Hagel Cool On Backing McCain

The Hill:

Citing foreign policy differences, Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), one of his party's biggest critics of the Iraq war and a co-chair of Sen. John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign, indicated Sunday that he is in no rush to endorse the Arizona Republican this time around.
As most GOP lawmakers are falling in line behind McCain, the party's presumptive nominee, Hagel's absence from the list of supporters has been highly visible.

"When I endorse someone, or when I work for someone, or commit to someone, I want to be behind that person in every way I can," Hagel said on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos. "I've obviously got some differences with John on the Iraq war. That's no secret. I want to understand a little more about foreign policy, where he'd want to go."
The senator added that the disagreement with McCain "certainly doesn't put me in Obama or Clinton's camp."

Hagel, who had been mentioned as a possible candidate on a third party ticket, noted there is a growing frustration among voters with both parties.

"There are more registered independents today in America than Democrats or Republicans," the senator noted, pointing also to low approval ratings for Congress.

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Read the whole story: The Hill

Comments

[wolf58]

Better off dead than red

[JohnFromCensornati]

"I've obviously got some differences with John on the Iraq war. That's no secret. I want to understand a little more about foreign policy, where he'd want to go."

Here's a clue Mr Hagel.
McBomb wants another 100 years in Iraq.
As usual, with Hagel it's all bullshit all the time.
How many times did this guy actually vote against the "war"?

[Bushgirlsgonewild]

Ron Paul is against the war – good. Other than that, he’s a libertarian, which means he’s principally against the war because business isn’t running it.

[NYCforObama]

If Hagel had been a Democrat and had stolen the election the way he did in Nebraska,
he would be in jail now.

He's an opportunist. Upset that he didn't get the Veep nod even though W. apparently
wanted him over Cheney. "So?"

He's leaving politics because he won't be re-elected in his home state.

You'll soon see him on Faux News.

[newshawk14]

I've been definitely impressed with Chuck Hagel's stand on the war. I think that he is one of our
finer politicians, be they from the right or the left, and hope there could be some way for him to
contribute, before leaving public office.

[letsmakesense]

Chuck Hagel can contribute before he leaves office.
He can support fellow Repubican Dr. Ron Paul(only other major GOP stop the war lawmaker) by endorsing him.
Hey he could wind up VP which is better than Bush did him

[Bushgirlsgonewild]

.

Ron Paul is against the war – good. Other than that, he’s a libertarian, which means he’s principally against the war because business isn’t running it.

.

[JohnFromCensornati]

"only other major GOP stop the war lawmaker"

This is hilarious.
The word *major* defintiely does not describe wRong Paul's candidacy.
Hagel would have to vote against King George W occasionally to actually be anti-war.

[rojo7449]

If you missed his interview with George Steph..... on ABC, it is online.

I love Chuck Hagel. Am very sorry he's leaving politics at the end of the year. He's the only Republican I have ever found so politically appealing.

[AurigaRa]

last chance Chuck, to "pretend" you're liberal. My guess is you'll cave.

[JohnFromCensornati]

He'll cave as soon as he has to vote on something.

[Azor]

Nonsense! I can't for the life of me understand why people keep making statements that have ZERO to do with reality. Do you know anything about Hagel's voting record or it just makes you feel good to type the word "cave"?

[Azor]

Hagel never claimed to be a liberal, to the contrary. Not all conservatives are "evil"

[SLone08]

I have a lot of respect for Senator Hagel. If he came out and endorsed Obama I would be very happy.

For all the talk of Richardson, Sebilius, and Pelosi as possible running mates for Obama, I think if Hagel was on the ticket they would be unstoppable. Imagine that?!? Lieberman looks like me might be Johnny Mac's VP choice so why not Obama/Hagel?

[AurigaRa]

oh my GOD!

Nooooooooo­oooooooooo­oooooooooo­oooooooooo­oooooooooo­oooooooooo

[Plowboy]

Except for his opposition to the war and a few other matters of foreign policy, Hagel is not far from the rest of the Republicans. Our foreign policy is horrible, but so is our domestic policy. I'd take Hagel as Sec. of State but not as VP.

Winning is not everything. If you aren't prepared to deal with the aftermath of winning. We defeated Iraq in three easy weeks, but then didn't know what to do. -- If we had been honest, we would have gotten out before we created the mess we have. But after a team wins the White House, can they so easily resign and say, "Oops, sorry. I really didn't mean it"?
If not then one must start with a team that can work together and do the job.

[SCG]

re- read the article above.....

Quote:
"The senator added that the disagreement with McCain "certainly doesn't put me in Obama or Clinton's camp.""