Hagel says he'd consider VP offer from Obama

[HAL 9000 96]

By ANNA JO BRATTON, Associated Press Writer 15 minutes ago

OMAHA, Neb. - Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said Friday he would consider serving as Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's running mate if asked, but he doesn't expect to be on any ticket.

Hagel's vocal criticism of the Bush administration since the 2003 invasion of Iraq has touched off speculation that if Obama were to pick a Republican running mate, it might be Hagel. Hagel said in an interview with The Associated Press that after devoting much of his life to his country — in the Senate and the U.S. Army — he would have to consider any offer.

"If it would occur, I would have to think about it," Hagel said. "I think anybody, anybody would have to consider it. Doesn't mean you'd do it, doesn't mean you'd accept it, could be too many gaps there, but you'd have to consider it, I mean, it's the only thing you could do. Why wouldn't you?"

In a book published this year, Hagel said that despite holding one of the Senate's strongest records of support for President Bush, his standing as a Republican has been called into question because of his opposition to what he deems "a reckless foreign policy ... that is divorced from a strategic context."

Hagel wrote in "America: Our Next Chapter" that the invasion of Iraq was "the triumph of the so-called neoconservative ideology, as well as Bush administration arrogance and incompetence."

He said Friday that he and Obama also have differences.

"But what this country is going to have to do is come together next year, and the next president is going to have to bring this country together to govern with some consensus," Hagel said.

He hasn't endorsed Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the presumed Republican nominee, whom he calls a friend. Hagel said Friday he hadn't thought about who to vote for in November.

In a March appearance on ABC's "This Week, he said he and McCain have "some pretty fundamental disagreements on the future of foreign policy," including the Iraq war.

McCain has said his goal is to reduce U.S. casualties, shift security missions to Iraqis and, ultimately, have a noncombat U.S. troop presence in Iraq similar to that in South Korea. He has said that such a presence could last 100 years or more.

Ted Sorensen, a former speechwriter for President John F. Kennedy, said Thursday that Obama should consider Hagel.

Sorensen, a Nebraska native, said Obama should pick a running mate who can help where he's weakest, and Hagel's national security experience makes him a logical candidate. Obama has a team managing the vetting process that includes former first daughter Caroline Kennedy, and Sorensen said he has spoken to her about the selection.

Hagel served as an Army sergeant in Vietnam and was twice wounded in 1968, earning two Purple Hearts.

He was the only member of his party on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support a nonbinding measure critical of Bush's decision to dispatch an additional 30,000 troops to Iraq.

"There is no strategy. This is a pingpong game with American lives," Hagel said at the time.

The rhetoric drew the public ire of Vice President ####### Cheney, who told Newsweek in January 2007 that Ronald Reagan's mantra to not speak ill of another Republican was sometimes hard to follow "where Chuck Hagel is involved."

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On the Net:

U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel: http://www.hagel.senate.gov

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Nice idea...perhaps a cabinet position, but not the VP spot. I keep leaning towards Hillary being chosen.

[HAL 9000 96]

Either choice would obliterate the GOP come November.

[GaryC 7]

Either choice would obliterate the GOP come November.

Doubtfull. They would alienate from their own far left base an equal number they would attract from the middle.

[HAL 9000 96]

Either choice would obliterate the GOP come November.

Doubtfull. They would alienate from their own far left base an equal number they would attract from the middle.

Really? And whom would they be alienated to? If Obama's support were only based in ultra-liberal fanatics, then that would be political suicide, right?

Not quite what is realistic, unfortunately for your line of thought.

[GaryC 7]

Either choice would obliterate the GOP come November.

Doubtfull. They would alienate from their own far left base an equal number they would attract from the middle.

Really? And whom would they be alienated to? If Obama's support were only based in ultra-liberal fanatics, then that would be political suicide, right?

Not quite what is realistic, unfortunately for your line of thought.

Obama's support is based on ultra-liberal fanatics. That is why he will not choose him.

[HAL 9000 96]

Well, that is your opinion. You are not Senator Obama.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

In spite of what Gary wants to believe, Obama is not an ideologue. He may be an idealist, but he's also pragmatic and has consistently said that he would want to a presidential administration that isn't just made up of 'yes men' or cronies, but people who he admires but may have a different viewpoint on several issues. Bill Clinton was that way also - he had many Republicans in his administration.

[GaryC 7]

In spite of what Gary wants to believe, Obama is not an ideologue. He may be an idealist, but he's also pragmatic and has consistently said that he would want to a presidential administration that isn't just made up of 'yes men' or cronies, but people who he admires but may have a different viewpoint on several issues. Bill Clinton was that way also - he had many Republicans in his administration.

Spoken like a true koolaid drinker. Obama is the very definition of an idealogue. Every single vote he cast was straight party line. How could you call him anything different? Your worship of Obama is glaring for everyone to see.

[Teacher Mark 53]

A stroke of genius if he does IMHO.

[no name 1]

In spite of what Gary wants to believe, Obama is not an ideologue. He may be an idealist, but he's also pragmatic and has consistently said that he would want to a presidential administration that isn't just made up of 'yes men' or cronies, but people who he admires but may have a different viewpoint on several issues. Bill Clinton was that way also - he had many Republicans in his administration.

Spoken like a true koolaid drinker. Obama is the very definition of an idealogue. Every single vote he cast was straight party line. How could you call him anything different? Your worship of Obama is glaring for everyone to see.

The bible: http://obamamessiah.blogspot.com/

Edited June 21, 2008 by illumine

[HAL 9000 96]

Yeah... another blog... quite the bible... he he he he.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

What's getting lost in this mudsling is that Hagel - among other Republicans - is on record giving Obama the edge over McCain in terms of the ability to bring people together and bridge partisan divides when working to find solutions.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

What's getting lost in this mudsling is that Hagel - among other Republicans - is on record giving Obama the edge over McCain in terms of the ability to bring people together and bridge partisan divides when working to find solutions.

The Poodle strikes again

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

What's getting lost in this mudsling is that Hagel - among other Republicans - is on record giving Obama the edge over McCain in terms of the ability to bring people together and bridge partisan divides when working to find solutions.

The Poodle strikes again

We weren't talking about the poodle. I just mentioned him for comparative reasons.