Alex,
Deal!
I'll take Hagel for Lieberman anytime.

The repubs are falling apart and crossing over in support of Obama, just like Hillary's supporters. very wise choice. No more bush/clinton politics.

Kate said: "How does he [Obama] feel about Iranian television brainwashing children to hate the Western world?"

Even better, how do *you* feel about the fact that many American children are brainwashed to hate brown people who don't worship Jesus?

Kate also said: "I want a leader who has a better understanding of how the foreign policy works…"

Did you vote for Bush? If so, forgive me while I burst out in condescending laughter.

Continued: "…and understands that there are people in the world who have hated the Western world LONGER than Bush has been in office."

Of course there are. However, that number pales in comparison with the number of people over there with *justifiable* hatred for the USA now, due to our actions.

Curious George for VP!

As long as we're going to lose, why not?

Chuck Hagel,

Thank you for the subtle defence of Barack. I am sure that, should you decide to endorse Barack, you will be welcomed with open arms!

To all of those suspicious minds, do you think that it is possible that Sen. Chuck Hagel, is really being genuine? I do believe that he is. I can understand the McCain supporters attacking him, because he is outspoken in his critique of McCain, but the Democratic supporters should be more open minded.

E Powell 1 MD. e Powell MD 11 and E R. Powell

I agree with you.

I really feel that there is something really wrong with McCain. Just look at his eyes when he is speaking. He speaks as though he is being spoon fed, and his eyes seem very vacant.

Again thank you Chuck!

McCain is TOO SIMPLE!!

Hey buddy, what republican isn't?

Sen. Hagel said "We know from past campaigns that presidential candidates will say many things," Hagel reportedly said. "But once they have the responsibility to govern the country and lead the world, that difference between what they said and what responsibilities they have to fulfill are vastly different."

In other words Sen. Hagel is saying that please don't take Sen. Obama's words seriously because he is inexperienced and fresh, for he will be a different man when he becomes president when he would have the responisbility of the office. This is probably true but laughable for Sen. Hagel to use as the arguement. Am I to treat seriously Sen. Obama's claim that he opposed giving Pres. Bush the power to take miltary action (go to war) against Iraq from the start? Well, at the time Obama was not yet a US senator. He had no voting responsibility. Would he had voted for the war if he had the responsibility of the office of a US senator?

This is so offensive to me. Are we to accept junk talk and irresponsible campaing promises from the candidates?

I found the above comment made by Sen. Hagel another example of how Obama supporters completely ignored the flaws and shortcomings of Sen. Obama because they are voting with their heart instead of with their head. People like that are in for the surprise of their life if Sen. Obama is elected. Remember George W. Bush said "no nation-building…" in 2000.

The "Right Wing" is comming to the Right Side!

OBAMA ………………..CROSSING PARTY LINES TO UNITE AMERICA!!!!!!

THIS MAN IS GREAT!!!!!!!

I agree with you Mr. Senator, McShane will continue Bush's Policies and make people around the world hate us more than ever. I know it takes a lot of guts for you to take that stand. But it demonstrate that you have character and willing to do what's best for your country. Thank you sir!

Why do so many people think he's making a bid for VP? It's this kind of gullibility that gave us "Dubya". Speaking of the devil, Why is the "liberal media" regurgitating all this "appeasement" hoopla? If it is liberal why aren't they exposing the fact that the Bush family (Prescott) financially aided and abetted the Nazi's before & after the start of WWII? I would say that's far worse than appeasement.

hahahhahah Its time for mccain to consider quitting and heading to Kentucky!. that 89yrs old granny needs to be screaming in a nursing home !
GO Obama !
Go Dems

Barack Obama D-iLL 08

If Obama would come to visit the Netherlands we could
easely bring 75000 people in the center of Amsterdam.
He is very welcome!
When McCain would come I dont think everybody is hiding!

Europe for Obama!!

I don't know. Maybe Obama/Hagel might be a good idea.

I mean, it could siphon off voters from McCain… something to think about.

For a REPUBLICAN, YOU ROCK Chuck!

BTW, saw this in the paper today and on CNN's website:

Should Clinton reject racists? 1:40
David Gergen says Sen. Hillary Clinton should tell racists that she doesn't want their vote.

Perhaps it's Obama who should be the one to do so!

Anytime 'anyone' praises Obama you see the flurry of 'Anyone' for VP posts.

You guys really need to chill out.

The more knowledge a person attain the sooner he are her learnt that they do not know as much as they thought they did. Some people have forgotten we are one people of many Nation and yet we put together a civillization unmatch by all the previous one before us. Bless this house we by chance have the oppotunity to show the world that all people can come together for the common good of all.

Unfortunately, John McCain is neither as smart nor as honest as you think, Chuck.

Obama-Hagel 08′

This would be a great ticket.

Thank God there are one or two well meaning Republicans.

A career politician who says anything to voters who want to hear.
It's up to voters whom you trust the most that he/she will walk the talk more than other.

Good for you Sen. Hagel, your friend needs more brains. Have you heard McCain's speeches? he repeats the same sentence twice, listen to him, or he says "MY FRIENDS" one million times! He is a man that does not inspire people, does not have a life! but a wife with lots of money!!! McCain needs to begin his life! go travel……go and spend your money….. enjoy life John!! and leave the White House for someone that will make the american people proud of!

