Sen. Hagel did not mince words with his assessment of the Bush administration Wednesday.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. Chuck Hagel, a leading Republican lawmaker who has come out against the Iraq war, had some harsh words for the Bush White House Wednesday, calling it "one of the most arrogant" administrations he's ever seen.
"I would rate this one the lowest in capacity, in capability, in policy, in consensus - almost every area, I would give it the lowest grade," Hagel said during an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
Hagel supported the 2002 congressional resolution that authorized the invasion of Iraq the following year, but earlier this year he called Bush's plan to send thousands of additional U.S. troops to Iraq "the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam."
The two-term Nebraska senator flirted with a presidential bid last spring, but ultimately announced in September he has no plans to seek the White House and intends to leave the Senate when his term ends in 2009.
Speaking Wednesday, Hagel said the administration "squandered" opportunities following the attacks on 9/11.
"I think of this administration, what they could have done after 9/11, what was within their grasp," he said. "Every poll in the world showed 90 percent of the world for us. Iran had some of the first spontaneous demonstrations on the streets of Tehran supporting America."
"There's where they have failed the country," Hagel continued. "They've squandered the time and the opportunity that they had, and the next president is going to take four years to not only dig out from under that."
Despite Hagel’s insistence he has no plans to run for president, speculation persists that he and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg may pair up for a third-party Independent bid. The two even reportedly had dinner Wednesday night.
"Bloomberg's got the money - I think it'd be Bloomberg-Hagel," the senator joked when asked about the speculation.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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Obama/Hagel more likely.
As a lifelong republican, I've thought the same things about Bozo the Bush for years. Thanks to that clown, I'm a former republican!
Perhaps the now, very frank Senator Hagel would care to comment on the Diebold scandal in Ohio during the presidential election of 2004?!
Hagel is the former CEO of ESS, the parent company of Diebold.
Well, Senator?!
Still believe the Council on Foreign Relations is some sort of "conspiracy theory?" Re-read this article, and then do yourself a favor and go to CFR.org and read some of the stated goals of the organization... along with the membership roster. You'll be surprised even more.
At least there's ONE Republican out there who's not afraid to speak the truth.
I like this guy. Everything I've read about him has been positive. He strikes me as a man of principle who can stand up for what he believes in, regardless of what side they are on. We need someone like him. Run, Chuck, run! This lifelong Democrat Liberal will vote for you!
Now, now, let's not change subjects. Hagels got a point.
In related news, Conservatives everywhere rate Hagel as one of the biggest RINOs in recent history.
Bud, just switch parties... it's OK. I think Conservatives would have more respect for you if you did.
Chuck Hagel has my admiration and respect. He is one of the few Republicans in office who has the honesty and integrity to say what he really thinks about this administration.
It's Hagel who is arrogant. He misinterprets Bush's resolve to do what's right (even when the polls show people don't agree). I would suggest the only reason many people don't agree is because of the liberal slant the socialist democrats and media put on Bush's policy. It was right to pull down Saddam; it's always right to help people escape tyranny. If Hagel was an Iraqi he would be thankful for Bush unless, of course, he was one of Saddam's cohorts.
I applaud Mr. Hagel for calling it like it is. It takes guts to go against the President. I guess he, like so many of us, has had enough.
Senator, you are on the wrong side of the coin. Why are you arrogant about George W. Bush? He is our president. Show some respect to him.Otherwise it is better if you join the democrats.Your attitude is helping Alqaeda. Do you know that. I do not know if CNN will publish this letter.
Most right wing "conservatives" will stand by their party and never admit a mistake when they see one. They follow their leaders blindly, believe in following orders and authority no matter what. It's a type of personality we've seen with right wing regimes before.
Chuck Hagel doesn't fit the mold and has the moral fiber to tell the truth.
Bush has alienated conservatives who voted for him to be sure, Senator.
But what conservatives honor most is commitment to principle. You, along with several other politicians voted for the move on Iraq. You turned tail and ran from your decision, Senator, even after the latest operation has turned out a success.
You are no different from a certain Senator from New York who also did what you did.
Both you and Hillary are unfit to be President because you lack accountability and responsibility for your convictions.
You haven't the guts to face Nebraskans in the next election, and it only mirrors your about-face on the Iraq question.
Hey 4Freedom, what did that Kool-Aid taste like. Are you one of the "freedom fries" republicans that don't understand the difference between patriotism and nationalsim?
Hagel hit the nail on the head that Bush and Andrew Jackson are bar none the worse leaders in American history. I pray every day that we can over come the damage Bush and his boys have done to this once great country!
Lots of major congressional news today, as Republicans finally got a top recruit in a Senate race: John Kennedy jumped in in Louisiana to challenge Senator Landrieu.But Republicans also lost a top-tier candidate in a House seat in New Jersey which they could very well now lose next year.
Senator, you are on the wrong side of the coin. Why are you arrogant about George W. Bush? He is our president. Show some respect to him.Otherwise it is better if you join the democrats.Your attitude is helping Alqaeda. Do you know that. I do not know if CNN will publish this letter.
Posted By Dave, SC : November 29, 2007 4:37 pm
If you want to live in a country where everybody agrees with the leader, may I suggest that you move to North Korea?
