Hagel's Wife To Back Obama

RICHMOND, Va. — The wife of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to endorse Democrat Barack Obama.

Lilibet Hagel has scheduled a 10 a.m. news conference in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday with Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of Republican President Eisenhower. Susan Eisenhower also is an Obama supporter.

Hagel, R-Neb., has made no endorsement. Lilibet Hagel said in an Associated Press interview that her decision was independent of her husband. She said she didn't know whether he would make an endorsement or whom he would support.

"You'd have to ask him," Lilibet Hagel said.

She said it will be her first endorsement of a Democrat and that perilous world conditions were a factor.

"The fact is we're in two wars, two of the longest we've ever been in. We've run up a third of our nation's debt in just the past eight years. We're in the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression," she said.

The Hagels know John and Cindy McCain, and she said her endorsement was not meant to slam them.

"This isn't anti-McCain. This is pro-Obama. I'm just convinced he's the right person," she said.

The Hagels vote in Nebraska, but they have lived in Washington's Virginia suburbs since Hagel won his first Senate term in 1996.

A moderate Republican and veteran wounded in combat in the Vietnam War, Hagel has been a fierce and credible critic of the Bush administration's Iraq policies. During the summer, he accompanied Obama and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was briefly the object of speculation as a possible surprise Obama running mate selection.

Hagel has decided not to seek re-election, and will leave the Senate when his second term officially ends in January.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects that Susan Eisenhower is granddaughter, sted daughter of Eisenhower.)

Comments

[LMurphy418]

I hope these endorsements get lots of air play on radio and television. People need to know about this, especially those who truly think McPalin are a good choice.

[SwingVoter]

An Eisenhower supporting Obama--Bush really blew it.

[kev89]

You know, if he was still alive, I have a feeling Ike Eisenhower himself would be endorsing Obama right now.

[harriscrl3]

It does my heart good to see Women not fooled by Palin. SHe is the ANTI WOMAN!

Thank you Mrs. Hagel

Carol

[DefeatedAnOfficer]

I'm not surprised Mrs. Hagel endorsed Obama... she's already shown she has great taste in men. Please forgive me for the un-intellectual contribution to this topic, but I've always had a thing for Chuck Hagel. And I don't care that he's 36 years older than me, Republican, et cetera.

[biglover]

He's a nice looking man and while I disagree with his social conservative positions, I respect him for the honest and honorable man he is and apparently has a great wife.

[spudgun]

*chuckle*

[ECB]

Great !

[myangeldog1]

I have been a long time admirer of Senator Chuck Hagel. He is one of the few Republicans who have acted in the best interest of this country instead of his party. I hate to see him leave the Senate and hope that Obama has a cabinet position for this brilliant man.

Thank you Senator Hagel and to his wife Lilibet!!!!

[SilviaMaria]

I am so happy about these two women standing up: Susan Eisenhower gave a great speech on the last day of the Democratic Convention; and Mrs. Hagel knows what is best for this country.

[JT16682]

And don't forget Maria Shriver (first lady of California) who is an Obama's supporter regardless of, well, you know...

[nycwerewolf]

Hagel was my first choice for VP. I'm still bummed Barack didn't pick him. But Barack has secured democratic voters with his choice quite effectively so I'm happy about that.

[chubbydogwalker]

Hagel has only one thing in common with Obama, that's against the wall. Otherwise he's 100% GOP, voted almost 100% inline with Bush. His wife obvious has more courage than him to stand up and endorse Obama. Imagine they are friendly to the McCains.

[myangeldog1]

Actually he was a strong voice of opposition to the Bush Administration.

[jorge4u]

But I do see Hagel in a cabinet position.

[Pronto]

Hagel is trying to jump start a political career that's going nowhere.

[lordball]

Is Palin saying anything about Hage's wife going to be burning in hell for not supporting her? Please god let there be a soundbite about that.

[TruthfullyYours]

if by palin's denoument, lilibet hagel then will burn in hell. let us not forget that the hell palin's referring to is the state of our nation today created by her own party, two wars on both sides, economy in the tank (with no thanks to bush and mccain's support), the country's so divided and the morale is in the pits.

i'm still wondering that inspite of what we know about these two clowns (palin/mccain) there are still over 40% of our countrymen supporting them! where the hell are these people from (pun intended)? also, calling obama a terrorist and calling for his death? if there's anyone who should be in hell, palin and mccain should lead their supporters there. i'll be glad to give them a bucket of ice to comfort them.

[MOregon]

This is good news. The Hagel's are Catholic, and there are a lot of Catholics out there who need to hear reasonable voices that vote on the gambit of issues, not just abortion.

Thank you Mrs. Hagel!

[ILibertine]

"The fact is we're in two wars, two of the longest we've ever been in. We've run up a third of our nation's debt in just the past eight years. We're in the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression," she said.

Based on these facts, who wouldn't vote Democratic - one might think. Indeed, pragmatic conservatives have to align and it is telling that they see the light (Sen. Hagel has for some time now) - that it is not so much liberal vs. conservative as it is getting behind a perceived ability to fashion a constructive methodology for working through divisions internally and internationally - that I interpret to be the message of Obama.

Sure would be nice if Nebraska went "blue"?

[redsongia]

Hagel should run as independent. Or better yet, him and all the other fiscal conservatives should form a party called, "the conservative party" and try and restore the core values of the old republicans to government, minus all this bible thumping, culture war stuff.

The nail in the GOP coffin was pouring 700 billion down the drain in the name of "small government."

I'm voting Obama/Biden this year, but I see the need for politicians like Hagel. I'm very sad to see the extremist elements in his party chase a good man out.

[indieminded]

Well said!

[TroubleNYC]

"...and try and restore the core values of the old republicans to government, minus all this bible thumping, culture war stuff."

Hell, I'd join.

[TallGrrl]

Lilibet Hagel and Susan Eisenhower: Bless.

While McCain and Palin and their "base" of lunatics and losers foam at the mouth and scream "terrorist!" and "Kill him!", Obama and Biden continue to talk about the Issues, refute the lies, debunk the myths and continue to rise in the polls.
McCain has shown himself to be a very small, very desperate man. His campaign and the people who shill for them have shown themselves to have no shame.
When I see the McCain crowds, I see white people. I see the people who stood along the sidewalk and screamed and spat at Civil Rights marches, or little kids who were integrating elementary schools. It makes me sad and heartsick and angry.
I see the Obama crowds and I see all types of people, all races working together and it negates the bad feelings I get when I hear people screaming "Kill him!" when Palin says Obama's name.

[Coinyer101]

GIVE HER A CABINET POSITION!

[marytny]

Thank you for putting America first.

We hope to see Sen. Hagel in a cabinet
position in January. America needs people
with integrity once again.
Obama will pick the best and brightest.

[SeriousBlack]

Hagel as SecDef would rock.