Sen. Hagel would make a grat VP for Obama, I believe.

Hagel. GET SOME GUTS.

Republicans like you have given the congress to the democrats. What a wuss!

Bad news GOP.

This one is finished. All the Democrats have to do at this point is pound away at the awful state the country is in and what a great job the Republicans have done in getting us there and it's over.

I remember the cocky attitude you guys had in the 2006 midterms. Remember what Mr. Rove said? That not only will we keep seats we will add to it? Then remember the look on the GOP leaders faces the next day? Thats your face the day after in November!

Obama/Hagel now THAT is a dream ticket!!!

McCain, Clinton and Obama are all sitting Senators.

Listen to those who know them best.

Actually McCain has been very soft on Obama. Obama attacks McCain at every chance he gets. Mcain is running for the presidentcy, and one of the thing that a candidate runnig for president do is point out the other candidate's faults. So, are we suppose to believe that only Obama can attack other candidates. Hagel is either jealous of McCain are he wants to be Obama's VP.

It seems that here of late every time Mcbush opens his mouth he shows us all just how dumb he really is, The warmonger is not fit to be pres., hes a killer, not a hero.

Last week, liberals in Congress voted for the equivalent of a $150 billion tax increase. They voted to make your next trip to the gas station more expensive; to make your next airplane ticket more expensive; to make heating your home more expensive — even to make feeding your family more expensive.

How did they do it? By voting to block environmentally sound production of U.S. energy in favor of continuing to be held hostage to oil from foreign dictatorships. I'll explain in a minute.

Interesting how McCain's campaign team are leaving and his long time friends are even turning against him. Something dirty must be going on behind the scenes. This certainly does not bode well for the GoP in November. An endorsement from Hagel for Obama would be extremely well received. Interesting thought…bipartisan Presidency? Could that even be done?

Thank you Hagel, a republican with integrity unlike Rushy, Seany and Anny. VP with Obama will be great ! End this War or again send the WV and Kentucky people!!! Since they are distracted by race instead of content of character.

Dear Mike E. Cooney,
I agree that freedom exacts a high price. But why does Iraqi freedom have to cost us so much? And, by the way, I didn't see farm subsidies decrease of get eliminated when the Republicans ran Congress, even with Republican President Dum-Dum in office.

It is amazing how CNN screens these posts. I just read the latest polls and Obama is up against Mccaine by an average of just 3 points…Obama 46 Mccaine 43….so why is it that 98% of the comments are just purely against Mccaine when 43% of the country supports him. Surely, I can't be the only one who doesn't get his news from Fox.

This is despicable CNN….please just report facts and figures and let voters decide for themselves. Stop trying to influence voter's preferences by making it appear the whole country is against Mccaine.

Haven't you learned a new strategy yet?

WOW!! Is All I can Say about this….I gues as Obama would say, This Is not A Democrat America, or a Republican America, But This Is The United States Of America…

Support Who ever you so choose…God Bless America!!!!

WE welcome honest and sincere comments _ h e is right..
well i hope he endorses and supports our next president..
senator Obama…

Obama 08

Thank god for ONE sane Republican.

You know, I have been a Republican all my life…unitl now. After sitting out the last two elections (yeah, you guessed it: I can't stand Bush), I now feel I have an alternative in Obama.

McCain is getting some really bad advice about how to go about fighting Obama. Instead of contrasting himself to the degree of absurdity, he should have tried to attract Independents with a more sane foriegn policy agenda.

And what's up with him stealing "Ready from Day 1″ line from Clinton? That line nauseated people when Hillary used it. It is even worse coming out the mouth of a Republican who has flip-flopped about foreign and domestic issues so many times, no one knows which McCane will show up on any given day.

i dont think he's trying out for the vp of obama
i think it's the Secretary of the State
but most Obama supporters seem to think there is only one other
office of importance, the VP
crap, vp aint nothing but somebody the Prez sends around the world
when they cant go, so dont get all excited over any candidates VP
unless Rev. Wright wasnt kidding when he whispered and jokingly
said he might be the VP…Yikes

Hey STRAIGHT TALK, name one thing that Hillary has done to be a PROVEN LEADER. Didn't think ya could……

Senator Hagel is an intelligent, thoughtful, aware Republican, something that's becoming an endangered species. He does NOT talk about Senator McCain from a position of disrespect, but rather as someone who is a colleague, knows him quite well, and considers himself a friend. Perhaps people could stow their knee-jerk reactions long enough to listen to what he is saying.

Hagel is a good man. He puts the interest of America above the party line.

McCain was one of 2 politicians who held my highest regard for never pandering and always being consistent - voting for what's right vs. what his party necessarily wanted.

He lost that respect with me when he started morhing into Bush (the very man who screwed him out of the nomination 8 years ago). The only remaining politician who can command this respect from me is Sen. Russ Feingold. He is not afraid to go against the party or the mood of the minute and he actually reads through a bill before voting on it.

Case in point - he was the only senator to vote against the Patriot Act - God bless him!

