Tongue-tied Tattlers

Calvin Trillin, "Deadline Poet" in The Nation, wrote

                         The Nomination of Chuck Hagel for 
                        Secretary of Defense

                        Opponents think that Hagel should
                        Be more respectful of Likud.
                        And on Iran, whose nuke we're battling,
                        He's shown no zest for saber rattling.
                         The first fight for this loyal lieutenant
                         Won't be abroad but in the Senate.

which (with Obama's speech in mind) prompted my response to Trillin

                        I'd like to praise you for your rhyme;
                        It's almost always on the dime.
                         And Barack Obama would agree,
                         Especially on couplet three:
                         The man who pronounces "tenet" "tenant"
                         Would figure "senate" sounds like "lieutenant."