I agree with the Senator on this topic. Also as a citizen of the United States, I feel I have been abandoned for the war. It would be helpful if the current administration could find a way or ways to help us everyday citizens who are in a daily struggle for our survial. It saddens me very much to see how out of touch the President is towards his own countrymen and women. We need help!
Little too late and a few dollars and lives short. Why didn't you say something much earlier about all this and save this country from having to deal with this mess you went along with in the past.I guess your conscience finally kicked in, or could it be you don't want history remembering you like the history will of our current president.
He speaks the truth on some subjects but i don't feel it's for the right reasons. Every other politician is playing the race card on war to get votes, so he must be 2.
"Senator, you are on the wrong side of the coin. Why are you arrogant about George W. Bush? He is our president. Show some respect to him.Otherwise it is better if you join the democrats.Your attitude is helping Alqaeda. Do you know that. I do not know if CNN will publish this letter."
Where does this come from? Who told this person that blind obedience to a leader is American? Who told these people that they're patriots?
I think we can all agree that Saddam was a bad guy, but Iraq and Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11. It was Bin Ladin who is hiding in Pakistan. If we want to go after the culprit we are looking for him in the wrong country. All we are doing is creating more enemies within the Middle East. Remember not all Middle Easteners think the West is horrible its only the far right fringes of the religous sects. People in this country (far right religous sects) that think the same of the Middle East.
Just because he voted for the occupation and later denounced the occupation does not mean he is a bad guy. Remember the Bush Administration did not give them enough time or all the facts about the occupation so many were dupped into voting for. I have more respect for people who are willing to admit thier mistakes instead of continualy try to demonize those who know and disagree that a mistake had been made.
Unfortunately the Republican Party has sold out to corporations and created a corporatists state and continue to pass neoliberal economic policies.
Sen. Hagel is a true American.
"But what conservatives honor most is commitment to principle. You, along with several other politicians voted for the move on Iraq."
And he realizes it was a mistake, presented under false pretense. Intelligent people change their opinions when faced with new facts or the reality of a situation. Delusional people push forward in the face of critical warning signs. I'm embarrassed to be a republican and our leaders are putting principle ahead of intelligent, well designed plans. Iraq is a complete failure and Bush will leave the mess for a competent person to clean up.
It doesn't make you look any better than Bush!
Thank you Mr. Hagel.
It's about time some on the right sttod up and stated the truth about the idiot in the White House and his corrupt bunch of CEO friends starting with that Dick, Cheney.
I find it amaaing that so many of my fellow Americans can still stand up for the worst administration in American history. And I thought Nixon was bad....
"Your [Hagel's] attitude is helping Alqaeda." Enough of this childish political non-thinking! Being critical is NOT being unpatriotic. Even Pres. Bush has said so–believe it or not!!! Without critical thinking and the free speech thereof we will become slaves to
tyrants and dictators.
Let me get this right, S. Wright..."what conservatives honor most is commitment to principle"?!?! How do YOU honor a president who DID NOT finish his tour of duty back in the day when serving in our Armed Forces was NOT an option?!?! How do YOU honor a vice president who chose to do what John Wayne did during WW II, using deferments to get out of serving our Country if not for the horror that was going on in Europe, how about after Pearl Harbor was attacked (John Wayne, that is)?!?! From what I understand, Colin Powell appears to be the only one in this Administration who served our Country! Even Rumsfeld served during an "easier" time...not his fault, just the way it was then. Don't talk about accountability and responsibility with this group. Hagel has more integrity in his little finger than this White House does. Bush is an insult to decent Republicans let alone decent Americans.
Too bad he decided not to run for President. At least it would have proven that you don't HAVE to be a war-monger to be a social and fiscal conservative. And he would have given those sane Republicans out there (both of them) someone other to vote for other than Ron Paul.
Only at election time do spineless politician try to save their butt's. If he felt that strongly why did he not say something long ago. It's just about money and saving your job. This is not what a politician are all about. They are for the people??? Not the spinless,they will say anything for a paycheck.
To Dave, SC:
Call me dumb, but how does having a different opinion or viewpoint from the president help Al Queda? It doesn't, but I do enjoy your fear mongering.
I have said for several years now that as a Republican I am embarassed of this administration, as an American I am down right ashamed.
Its surprising to read so many americans still believe that Bush is in Iraq for fight against Terror. This is the height of naivity. 4Freedom and billy are either stupid or Republicans.
When looking up Republican in the dictionary you will now find the picture of a Lemming.
It seems that to be a true Republican anymore you have to blindly follow the Republican Leadership as they lead the party off a cliff into a pit of darkness and despair. As a Republican party member it is now unpatriotic to question your leaders or have a different viewpoint. That sure sounds an awful lot like what is going on in Russia lately with Putin's party.
A TRUE leader is one that can change his mind and position when viewing the overall picture and presented with VALID facts. A person who is committed to something no matter what is short sighted, arrogant and just plain moronic and no good for this country. This is what Bush has been and see where we have ended up? We went from most of the world supporting us after 9/11 to most of the world either hating or distrusting us.
GOOD JOB THERE BUSHIES!