As a former Cornhusker (Nebraskan) - THANK YOU CHUCK!! I had voted for him in Nebraska for this very reason. He doesn't BS anything and he is a good honest man. He does and says what is right.

Go Obama!

McCain temper issues and foreign relations = not good for the USA

Kate, I agree with you. You've said it all.

Great Senator Chuck I saw you in the Colbert Report and I just love the way you see thinks, and it will be very important that you spread the word around Republicans… THANKS!

To the people saying that HRC has the majority of the popular vote…Again their math is wrong….Caucuses do not count for you, so you are not counting all the states with primaries won by Obama, Florida and Michigan broke the rules so those votes do not count, and if Michigan will count that means that we need to deduct the votes (46-47%) against her. the 46-47% against her must tell you Something!

OBAMA 08″/Webb, Clark or Hagel as VP

McCain needs money if he hopes to compete against Obama… maybe he's a little to the right of where he wants to be so he can get some financial support from conservatives who really don't like him much. Once he gets a few bucks in his pocket he will hopefully move back toward the more centrist position he's been in for much of his career. He's a good man… maybe not a good candidate… but I don't think he'll be pushed around by the party as much if he can get some momentum on issues that matter to him. But for that he needs cash… like everyone else.

I've always agreed with Chuck Hagel on Iraq, call me a dissatisfied Republican. John McCain is pandering to his "base" too much. All the pundits say he has to, but I disagree. I don't think McCain is as extreme and hawkish as he is sounding. Our foreign policy should be based on what is good solely for Americans now and in the future. McCain has the guts on many issues to call it like he sees it (environment, job retraining for lost Detroit jobs, calling Russia to task), but he is coming off as too extreme in the Mideast (and foreign affairs should be his strongpoint). I believe their is a disconnect between how he is coming off and what he would actually do as President. I highly doubt a President John McCain would have gone in to Iraq as there was no need. This Iraq fiasco is solely President Bush's doing and unique to his presidency, but McCain wants us to come out on top with our prestige intact, and it has much to do with Vietnam experience. There probably isn't a huge difference between what a President McCain and what a President Obama would do in Iraq at the end of the day. I would prefer Obama's way, but that won't make me vote for him (yet).

Sen. Obama's
message has been change, from the partisianship of the last 8 years, I think Sen. Hagel would be great for VP, this would help with Sen. Clinton's base hard working, white people. Sen. Hagel has great record in foreign affairs. This guy was
not fooled by President Bush going in to Iraq to distract the American people from Osama Bin Laden, who by the way is still at large and sending his hate filled messages, so I ask you after 8 years are we any safer? I read a blog here that stated that Sen. Obama was on the sidelines when he opposed the war, that just goes to show even from the side lines Sen. Obama made a better judgement call than Sen. Clinton with all her information provided by Bush. Sen. Obama and Sen. Hagel would be a great ticket.

Obama / Hagel in the fall!

Hey alex richards, on behalf of the Democratic party I accept the trade. Hope you enjoy your "Joementum."

I don't know Hagel's policy positions, but I applaud his honesty and willingness to follow the argument wherever it leads him. I hope to see him endorsing Obama soon.

McCain is a warmonger, plain and simple. His trigger finger is very itchy regarding Iran and is likely to be pulled January 21 if he's elected president.

Oh BOY !!!!! Here we go . Does anyone realize that McSame doesn't have a :

Foreign policy=0
Economic Policy=0
Healthcare=0
Home Foreclosure Policy=0
Social Security Policy=0

He does have a:
Tax Policy= more Tax breaks for the Rich( like his filthy rich WIFE!)
Gun Policy= more guns on the streets on the streets to kill innocent children( Columbine, Univ of Virginia)
War Policy= Stay the course in Iraq to kill 400 more of our Families,spend billions more. While our Economy is being slaughtered !!!!

HE WILL FINISH WHAT BUSH STARTED, HE ONLY WANTS US TO THINK HE IS ABOUT CHANGE TO GET HIS FOOT IN THE DOOR!!!!
DON'T BE FOOLED BY HIS DOUBLE SPEAKING, HE WANTS US TO BE AS CONFUSED AS HE IS

CNN please post :).

WHAT A JOKE….

BACKSTABBERS ARE COMING OUT OF THE WOODWORK ARENT' THEY?

McCain is a puppet for the lobbyists????

Uh huh…and Obama is a puppet for the unions.

Nuff said….

Why do we care what Hagel has to say? This I do not understand.

Honestly, I don't knoow how John McCain can win the argument on foreign policy - his policy is the same as Bush's and that what got us where we are today. Now Obama may say some tihings now, and then change if he is actually elected.

I don't think McCain is going to change much from what George W. Bush has done.

The war in Afghanistan was over in 2 months (Russians failed for 10 years) and the war in Iraq lasted just over 2 weeks. Our troop shave done an OUTSTANDING JOB and I for one am getting tired of the stupid idea that America's image is damaged. Mora mar Qaddafi disarmed because he saw we meant business! Iran is doing little more than saber rattling since we have troops so close to him.

Where does CNN and Democrats get the idea that the best foreign policy is to it back and let things happen? If Obama is elected then all the sacrifices of our troops to date will be lost.

You Obamatrons will jump at anything that appears to help your boy.Hagel's yesterdays news trying to be timely.Obama gets crushed in November.Crushed.

