Protect Pete Hegseth from the same fate as Brett Kavanaugh

It’s a common occurrence.

A man is on the brink of reaching a high position in public life when a past accusation resurfaces.

It could be a distasteful joke made in a woman’s presence or an unwanted advance made while in a position of authority.

Sometimes, it’s even more serious allegations of assault.

Currently, Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, is facing such allegations.

This situation is reminiscent of the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

Hegseth vehemently denies the accusation, but the media is in full attack mode and seems determined to tarnish his reputation.

Republicans should not allow them to destroy Hegseth.

The assault allegations are dubious, and it’s acceptable to voice skepticism.

The police report indicates that a woman known as “Jane Doe” witnessed Hegseth flirting with women at a conference. Doe confronted him, expressing her displeasure at how he treated women.

They were captured on video leaving the hotel for the pool area after 1 a.m.

An employee at the hotel heard them arguing loudly shortly after.

The employee noted that Hegseth appeared to be intoxicated.

Doe apologized for the disturbance, placed her hand on his back, and led him back to his room.

Later, Doe’s husband, who was also at the hotel, texted her around 2 a.m. inquiring about her whereabouts.

Upon her return to her room at 4 a.m., she reportedly lied to her husband, claiming she had fallen asleep on someone else’s couch.

It wasn’t until several days later that she reported the alleged incident involving Hegseth.

Hegseth admits to engaging in a sexual encounter with Doe but asserts that it was consensual. His lawyer states that Doe initiated the sexual activity.

No charges were filed against Hegseth by the police, and there are suggestions that this may be due to a previous false accusation made by Doe against another man.

It is also speculated that Hegseth may have been in another relationship at the time.

However, his nomination is for secretary of defense and not as a partner. Personal issues should remain private.

As Megyn Kelly noted, “Experiencing difficulties in personal relationships, especially after serving two tours — which is not uncommon for combat veterans to struggle with their love lives upon returning — is very different from being a rapist.”

Due to the flimsiness of the accusations, leftist media figures tiptoe around the assault claims, opting instead to focus on questioning Hegseth’s qualifications.

Steve Benen, a producer on “The Rachel Maddow Show,” highlighted Hegseth’s “thin resume” as a “right-wing television personality,” before mentioning that “a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault in 2017.”

Benen had to acknowledge that “No charges were filed in the case.”

Trump’s selection of Hegseth was viewed as somewhat unconventional, sparking dismay from liberal media outlets like MSNBC and shows like “The View.”

They argued that he was merely a TV host, failing to recognize his extensive educational background and military service.

Hegseth, a decorated war veteran with multiple deployments, has received two Bronze Stars for his service to the United States.

He clearly has the qualifications and experience needed for the position he’s been nominated for.

The military fell short of its recruiting goals by 41,000 last year, indicating a significant challenge ahead.

This situation underscores the need for a change in leadership, and Hegseth is positioned to bring that change.

His latest book, “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” advocates for meritocracy in the military.

Hegseth should be evaluated based on his qualifications and accomplishments, not discredited by old accusations.

Twitter: @Karol