Senator, you are on the wrong side of the coin. Why are you arrogant about George W. Bush? He is our president. Show some respect to him.Otherwise it is better if you join the democrats.Your attitude is helping Alqaeda. Do you know that. I do not know if CNN will publish this letter.
Posted By Dave, SC : November 29, 2007 4:37 pm
Dave,
"He's our President, show some respect to him."
So how should I read this Dave, you mean he's your President because he's a Republican or that as the President of the United States he should be shown some respect. Let's come back to this when Hillary wins the election and see what your fellow Republicans think about respecting the President. Never mind, we don't need to wait we already know how thats gonna go
Thank you Senator Hagel for having the courage to tell the American people what you see going on with this administration.
As far as some of you folks that believe that attacking Saddam because he was a bad guy, what about your GOP party platform about "we don't do nation building"?
Bush is easily the WORST PRESIDENT EVER, but why, oh why, can't we get rid of him and his corrupt reich? I'm SO sick of hearing how the Republicans have scammed America once again. They used to be the party of responsibility, but now it seems that they're the party of cronyism, corruption, liars, cheats and religious nuts. ARGH!
If You "PRESS" Sen Hagel He may let You know Who was really behind 9/11 and Why? Iraq was only There, a Pawn, when it needed to BE!
Hats off to Mr. Hagel!
*And to Dave in SC- I think invading Iraq helped al Qaeda more than anything anyone could ever say...actions speak louder than words!
Do you feel duped. Yes, I guess so. Thanx for working hard for Bush and cheney to get Huliburton going.......
No surprise. Senator Hagel has been dissing the President for a long time. At the conclusion of his term, which will coincide with that of the President, he will no longer have to continue the denigration of a fellow republican to the delight of the opposition party.
388 more days until we can call America 'OUR COUNTRY' again.
The intelligence quotient on here seems rather low.
First a senator who thinks just because he said it, it must be true. That's referred to as arrogant in my book.
Then the same senator who voted for it in the first place now has second thoughts, he is the problem.
Pile on dumb pot-addled minds with your 2 year old mentality "bushies" comments. You sound like a senator named Reid.
First, in defense of Sen. Hagel's standing with average Nebraskans, he is a study in contrasts–and still enjoys no mean support here. On one hand, he has continued George Norris's progressive, non-partisan thinking. His rarefied political scholarship and thought would be held in esteem even in much more populous states. At the same time he seems to stand in diametrical opposition to the isolationism of Norris. In response to the comment about "honoring commitment to principle," well...what principle? Globalization is the agenda of a world that no longer values the expenditure of lives and production capacity in dead-end, destructive endeavors. The principle of optimized human freedom to work and develop is only agenda that will be acceptable to the world in the long view. Norris fought against it because he thought it would lead to sham wars fought by the populace for the rich. I wonder if he would still support the breaking of rank and Hagel?
Chris from NE,
Fear mongering is a natural tendency for those too ignorant to understand a dynamic world that is truly far from black and white. Their lack of intellect leads to an absolutist viewpoint that is only reinforced by the likes of Fox News, which gives them talking points to regurgitate ad infinitum. The thought that everyone must agree with the leader of the nation (trust me, I use "leader" very loosely) is the antithesis of what this country stands for. Just don't tell that to any Republicans...they might accuse you of being a terrorist. I say kudos to Chuck Hagel for at least having the fortitude to speak out against Bush's tyranny.
Too late to comment Senator Hagel
Saturday morning quarter backing at this point is counter productive to everyone, especially you.
Perhaps if we sent you to Iraq you could stand up and say the same things and watch the RPGs come flying your way. Criticism is not allowed in the jihadists society. You'd be fodder for the garbage can.
It is so refreshing to hear a Republican admit that this government is a sham. Now lets vote out the others that support this corrupt administration.
I think I hear the Hallelujah Chorus on these comments.
Eric, from THE Republic of Texas
and other Hagel Haters
Whats the matter, don't like it when a Republican doesn't tow the party line? What about Lieberman, who generally supports Bush in the Iraq War? Does that mean that I think Lieberman is a Democrat in name only? NO! Lieberman is entitled to his opinion and he represents his state of Conn. (Technically Lieberman is an Independent, however he does caucus with the Dems and he is only an Independent cause he lost his primary election battle)
Likewise, what about McCain? He has shown moderate stances and a willingness to buck the party line from time to time. Though not lately because he is trying to shore up (pander to) the conservative vote.
My point is that if we had more politicians from both parties spouting moderate views, Congress might actually get something done for a change. Furthermore, if both parties were a little concilitory, we wouldn't have the partisian gridlock that we have now. Put your party beliefs aside for a time and I'm sure you would likely agree with at least some of the things Hagel said.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for those conservatives on this blog who stop towing the party line to come to the defense of Hagel. He is one of the few conservatives that I respect and admire. If Hillary wins the Dem nomination, I would vote for Bloomberg/Hagel in a heartbeat.
Truth be told, an Obama/Hagel ticket would be a lock for the Presidency, but I don't see a politician crossing party lines for a VP slot
Thought there was a motive when I read the headline....just a bit of posturing, huh Chuck. Actually, most Republicans too long for the day when GW is out...realizing, however, the Dems don't have the answer to solve our problems either...and likely would make them worse with their brand of socialism.