McCain is just keeping the heat on. Obama has some momentum that has to be brought back down to reality. Don't worry Senator, he'll bury Obama in the debates.

A vote for John McCain in November, or no vote at all, is a vote AGAINST Hillary Clinton…and against all women in the USA.

Chuck is a true and honourable man, with back bones! He has been consistent, unlike McCain the flip flopper! I cannot understand why a man had tried to show that he is different, would support Bush's "appeasement" talk in Knesset? I guess it show his true character! There is a saying: "let the wind blow so one ses what Scotman has under his skirt"!

Hagel is an idiot who is a Democrat trying to gravy-train off the Republian party's strength in Nebraska.

McCain is NOT creative at all ,and has no plan either.He is just focused in continuing the same policies of the past against all the problems we have: Iraq War,Cuba,Noth Korea,Iran,economy,american dollar!!No more BUSH…….PLEASE!!!!!!!
OBAMA-HILLARY 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If McCain has any sense of correct judgment he will listen carefully and follow the sage advice of Senator Hagel. Chuck Hagel may not be running for reelection in November, but he is far from exiting the political scene. Hagel is a man who shares much with Obama in terms of political unity and independence, but he is also one of our best strategic and tactical visionaries. This nation will change in the years to come, and Chuck Hagel will be at the forefront in setting and leading a new direction.

Hagel is now officially apart of the new coalition. I once had the upmost respect for John McCain I saw him take the gang of 13 and stop a fillabuster. But he's strayed away from his positions over the last 4-5 years and me thinks he saw the presidency in his sights. Our next President must absolutely talk to and have a better relationship with: Iran, Russia, and Venzeluea. These countries are the reasons that gas has hit $4 a gallon. You see you Repbulicans puppets think that America is still in charge of the world it is not. We live in a changing world, where good relationships trump good militaries……(see China). We don't have to agree with everything these other countries do or say but if we completely abandon these relationships than they'll abandon their exports of oil to the rest of the world causing oil prices to skyrocket. Our economy isn't failing just because of a dummy in office our economy is failing because this dummy likes to think his wooden hands can actually pack a punch.

Hagel, l agree with you that John is smarter than what he is saying or what comes out of his mouth. The fact is 'when someone is too old, he begin to behave like a kid, talk like a kid and do everything like a kid; people like that usually loose their sense of belonging and because he was in the force, he will still be thinking that he is still in the force.
That is why John McCain is not good for America; America needs a younger and intelligent man as 'leader'; that will understand the people's needs.

So this is what Hillary would look like if she were a Republican, lol.

Republicans are out of touch! Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosvelt met and became allies to defeat Hitler. President Nixon met with Mao Te Sung a ruthless communist Chinese dictator. President Kennedy met with Nikita Kruschev a communist dictator of Russia who threatened our allies and our own country saying he would bury us! What are we afraid of! Do we think fear mongering and bullying diplomacy is the only diplomatic path? Looks like McCain looks like Bush who looks like the republican platform that is out of touch with the political realities of our day.

McCain is NOT creative at all ,and has no plan either.He is just focused in continuing the same policies of the past against all the problems we have: Iraq War,Cuba,Noth Korea,Iran,economy,american dollar!!No more BUSH…….PLEASE!!!!!!!
OBAMA-HILLARY 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When is the coddling of bawaaahwaaaahhk going to stop? I've never seen anything like this in my 40+ years of voting. Let's just give him a pacifier and call it a day.

Yeah, this is why Israel is "secretly" talking to Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah. The U.S. isn't helping them…so they are trying to sit down with their enemies and figure their crap out, while George Bush begs his frenemies, the Saudis for oil and they laugh in his face!!!

Not so fast Obama supporters.
DNC, Superdelegates,
To whom it may concern:
This is the land of the free, of those who believe in a better future for each one of our families. We are all part of this great dream. Thus, those voters who went to the polls despite being disenfranchised by a few have the same rights as we do to have their voice heard. America is not about a comittee, but it embraces everyone, and that includes the voters from FLA and Michigan. No one can stop democracy from running its normal course, or can a few silence the voices of millions? you were chosen to serve not to silence our people, we do not live in Cuba and even if we did, it does not allow you to limit peoples' rights.
Every vote must count, and we are certain that you will make the right desicion, FLA and Michigan are also a part of the Union. Otherwise you are risking the posibility of a Democrat in the White House.
Thanks for your attention to this request in favor of our people.
Sincerely yours,
Paul

Let's face it, McCain has nothing but foreign policies to run on. He will not deal with any others issues. McCain is the one who does not know what he is talking about and he lies even though there is proof to contradict his lies.
Now all of a sudden the republicans care about the Cuban people, only because they need their votes in November.
Well one thing is for sure - Bush is still helping McCain as he speaks about sending cell phones to relatives in Cuba this morning.
McCain is still Bush's other puppy dog! McCain is not smart enough - he is an idiot boring and to old to be running for office.

Thank god, some one like Senator Chuck Hagel has the guts to stand up to Bushie's McCain.

Sing that song again McSame …bom bom bom bomb bomb Iran.

