Lamar Alexander actually said...

"I am here today to strongly recommend and respectfully recommend to the committee that it approve the President's nomination of Bill Hagerty as Ambassador to Japan."

"I find it startling... they are never, never reluctant to step forward and lead the efforts to condemn Israel time and again."

"I hope that support will be bipartisan because it would be a shame to have this committee and the Senate divide along party lines."

"The U.S. Ambassador also plays a vital role in opening up U.S. Embassy doors to all groups, regardless of their politics or views."