I said to my wife when I saw the caption but before I read the article, "bet it is Chuck Hagel again." It is hard to take him seriously as he is always negative toward Bush. I do agree with him on occasion, however.
Osama bin Laden, the person responsible for the horrendous attacks on this country is still alive and living free. Thank goodness Hagel has the courage to speak out against a very incompetent administration. His quotes are right on the money and it's time intelligent and good people take our country back.
It seems that Senator Hagel has more balls than any of the Democrats, who have sadly disappointed this voter. Go Senator Hagel!
Sinead Loyd
No there's something you don't see every day – a Republican that isn't up to his neck in the KoolAid tank.
Thanks, Chuck.
Hey Jake from Austin, maybe you need to get together with the guy who keeps posting as being from THE REPUBLIC of TEXAS. You deserve each other.
Senator Hagel is spot on. And, I'm a Republican. A Bloomberg/Hagel ticket would have my vote in a heartbeat.
Those of you that can't see the costly missteps and mistakes Bush has made truly are blind.
After last night's debate, I ask myself, "Where is Chuck when we need him now?"
Chappy
The only reason CNN covers this loser is because he fits their slant, I love the fact that President Bush went to the Middle East, called Radical Islam out into the yard and kicked their butts up and down the street. So you're a Jihadist who wants to die for Islam? Here's your chance, jump a bus to Iraq and tell it to the Marines. You leftys are just worried that we are winning and soon you'll be seen for what you are... wrong (as usual).
It's time for the good senator to register as a democrat. Good grief!
[Hagel] absolutely one of THE most well worded summaries of the past 8 years, aside from Trump's statement about Bush being the worst prez in history (i'm no fan of trump,but he's right on the money there)...
the really scary part is that there actually people still out there who throw together the wildest,downright stupid and crazy rationales in support of that freakin lunatic.
and HEY, with all of the hot air on that ridiculous GOP CNN/YouTube debate, never a question of just HOW it is that we ENDED UP in iraq?...was it about 9/11-OBL?..about wmd? about removing saddam, and freeing the people? about installing a democracy in a mega religious Muslim country- a minor challenge (duuhhh)...whats the reason this month?
wouldnt ya just love to see THAT question....answered by those GOP clowns?
Hagel is a rino, so this isn't shocking news.
Amen!!!!
Looks like CNN is fully engaged in the campaign now. What don't they start a 12 week run of specials highlighting and investigating the sexual assaults of Bill Clinton and Hillary's role in intimidating the victims ?
Well what would you expect?.. HAGEL IS RIGHT!
Would be an unbeatable ticket if it is instead Hagel-Bloomberg. Watching the pathetic performances of the panderers yesterday made me long for a Hagel – a gutsy straight talker, someone who has all the right stuff to take this country back to the greatness it once was, pre-Bush. Hopefully, some event will happen to get the Senator in the race – we should all hope and pray that it does.
Prior to President Clinton I was a lifelong Republican.
I didn't leave the Republican Party, it left me. When the neo-conservatives (read NAZI's) took over the Republican Party I became a born-again Democrat.
Senator Hagel is the ONLY Republican that I would consider voting for; it is too bad he's retiring.
He is a true patriot.
Oh my God a Republican with a brain!
Who knew?
I am from Nebraska and embarrassed by Chuck Hagel's remarks. I am delighted he is leaving the Senate and also not running for President. With Republican supporters like Chuckie, the President does not need enemies.
I appreciate and agree totally with what Sen. Hagel had to say. BTW, George W. Bush doesn't deserve my respect. The Office of the President does. It analogous to "support our troops." I do. But that doesn't mean I support Bush's War (I don't).
I greatly admire Chuck Hagel for being the lone Republican with enough integrity, honor and patriotism to stand up and call the Bush administration what it actually is – the most arrogant, corrupt, incompetent and treasonous group of tools who've ever inhabited the White House.
I'm a life-long Republican, who voted for all the Bushes. I also do not respect Chuch Hagel very much based on many things other than his comments here. But there is a touch of truth in all that he says about the Dubya White House, and its poor management of many things.
He should be tried for treason!
If one more greedy stupid arrogant needy lying self serving politican adds his insults toward Bush I'm going to up-Chuck!
Is Senator Hagel taking democratic money along with Bloomberg to enter the race so as to divide the Republican vote to insure a democratic win? Very interesting.
Well, there you have it - the evidence is overwhelming. The only people now left to convince are the whacko fundies who still believe Bush is some kind of divine gift from the heavens who gets direction from the Man himself.
I'll probably get censored again,,I usually do.
( I wonder why these guys censor my posts.)
Thanks Mr Hagel,
In my mind's eye I see Thomas Jefferson and the writers of the Constitution. As they ponder the complexities of forming a nation they must have been thinking to themselves: Well,, we've beaten the English and we're no longer burdened by dictatorial system of living. Now,, how can we forge a nation and replace the King with an elected body who will run roughshod over the people? Not a system of government which is responsive to the needs and wants of the people who work to support it and die to defend it,,but rather, a government which taxes property,, and when that property is devalued,, will pretend it escalated in value and tax it accordingly.
Yeah,, that's what the framers meant!!