Re: But once they have the responsibility to govern the country and lead the world

Chuck Hagel is still living in a fools apradise.

We don't lead the world any more than China does for example.

24/7, 365 we all depend on each other.

America has little to offer in terms of moral and ethical leadership.

We are a nation of hypocrites.

Period!

I once held McCain in high regard, that rare Republican that I could actually agree with and respect. His willingness to strike an independent path in the Senate, and take positions he believed in.

Now he wants to replace all our federal judges with neocons, overturn Roe vs Wade, effectively remove all gun controls, further saddle our children with decades of debt with a nonsensical economic policy which has proven not to work.

He talks about his care for the environment but has no real initiatives planned to really deal with it. He is losing on the issues that matter to Americans - the economy, protecting civil rights and freedoms (not the orwellian state policies Bush espouses and McCain supports), and following a sane, balanced foreign policy.

For the first time I can ever recall one President has managed to usher in two recessions while on the job - and McCain specifically states he will continue these economic policies.

For the first time I can recall we invaded a country without provocation and against the wishes of our allies and the UN, and yet we haven't even apologised to anyone. Indeed, if you listen to the neocon lunacy, we are unpatriotic if we even question why we are still there.

Fact is, the Brits dealt with terrorism on their shores for decades, without killing hundreds of thousands in the process. And they won. And you know what ? They talked with the IRA. Are they appeasers ?

And the whole lapel pin BS - how about an armband while you are at it, they were en vogue in Germany in the 30s and 40s too…

McCain is McSame, and if you Democrats are not please with voting for Obama - vote McCain and whatever you get - YOU DESERVE. This is the same thing I said when YOU(the same people) voted for Bush - what you are getting now - YOU DESERVE. You allowed you ignorance to overwhelmed you. GOOD LUCK IN LIFE!

SORRY TO TELL YOU THIS HAGEL, BUT YOUR FRIEND

AND HIS RUNNING MATE HILLIE HAVE NO SEMBLANCE OF

DECENCY. THE TWO ARE VOID OF ANY KIND OF HONOR,

HONESTY & LOVE FOR THIS GREAT NATION.

Kate: GET TO WORK!

I have said this all along. Barack Obama needs to pick this fine gentleman as his VP.

Any one who would back Obama is anti American.

Good to know that some Republicans have a better understanding of the Irak war than Bush/McCain. With the current policy the US sooner or later will be forced to fight another war in Iran…it would be another stupid endeavour.

Kate May 21st, 2008 11:11 am ET

Do you understand how foreign policy works? You usually have three choices with problem countries:

1) Ignore them and let the threat increase
2) Try to talk to countries to work out differences
3) Go to war.

80% of this country dissaproves of the war that we are in now and we have lost 4000 troops so why would we start another one without at least trying to use use diplomacy first. You really don't understand how this thing works.

Also, Kate, bs-ing would be telling people about a gas tax holiday that has been slammed by every economist on the planet. Obama's plans aren't simple, he just doesn't have time to go over every detail in a 10 minute speech. If you had a brain and wasn't so filled with hate you would go to his website and read what his plans aremaybe tune in to one of his town hall meetings that are broadcats usually on this website.

You would think with all the technology available to us today people would actually use it before they get on these blogs.

I say kudos to this man for taking the high road on his personal
convictions in stating his concerns
the congress and senate are there to serve the American people not themselves and their own beliefs
This Administration has NOT been for the American people
72% of the population are against the Iraq war
Very courageous of Senator Hagel to speak his own personal convictions. It speaks volumes about his character!!

We need people like you to change the mindset of this country

It is rather interesting, one would have thought
with old age come wisdom. Think again.

America will not be fooled this year.

I totally agree with Sen. Hagel. American public is tired of the same old politics MaC Bush is still playing. The truth is always bitter but it is constant. The arrogant policy of the present administration in Washington has not produce any positive result. Iran today is more powerful than ever before Bush embarked on this useless war in Iraq and for somebody like Obama to offer an alternative to the obvious failure of Bush foreign policy and for MaCain to be calling Obama names is tantamount to lack of good judgment on the part of MaCain which is exactly Obama's position

This makes 2 today. It is pretty bad when your supporters are really supporting BHO. And has anyone noticed McCains speaking manner - sing song and boring! That won't go too far against Barack. All of McCains supporters will tune out or go to sleep. I try to listen but get annoyed shortly because of his sing song cadence. And his delivery is lacking.

Go Obama! I have been a Hillary supporter since day one but I will support the nominee, Democrats will win in November.

McCain is a hypocrite, he does not live what he preaches.

look, the iraq war was not just a mistake it went against everything the USA used to stand for. like their form of government or not, iraq was a sovereign nation, they weren't invading another, the weren't developing nuclear weapons. this was the bush administration saying our way is the only way. our 200 year old country is better than you way of governing. we must force countries to adopt our way. it's gone really great so far in the mid-east. afghanistan is more corrupt than ever, we forced syria into elections and the went from bad to worse, now hamas is the legitimate government in syria. iraq has a government that when elections come up, sides try to kill the other to gain seats of power. we have elevated irn as the power in the middle-east. they used to be afraid of saddam.

hagel is firmly against the war now, he also thinks negotiating is the right the to do. so or course he'd be upset when mccain sys the things he said.

we should negotiate with cuba. raoul castro has already loosened things up there, maybe we can get even more out of him. maybe he'll give his people even more. why would cubans in florida be mad if more good things happen in the country were many of their family members still live?

