spirited defense of his position.  And I think he'll be confirmed."