Thank goodness, we don't have to worry about Chuck Hagel making decisions to protect our country. He 'runs' as a Republican, but like many, he is a 'closet' liberal. People like him care little about our country, only about their careers.
Outstanding! Senator Hagel is my Republican hero of the week. Bush is the worst American president in history. Iraq is his albatross of his own doing.
hagel is a very odd guy sort of like bush.
The Bush is more than just a complete arrogant failure, as Senator Hagel rightly points out. It is also a criminal cabal, much like those at the tops of mafia families. They need to be held accountable for a change. They should be dragged into court to compel them to comply with the numerous congressional subpeonas they brazenly have been ignoring.
Hagel is right.
Old Hagel's even starting to look like his brother-in-politics, Teddy from Massachusetts. Been sounding like him for years! Switch parties, Chuckle, and make everybody happy!
Hagel is free to become the Democrat that is inside him waiting to get out.
What a sore loser! He could't get the nod to be a contender so he slams everybody! He would have lost his senate seat here in Nebraska if there would have been a next time!
Michael Torrance, CA – Don't feel too bad. I'm a life long Democrat and the very thought of Hillary Clinton on the 2008 ticket makes me wish for a third party. In fact, there is a national movement by Democrats called taking "The Pledge". That means we don't vote for *any* Democratic candidate, even at the local level, if CLinton is the nominee. I've taken the pledge and so have most of my friends. (and, in anser to the feminists who say...we might loose "choice" and gays who think that another Republican will harm "gay rights" we say "That's the whole idea" – you try and stick us with a corporate insider that outsources our jobs and displaces us with guest workers, that floods us with millions of expensive illegals and you can count on a backlash.)
Hagel. He figured it out.
Better late than never like the other Republicans Senators who continue to support Bush's foolish policies.
Because of his continual castigation of the president (a fellow Republican), Chuck Hagel has squandered an opportunity to exert quiet and effective influence with the White House to advance his anti-war agenda. If his cause is so just, why not cultivate a relationship with Bush and exert a positive influence? Hagel is in the same position as the Dems: if things improve in Iraq, he can claim that his incessant criticism led to success; if things deteriorate, he can say that "he told us so." If Hagel was so smart, he would have proposed a brilliant plan two years ago that would have allowed us to win and have our men and women home already WITH VICTORY. Those who lead, do so. Those who CAN'T lead critisize from the Senate.
Chuck Hagel is an honorable man, and a real Republican. Recognizing the error of our current foreign policy is not the same as "turning tail" and running. Our foreign policy has been dead wrong since the end of WWII. You people who believe that the United States is right no matter what we do or how belligerent we are, are blind and deaf. Unfortunately for the rest of us, you aren't mute as well.
While I generally support our efforts in Iraq, I do very much agree with Hagel regarding the arrogance of this administration. While I tend to support Rudy now, I do see in him an element of arrogance that the USA simply can not afford going forward. In this regard, I could certainly entertain the idea of supporting a Bloomberg/Hagel ticket. I see them as the only ones who can talk seriously about the issues rather than getting into 6th grade arguments on who did what with illegals.
If you watch both and Dems and Republicans debate, it reminds me of the debate I witnessed for my elementary school president. The level of discourse of all just stinks. No one is capable to discussing the critical issues of the day in a serious and thoughtful manner. I can only hope that when we finally get to the two major party candidates, that the quality of discussions start being a little more enlightening. I guess we have as much chance of that as Bin Laden converting to Judaism.
Senator, Go home buddy.. Your time is over. Do you want to join the Hillary campaign.. It will be interesting. You voted for war and now you are against it. Typical Hillary way.. Flip flop.... God Bless America.
It's too bad only the bomb throwing politicians get headlines. We need less of them, not more.
Sen Hagel has been right for quite a while on this topic. You people claiming he's a liberal only show your ignorance. And you people claiming Dems are socialists show you don't own a dictionary.
I believe that our current candidates do not know the amount of rage the American voters are feeling now.
I registered in my new state yesterday as an Independent, formerly a Democrat.
I would most likely vote for Hagel but I have not learned enough about Bloomburg to be sure. Otherwise I would accept Obama and Hagel. It is shaping up to be a wide open race. I hope more candidates step up to the truth.
Oh, yes Dave from SC. SSHHH....better not even THINK about disagreeing with the Pres-even that might help Al Quaeda. Ever heard of a Senator McCarthy? Anyone who disagreed with him was a pinko, a red, a commie, unAmerican...you get the point. I think you should go back to school and research the history of this great nation. The founding fathers, who wrote our constitution, said it was our right, nay our DUTY, to dissent (and for all you rednecks out there that means to disagree with our government and our leaders) especially during times of conflict. How dare you malign someone for exercising their constitutional right to express their views. That is, in fact, the most unAmerican, unpatriotic act of all. Being patriotic doesn't mean agreeing with your political leaders. Does my memory fail me, or didn't many Republicans express dissatisfaction, to put it mildly, with Pres. Clinton? Were they being unpatriotic? Exposing hypocrisy, just one more service we like to offer.