"Hagel..has become an outspoken critic of the War in Iraq and..is open to the possibility of endorsing Obama's candidacy"

How can ANYONE concerned with foreign policy endorse Obama's lack of plans? All I hear from Obama is that he intends to sit down and let people marvel at his intelligence and then they will do the right thing. HELLO? That's a Jimmy Carter approach.

Who are these lying RINO's that support the Democrat efforts? What a jerk.

Way to tell it like it is Chuck! A man with courage to speak the truth! Bless your heart! Obama '08!

The old man does not have anything to bring to the American People he is a third term Tush I mean Bush. All he has to play with is like the rest of the republicans to twist things and decive those with weak mind and get elected, but that theory of Karl Rove tactic is old it is not going to work in 2008. Democrats are going to lead the United States and the World for the coming 100 years.

Obama reaching out to our enemies ,
OUR historey tells us that talking to our enemies is a good Idea ,
Example Cuba , Castro first came to us before he went to Russia ,
when he became Cuba,s leader . Our president then IKE would not see Castro , IKE snubbed his nose at the little 3rd world leader .
Castro then went to Russia , they welcomed him with open arms , Russia then had a base in Cuba which a few years later put every American in Danger OF A Nuc, War. Which Kenndey had to deal with
Cuban Missle crissis , And we have had a problem with Cuba every since , All of this was caused by a ignorant president whom would not talk to a small country Dictator.
Obama did not say he would agree with our enemies , but that he would talk with them and find out was on thier minds .
Is it not better to know what your enemy is thinking ? than to ignor him? That mess of not talking to our enemies is what has us in this mess right now . Just think of what we would have saved if we had given Castrio a little aid instead of IKE ignoreing him Just like George Bush is doing right now .
This is the reason i am voteing for Obama

Thank you

What a refreshing bit of honesty. The American people will have as intelligent a conversation as the campaigners will start. If you start with a preconceived notion of the lowest common denominator in mind, you will be doing the country a disservice. We are, as individuals, smarter and mare capable and able to use thoughts instead of gut reactions to make up our minds on these world altering issues.

Thank you again, Mr Hagel.

I formerly had great respect for McCain when his military experience became known. He is now a poster boy for what happens to people who go into politics. I am no longer even fainly interested in the American political system.

Look at ME Look At ME!!!!

Anyone alleging that Chuck Hagel is only doing this to be Obama's VP, read about his political record and you'll see that he has ALWAYS been moderate, sensible, and steadfast (non flip flop).

READ, people!

Sebelius for VP.
Hagel for Secretary of Defense.

Even if McCain burps in public you can count on CNN making hay out of it and then finding someone upset over it. Meanwhile Obama keeps getting a free ride by CNN and the ever-loving media well after all Obama is directing the media on what they can talk about of him and Ms. Obama

Hagel couldn't help Obama!! Nebraska…LOL

Obama will NEVER make it to the White House!!

WRITE IN HILLARY or VOTE FOR McCAIN!!!

Americans… they are a stiff-necked people. And the proof of this is in the things they think, say, and do. And then they wonder why their leaders think, say, and do so many unenlightened things.

Stiff-necked people doing stiff-necked things. What's the surprise in all of this? Forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Hey all you republican's posting hatred on this and other story's about Domocrat's: Who is the best campaign manager the Democrat's have during this election? One name! GEORGE W. BUSH!

Patriot……………

I thought you libs/dems were convinced that Iran is NOT a threat. So why would McCain need to do anything about them if they are harmless? Make up your mind.

GOOD LORD THERE IS HOPE FOR US AFTER ALL.

A REPUBLICAN THAT REMEMBERS WE ARE ONE

NATION. REPUBLICAN & DEMOCRATIC WHO———S

OF THIS NATION ARE DETERMINED TO DESTROY US.

ALL GOOD PEOPLE NEED TO STAND UP LIKE HAGEL.

BOMB EVERYBODY IS NOT A FOREIGN POLICY.

ARE YOU REPUBLICANS CRAZY?

WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU.

DO YOU WANT A BULLY TO COME INTO YOUR LIFE AND PUSH YOU AROUND?

I DIDN'T THINK SO YOU JERKS.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO PUSH OTHER PEOPLE AROUND?

Amazing how honest some Republicans can get when they aren't running for anything.

Thank you Hagel, you know what is like out there and in your eyes we the ordinary people see the true colour of our senators .

Maccain is a disgrace to himself, judging from how he is conducting his general election compaign. All the stuff he beleive then that needed to be done to improve America image abroad then now he is against them.
Shame to see a old man behaving like a little kids. Maccain if you can't stand to your own words or can't say one thing and believe in it, how can the american people trust you?

You favour negotiating with Hamas group back in 2002, you believed America should ease the sanction on Cuba, then now you wants Cuba to be cut off the table until the released all poloitical prisonal and leave power before you deal with Cuba.

If they do all that, what will you negotiate for senator Maccain?

