Hegseth repeatedly deflected the various misconduct allegations and instead focused on his own military experience in the Army National Guard as senators determine whether the combat veteran and former TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military. “It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent,” Hegseth said in his opening remarks. Asked directly about the sexual assault allegation, Hegseth dismissed it as a “smear campaign," as he did in response to a rapid-fire series of questions about his personal behavior and complaints of drinking on the job. MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/nation-world/pete-hegseth-faces-crucial-test-at-confirmation-hearing/507-9df104f3-1be2-48a4-b5d3-d6925401a9aa