As a Democrat, I have a message to all of the Republican conservatives begging for Senator Hagel to change parties:
Please keep it up. As you boot moderates out of your party, the Democrats' political 'tent' gets bigger and bigger. We'll be happy to take your socially liberal, fiscally conservative civil libertarians. We'll be happy to take your socially conservative, fiscally liberal religious voters. We'll be happy to claim the American political center, as you shove everyone who isn't neoconservative or both socially conservative and fiscally conservative out of your party.
If the current Administration's incompetence isn't enough to win the 2008 election for Democrats, then the Republicans' devotion to their far right-wing constituency is.
Each time I have ever had the pleasure of listening to Der Hagel I enjoy a wonderful PUKE, Keep up the good work Haglie, it cleans out the system.
"I love the fact that President Bush went to the Middle East, called Radical Islam out into the yard and kicked their butts up and down the street."
God help us. Seriously.
Bush is the Worse President Ever.
This administration and the blind Republican following has also chased me away from the party. The party has been hijacked by global business motives and is not government of/by/for the people.
I don't know who I am voting for yet, but it will be Democratic. We need to right the wrongs done in the last 7 years. January 2009 cannot come soon enough.
Good for Senator Hagel. He is just saying out loud what everyone else knows. This administration is arrogant and will say or do anything to have its way. This is a democaracy not a monarchy! Remember when we were told that tt=he oil profits from Iraq would pay for the war? Surprise! they knew very well we would have to pay for all of this.and paying at the pump now! Senator Hagel is one of the few Republicans whose opinion that alot of people listen to so it is interesting to see the right wingers pile on him now. Senator Hagel would be reelected in a cake walk in the red state of Nebraska. Whose is kidding who here??!!
To Conservative:
Do you really think most people in NE are happy with the current state of world affairs? The Senate is probably most responsible and accountable for informing American policy, especially foreign policy. Hagel has called the spades of the last 8 years what they were, predicting the overall erosion of international trust. Do you really contend that Nebraskans would choose either of "the other guys," both of whom have made a political living as neo-con yes men. Lincoln didn't vote for Johanns as governor because they saw how much damage his mis-management as mayor had done. The senate battle in Nebraska would be a battle of records and ideologies–are you happy with the status quo, or should things have been handled differently? (are you a conservative, or a neo-con, and how do you define both)
To Conservative:
Do you really think most people in NE are happy with the current state of world affairs? The Senate is probably most responsible and accountable for informing American policy, especially foreign policy. Hagel has called the spades of the last 8 years what they were, predicting the overall erosion of international trust. Do you really contend that Nebraskans would choose either of "the other guys," both of whom have made a political living as neo-con yes men. Lincoln didn't vote for Johanns as governor because they saw how much damage his mis-management as mayor had done. The senate battle in Nebraska would be a battle of records and ideologies–are you happy with the status quo, or should things have been handled differently? (are you a conservative, or a neo-con, and how do you define both)
The illegal invasion of Iraq was perpatrated on the world only to Patent"9/11"for the Republican Party.It is to be used as a cudgel against anyone that dares to disagree with this illegitamate Government.The rumbling sound you hear,is the sound of the Great Respectable Upright Patriotic G.O.P. American Heroes,rolling in their graves.Good luck America.
Kudos to Senator Hagel, but this is seriously way too little, way to late! How many troops have died between 2002 and now. We need to get our troops home. When you have the Bush twins partying, the Romney boys serving their country by working on big Daddy's campaign, makes me sick. If these bastard truly believe in the war, why is that other Americans are sacrificing their kids. Bush, Cheney and the rest of the bastards need to be tried for treason, crimes against humanity and for wasting oxygen.
VJ, Atlanta,GA
What I said is "It was right to pull down Saddam; it's always right to help people escape tyranny." I still believe it was the right decision and I believe we should have stayed in Viet Nam till we had victory then the slaughter that happened there and Cambodia wouldn't have happened. I believe in standing up and fighting against evil before it rears it's ugly head here again. I have never heard a Democratic Senator state how he/she would fight terror other than beefing up the borders and I don't think that alone will do it. The terrorists are not deterred by cowardice.
Little late Senator but still very much appreciated. On second tour of Iraq, Not much different from last. Money does seem to be trown at this war; with overpriced technology and armor that you would think is made of gold it cost so much. No progress seeingly no end in sight to wasteful glutton "leaders"
When are some of these hard core Bushies going to open their eyes. Now even members of the Republican party are acknowledging the lack of leadership in this administration. Take a look at the secrecy and corruption of this admiistration for what it is.
My hope is that everyone who staunchly
supported this administation is voted out of office. We need representative's who will support the will of the people they were elected to serve.
Lets restore "WE THE PEOPLE" back into our government.
A bit too late, especially after wathing the Republican presidential debate. The Republican world view as simply a black/white condition was evident in last night debate. A persistent refusal to understand the nuanced dimensions to socio-ethnic conditions within a historical process will prove costly for smug Americans. In grotesque terms "eat it" Americans! We deserve our current plight in all areas.
I've missed the flurry of comments by about 4 hours, but I need to respond to some of these posts for the sake of catharsis;
To those who accuse Hagel of being a closet Democrat: it IS possible to be a social and fiscal conservative and still have the sense to recognize failed policy.
