Are his comments calculated for entrance into the presidential bid or is he someone who as he said has no regard for his political future?
His comments echo what most Americans probably feel, especially regarding our elected officials.
He’s been speaking harshly against Bush wrt the Iraq war for over 2 years now. And I don’t believe he has a history of political posturing, so I see no reason not to take him at his word.
Are there some new comments?
He was on Face the Nation last weekend, and he spoke on the subject extensively in the recent Armed Services Committee hearings regarding the proposed Senate Resolution to oppose The Surge. He’s the only Republican on the committee who supported the resolution in the vote yesterday.
I heard a rumor that Hagel’s not actually going to run for president in 2008, but a few days ago I heard him say that he hasn’t actually reached a decision, but will within the next couple of weeks. I think Hagel’s been thinking about it, but I actually believe him when he says he’s not sure yet.
Hagel’s bold rhetoric does indicate a man who’s thinking about running for president, or about bigger things, or at the very least a different kind of future. I actually like Hagel’s thoughts on our Iraq policy, though I don’t care for his thoughts about much of anything else. Hagel could prove to be interesting as <I>the</I> anti-war Republican, but it’s also possible that he could retire, throwing his Senate seat open in 2008, with Democrats Scott Kleeb and Maxine Moul possibly winning it (but more likely one of the myriad prominent Nebraska Republicans winning it.)
I can’t decide whether I think Bush’s recent escalation of the Iraq occupation will make Hagel more likely to jump into the race or more likely to throw in the towel. We’ll know soon. And whatever happens, I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of Hagel speaking out in the media. With the Republicans so tied up with Iraq, they could use a guy who’s able to let them distance themselves from that fiasco somewhat. Bush might not think so, but that’s quite a favor that Hagel’s doing for the Republican Party by criticizing Bush.
These are what I’m refering to in part; "This is a very real, responsible addressing of the most divisive issue in this country since Vietnam. Yes, sure, it’s tough. Absolutely. And I think all 100 senators ought to be on the line on this.
What do you believe? What are you willing to support? What do you think? Why were you elected?
If you wanted a safe job, go sell shoes. This is a tough business. But is it any tougher, us having to take a tough vote, express ourselves and have the courage to step up on what we’re asking our young men and women to do?
I don’t think so.
When I hear, on both sides of this argument, impugning motives and patriotism to our country, not only is it offensive and disgusting but it debases the whole system of our country and who we are.
My goodness. Can’t we debate the most critical issue of our time, out front, in front of the American people?
The expect it. Are we so weak, we can’t do that?
I don’t think so. Like always, the American people are far ahead of us sitting here, far ahead of us. Because we’re concerned about politics. We’re concerned about our position. We’re concerned about our next election."
Related reference: Chuck Hagel interview with Style magazine.
I love this line.
Too bad Sen. Hagel is so far to the right on everything else. But maybe that’s a good thing, in that it will show some people that you can be a “good Republican” and still know a disastrous war when you see it.