Democrats skewer Hegseth as Republicans downplay his abhorrent behavior

Democrats hammered defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, slamming the Fox News host for his sexist views on women in combat, his alleged sexual impropriety, his alleged drinking on the job, and his bad managerial skills that led to his exit from two veterans charities.

Their tough questioning came as Republicans handled Hegseth with kid gloves, protecting him from accountability by limiting questions from senators and by allowing an exceedingly...