To those who attack Hagel for "voting for the war": pay closer attention to legislation. Many like Hagel voted to authorize the President to use all means necessary against Iraq and other nations if it wouldn't detract from the war on terrorism and if diplomatic efforts failed.
To the guy who said "If Hagel was an Iraqi, he'd be thankful for Bush": an overwhelming majority of Iraqis (the ones who haven't fled) now consider themselves far worse off than they ever were under the old regime.
To the Nebraskans who claim Hagel was afraid to run again in Nebraska: though clearly a red state, Nebraskans have a history of electing independant-minded politicians who do not always speak or vote along party lines (e.g., Ben Nelson and Bob Kerry). The only Republican contender Hagel faced when he made his decision not to seek reelection was the young and inexperienced Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning–who most area commentators agree Hagel would have easily defeated.
To Tim from TX, steer clear from political blogs and stick to watching professional wrestling before you make (thoughtful) conservatives look bad.
To both Democrats and Republicans: it is not weakness to admit your side gets it wrong sometimes–don't let mean-spirited, knee-jerk comments from the bottom-feeders in your own party drag you down!
I'm sure I left some people out, but I doubt anyone is still reading this post. I feel much better, anyway. I wish you all the best!
Looks like CNN is fully engaged in the campaign now. What don't they start a 12 week run of specials highlighting and investigating the sexual assaults of Bill Clinton and Hillary's role in intimidating the victims ?
Posted By Paula and Vince, Santa Monica, CA
ou know what i love the most about republicans that blog on cnn is that when CNN reports on anything that puts bush or actually any republican in a darker light they say CNN has taken sides. do you really think republicans are pure or are you playing the high school game where your team is the best no matter what!
It's Hagel who is arrogant. He misinterprets Bush's resolve to do what's right (even when the polls show people don't agree). I would suggest the only reason many people don't agree is because of the liberal slant the socialist democrats and media put on Bush's policy. It was right to pull down Saddam; it's always right to help people escape tyranny. If Hagel was an Iraqi he would be thankful for Bush unless, of course, he was one of Saddam's cohorts.
Posted By 4Freedom , NY : November 29, 2007 4:30 pm
only people who dont ACTUALLY research the build up to this war and know nothing about the middle east say we attacked saddam to free the iraqi people. you do realize we employed saddam before. i guess we just made a mistake......lol look up the war in afghanistan against the russias and see how we armed the islamic militants over there. take a look at actual US foreign policy over the past 50 years and you will see soemthing different then AMERICA THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS. youll start seeing the real life side of real life...
I've been saying that for years!!!
I see many Hagel haters on the board, like Fremont, CA who called for Hagel to be tried for treason. Are you forgetting that Hagel was in the armed forces? Sounds to me like you are resorting to the same tactics as MOVEON.org with the Petraus ad!
Hagel is a Vietnam War veteran, having served in the U.S. Army infantry, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5) from 1967–1968. While serving during the Vietnam War, he received the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Hagel
For those of you calling Hagel a RINO and telling him to switch to the Democratic party, you need to do some research first. While Hagel does disagree with Bush on the war, he votes Republican on EVERY other issue.
One of the last true conservative republicans. I don't know why people don't just admit the neocons are a bunch of big-government, big-war liberals. And they're the worst tax and spend liberals yet because they're taxing us years into the future by running up the deficit and destroying the value of the dollar. I see no difference between Johnson and Bush, except that Bush is more arrogant and less competent.
During his first campaign, Hagel indicated that, were he to be elected, he would retire in 2008 after two terms in the Senate. [2] Six years later in 2002, Hagel overwhelmingly won re-election with over 83% of the vote, the largest margin of victory in any statewide race in Nebraska history.
Looks like a politician is actually fulfilling a campaign promise...if only we could get more Dems and Reps to move to term limits like Hagel.
It's really not that Hagel has always been honest or not afraid to speak the truth about what he really thinks about Bush & Co. It's that he is not running for re-election in '09 and he knows that anything he says now is inconsequential.
You know, I think I would just like to point out one thing that I think the majority of Americans, including myself, need to be reminded of from time to time; WE PUT THE PRESIDENT IN OFFICE! I believe that all candadites should be carefully contemplated in the campaign season and people should vote as they see fit, no problem there. However, once we have a president in office we're stuck with him for at least four years no matter what you think of him. if you don't like the president fine, free country and all that, just protest with your vote at the next election. while he is in office, we need to be much more supportive of the president. he is the representitive leader of the UNITED States of America and, currently, to the rest of the world we really come across as many things but united. we need to unite as a people under a single leader and support his actions, we can give our opinons to our congressmen to help shift the government in the direction we feel it needs to go, but if legislation has already been instituted, or if a war has already been started then i feel that we need to unite under our president and form the kind of support structure that america has displayed in the past. this is just one college students opinion but hopefully someone will read it and start thinking.
I weep for my fellow Nebraskans who totally play the blind Conservative motive to slam Chuck Hagel because he practices his right to free speech against a horrible Administration with a horrible agenda. Our party has taken a bad turn into the mire of moral politics with arrogance and an inability to be diplomatic to allies and enemies together.
"You haven't the guts to face Nebraskans in the next election, and it only mirrors your about-face on the Iraq question."
