Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee failed to land a decisive blow against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Defense, after several hours of tense

Senate Republicans are expressing optimism that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Pentagon, earned the support he needs to be confirmed after he emerged mostly unscathed from his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

After the hearing wrapped up, Hegseth was treated as a hero by his supporters. He embraced his wife and a long line of well-wishers. He hugged many people — stretching his suit sleeves so that part of his “We the People” tattoo was visible — and took time to pose for selfies with fans.

A decade of live television sharpened Pete Hegseth so much so that even Senate Democrats acknowledged his ability to mobilize the talking point during a confirmation hearing before the Armed Services Committee,