I believe negotiation is give and take in all fair ways between two parties. If they do all the good work how will you take credit for peace if you didn't initiate peace.

Peace need peace to get peace.

How come McCain another dummy is put forward by the Republicans for President, is he the best they can do good grief .

Obama will beat him hands down

Obama/Hagel '08

senator hagel is one the most honest and brave republican around and the best candidate for obama vp.
bring the country together,

I don't mind Republicans saying outlandish things, because after eight years of Bush spouting myriad Rove-isms, I just don't believe a word they say. Zero credibility. Nil. Nada. Zilch.

I totally agree with Sen. Hagel. American public is tired of the same old politics MaC Bush is still playing. The truth is always bitter but it is constant. The arrogant policy of the present administration in Washington has not produce any positive result. Iran today is more powerful than ever before Bush embarked on this useless war in Iraq and for somebody like Obama to offer an alternative to the obvious failure of Bush foreign policy and for MaCain to be calling Obama names is tantamount to lack of good judgment on the part of MaCain which is exactly Obama's position

Since when is anything the Huffington post says is even remotely worth mentioning?

Oh and to "GOP RULES"..get a grip and get a life. We are all being taken down by the corruption of our elected officials. How can you deny that? To resort to name calling and low blows is just childish and reveals who you really are a s a person. Good for you! Folks such as yourself who chose to foolishly spout off at the mouth just because someone believes differently than you out of nothing more than FEAR. You are a great example of the rampid ignorance our country harbors….and I feel sorry for you.

BARACK OBAMA!!!! WE WANT CHANGE!!!

Ohio add-on super for Clinton

Why wasn't this reported?????

The campaign just announced the endorsement of Craig Bashein, who was elected by the Ohio Democratic Committee as one of the state's two add-on superdelegates on May 10.

“Hillary brings a wealth of proven experience in both domestic and foreign policy that provides a great sense of confidence and security in our future,” Bashein said in a statement released by the campaign. “She has the strength and determination to beat John McCain this Fall.”

Warmonger—one who urges or attempts to stir up war

Hmmmm, sounds about right to me..Bush/McCain=warmonger

GO Dems!

Even McCain's own friends don't trust him?? Hmm..

America!! Please listen!!! We can not go around threatening our enemies and ignoring them. It hasn't worked in the past and it will not work in the future. Israel and every other ally in the middle east is sick of America and its policies. Going into Iraq did not make us safer, it only put Hussein aside so that Iran could build their power and push their movement along with Hezbollah and Hamas. We have allowed that to happen. Saddam had them suppressed right where he wanted them, and we destroyed that. Our allies in the middle east are mad at us for making their lives more terrorifying. Bush has increased our threat from terrorists not decreased. We have more enemies scattered around the world then ever before. You think someone like John McCain who goes around threatening our enemies is going to improve America's place in the world? Think again. If you have an enemy does it do you and that person any good to ignore each other or to fight? Since when did fighting ever solve anything? What if you and that person talked about your difference? Then you might really be able to solve the problem. Wake up McCain. You might have to swallow your pride and do whats best for America and not whats best for your ego, like Bush.

One More Time! John McCain was a P.O.;W. in Nam, Hanoi Hilton, gave up Flag and Colors in lieu of his Skin and Now he's a self professed Hero
Get Real America, This Guy couldn't be President of Budwiser !

I agree with everything he said except the part about McCain being
intellegent the republicans do have a lot of problems.The biggest one
is now America is learning the republican traits and noticing the brand
is trash and those who are voting for it are taking the change of becoming that same trashy element.Republicans in the white house and congress are liars and they spew out many false rumors hoping
one stick if they say it enough.That has won many elections in the past
but will not win this one.

Obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chuck Hagel is simply angling to be on Obama's "unity" ticket.

Go Haggle somewhere else…. John is the Man….Who won't bend in a Breeze like Obama…..

Obama-Hagel '08 would be an interesting ticket. However, it's all speculation.

I liked John McCain until he jumped off the Straight Talk Express. He continues to pander to parts of the Republican Party that I don't care for too much. He's not the man I remember from 2000.

My boyfriend is all for Mcsame, and believe it or not my baby is a smart man, i hoping that he will begin to see the light, this man Mccain was of great service to this country, but as president uhh uhh, no way, he and Hillary are both short fuse, they will get this country in alot of trouble, we need diplomacy, and not an over excersion of authority.

Obama is the man!
Obama '08

Don't you just love how the republicans, loved senator Hagel, when he was following the scripture of the Bush doctrene. But as soon has he shows any independent thought, he suddenly becomes a walking talking democrat. Senator Hagel you didn't walk in lock step, now you'll get the swiftboat treatment. Why is Iran our enemy, I don't know, we haven't talked to them in years. Saying that the democrats want to appease the terrorists, that's just crazy talk. There is only one thing a neocon hates more than a liberal, and that is "truth". The truth is president Obama, will do a great job, for the first time in a long time I have a reason to have hope for our country, and something to be proud of.

As a Republican…who also supports Obama…good for him!

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hagel ROCKS!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!!