I think that you're entirely wrong. As a Nebraskan, if he ran again, I would vote for him. As would most of the people I know in western Nebraska (where I'm originally from). Don't include us in your generalized, brainwashed opinions, please.
Its really stupid to blame Hagel, Hillary and others who are now against the war they voted for. At the time of 9/11, the country was in distress and everyone beleived Bush and his cohorts out of sheer patriotism and voted with the President believing he would do the right thing, for the sake of soldiers in harms way. To blame them for siding with the war to show terrorists the county was united. Little did anyone know that Cheney,Bush and the Neo-cons were in this business for oil and profit. They fooled the people then, and they are fooling the people now. SHAME ON THIS ADMINISTRATION.
Republicns follow blindly tied to there party ? look at all the dem /lib responses above,,, they all look the same to me, the republican responses look a little more based on personal opinion. Hagel is not the politician you all want to get into a discusion on who follows who blindly or who is speaking with integrity and virtues over ???? I can"t wait to see how the next president dem/rep handles the war on terror. My guess is not much different than Bush
It's about time! We have labored for years under the argument that 'you shouldn't criticize the president!' Unless I am mistaken, this is the United States, a country which was founded by people who were seeking the right to criticze their political leaders. If Bush has done a great job, then let's celebrate that. Unfortunately, the truth is that he has done a tragically poor job of leading our country, and the criticisms of his performance are not only warranted and deserved, but are in need of being loudly proclaimed! Face it – he's been a arrogant and self-serving president!
Oh give us a break, I thought this anti Bush ,Hagel had left!
Give us a break, who really cares what Hagel has to say, he
never was a Republican, he is just
envious of the President, and is
angry that the President just discounted him and his advise, as
inconquential.
GO HOME! GO HOME,HAGEL!
I'm not a republican, but finally, somebody with some standing has the "Cajones" to say what everbody thinks but was afraid to say! Arrogant is a good adjective, W also must be hard of hearing too, he doesn't listen to the citizens who put him in office.
Hagel, you flip-flopper.
You voted for the war, now you're against it.
It is a sign of a complete lack of intelligence when one changes their mind, especially if confronted with new information.
Imagine where the world would be if that flip-flopper Copernicus hadn't decided that the earth revolved around the sun, and not the other way around.
Clearly the man was a terrorist, as well as a flip-flopper.
Bring back spontaneous generation!
We don't need people using intelligence to change course or make new decisions.
It takes a real man to never, ever, admit when they are wrong.
A course must be pursued-even to total ruin–once it has been set.
Anything else is weakness,flip-flopping and liberalism.
God Bless America.
Nice to see a Republican grow a spine.
Hey Dave from SC; It's not a case of respecting the President it's respecting the OFFICE of the PRESIDENT. The present occupier of that office has done nothing to gain my resepct. Quite the contrary.
Perhaps the now, very frank Senator Hagel would care to comment on the Diebold scandal in Ohio during the presidential election of 2004?!
Hagel is the former CEO of ESS, the parent company of Diebold.
Well, Senator?!
Posted By Brendan H., San Antonio, TX : November 29, 2007 4:12 pm
what is that???! lets bring up something that has NOTHING to do with the issue. do you think hes lying about his opinion of the bush administration? diebold were voting machines that were reported as vulnerable and hackable!! i dont see how that discredits this man in any way. but nice try!!!!!!!!
Jack C. , Hagel is exactly right about the Bush administration.
Good for Sen Hagel. At least 1 republican has the guts to confront those clowns in the White House. Sen. Hagel is right on because those morons have made the U. S. a joke around the world. And no wonder, since their leader happens to be the village idiot from Crawford Texas. Bravo, Sen!
history repeats:
Someone needs to get a life? Your posting are all over this site and input at all hours. Perhaps it is symptomatic of the political climate today...we all need to chill out. Charge and countercharge are not constructive...meaningful dialogue is. One thing that appears to be painfully obvious is the need to get over the Bush/Clinton era...as long as the two families hold the high office, we'll never get over this self-destructive attitude.
Andy, Evansville, IN
why dont you take another look at my posts ive posted about 8 or 9 times and i just started like a week ago!!! nice try on that though!! people like me havent created the political climate the people that slander john kerry when he saved peoples lives in vietnam or make AL GORE look like a wimp when both of them could have actually done good for this country over the last two terms, they created this. they took this country away from whats right and wrong and got us involved in issues like religion instead of politics of gay marriage instead of economy or clintons marriage instead of foreign policy and education or health care! thats who did this......
Andy, Evansville, IN
and tell me something else how can you group clinton and bush together? bush's decisions have resulted in thousands of US deaths, clinton had an affair.....cliton was actually a good president bush was a disaster......it is what it is
History repats said
"and tell me something else how can you group clinton and bush together? bush's decisions have resulted in thousands of US deaths, clinton had an affair…..cliton was actually a good president bush was a disaster……it is what it is"
Posted By HISTORY REPEATS : December 1, 2007 11:01 am
History dearest, read some history, Clintons diddling distracted him from the country's business. The blood bath in Iraq is totally and absolutley his fault. Both Clintons have blood on their hands. I urge you to get out of the CNN / MSNBC / government school rut and seek the truth and not what they are spoon feeding you.