IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

The Company Memo: Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Sen.
President Barack Obama shakes hands with former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel in the White House. Obama has nominated Hagel for the next Secretary of Defense. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)
President Barack Obama shakes hands with former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel in the White House. Obama has nominated Hagel for the next Secretary of Defense.

Sen. Chuck Hagel's nomination to lead the Department of Defense continues to stir up criticism, but as First Read notes, the White House can feel pretty good about his confirmation prospects, thanks to praise from Colin Powell and Robert Gates, past praise from John McCain, and a non-committal statement from Democrat Chuck Schumer... but it's still bound to be a tough fight ahead.

Politico is looking ahead to Democrats' efforts to propel women candidates into the 2016 presidential race. They're looking at newly-elected senators Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren, Heidi Heitkamp, and Mazie Hirono...and of course, Hillary Clinton.

Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the Tucson shooting that killed six and injured Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and twelve others. Giffords and her husband are continuing to take a leading role in the gun control movement, having recently visited Newtown, Connecticut, and launching a new political action committee to counter the influence of the gun lobby in Washington.

msnbc's Richard Lui reports on diversity in presidential cabinets, past and present, as President Obama's second administration continues to take shape with two new nominations Monday.