(although I must disagree with the comment that McCain is smarter than what he is actually saying…I think he really is THAT ignorant overall…but that's just my opinion)

If Obama selects Hagel for the VP slot, it is over and done for McCain! Hagel has a clear conservative record and would be ideal to reach the demographics that supposedly Obama is having a hard time connecting with. They would be an amazing team!

Talking to other countries that's good. Why is that so difficult to understand. Go Chuck….

OOOBAMA….OOOBAMA…..OOOBAMA……

Is Hagel going to be Obama's cabinet? His name keeps coming across the television.

Pound for pound, Chuck is one of our greatest Americans. Barack should choose him as his VP choice.

Sen. Hagel and I understand all too well this is not normal behavior for Sen. McCain. He is merely pandering to the Republican Conservative base and attaching to closely to the failed policies of the Bush Adm. which will prove to be his undoing.

Senator Hagel is a good man with much integrity. He tells it like it is and doesn't like the way our country is going either. He has more intelligence and experience than McCain. He knows the attacks against Senator Obama are unfounded and twisted. McCain has too many Lobbyist and special interest ties which is the very thing we need to get away from in our government.

Bring my brother Home!!! His 18 month niece would like to see him!

18 months in IRAQ & 1 Humve away from death!

9 Months in Afghanistan & counting…

We love this country, but we are asking to much from are brave Men and Women, who proudly follow commands to carry out TWO WARS at once. Chuck is absolutely correct, and had we have been committed to ending the real threats, we would have finished this back in the mountains of Afghanistan. And although I agree Saddam was an Evil man, and this world is better off with out him, we entered that war with a failed commitment and policy, and know we are being hacked by the corrupt Iraqi leadership, go figure!

While Bush & McCan’t beg for Oil from the Saudis!!!!!!

McCain doesn't stand a chance in November.

All the polls that say that people will switch from Hillary to McCain aren't worth the paper they are printed on. I don't doubt there are some Hillary followers that will try the "scorched earth" approach, but for the most part these are the Operation Chaos nuts trying to stir things up.

CONGRATULATIONS HAGEL!!!!!

REMEMBERING AMERICA FIRST, IS WHAT WE USED TO

BE & NEED TO BECOME AGAIN.

If Israel is talking to Hamas, and feels that they need to speak, I suppose McCain just wants to be in the "fighting mood".. if Iraq has not taught us a lesson, imagine getting into another conflict..!!!

War mongering should be the "last resort".. guess McCain did not learn his lesson in Viet Nam,.. or his age is beginning to make him forget!!! Talk is cheaper.. However, I can understand his lobbyist friends being for the war.. "it is all about $$$..)

Chuck Hagel had all the time, suggestions and urgings to enter the Republican primaries toward the presidency. He chose not to do this, so why is he now pre-supposing that he has the right to criticize anything John McCain proposes? Also, if he and McCain are the buddies he and CNN say they are, why didn't he just call him on the phone? Me thinks those of you who think he's pursuing the VP slot with Obama may be on to something. Isn't it funny, that all those (like Obama and Hagel) who constantly say they're not going to resort to "politics," usually turn out to be the biggest practitioners of the political system?

I have been watching and reading the news, it really stress me out to see how unbalance the media is. CNN, CNBC AND FOX NEWS seem to be a strong supporters of John McCain. They haven't done much if any reporting on senator McCain's back ground and family. They didn't waste anytime in reporting on senator Obama's
background. Did they play the race card?

The media and the republican spin doctors has really infleunced the voters. This is part of a strategy planned by the republican ran media,split the democratic vote divide the voters well it's working. It look like the media is getting the candidate it wanted, senator Obama.

If Obama get to be the democratic nominee, I am wondering if the media and the public will play the so call race card. It will be a white candidate running against a black candidate in November. Political history indicates that most voters have voted or will vote along racial and partical lines. How will you vote?

GOOD FOR FOR HAGEL.

FINALLY A REPUBLICAN THAT REMEMBERS HE IS AN

AMERICAN. WE NEED TO GET OFF THE DESTRUCTION

OF THIN NATION CYCLE, REPUBLICAN & DEMOCRAT.

McCain has now dug his hole as he has pretty much confirmed he stands for all the failed policies of the Republican Bushies to try & keep the base on side. His only chance now is flip flop some more and chalk it up to not being able to remember his former positions. Chuck is right on the mark and pretty much sets up the November election as a barometer for the collective intelligence level of the U.S. electorate. The percentage of people who vote for McCain will be a direct correlation to the percentage of morons within the electorate.

What do you teach your children ? Do you teach them to "refuse" to engage those with whom they have differences ?
Shame…bad parent !

Hagel is right. We as a civilized nation cannot afford to not negotiate and deal with Iran, Cuba and other countries that have dictatorships and unfavorable view\s of the U.S. I think he (Hagel) would make a good V.P. for Obama to show Americans that we can be united and have different views with our culturally differences.

About time a Republican can finally stand up and call out the inept Bush/McCain policy of "we'll talk after you've agreeded to our unreasonable demands." Not only is this childish and stupid, it's also cowardly.

While it's great to see a republican break the mold and step off of the somewhat strictly defined party platform, it is important to realize that the man is still a politician. While he may have started with lofty goals and high ideals, he has now become a self-promoting politician who may see an opportunity through Obama, who will be looking to appeal to the more moderate republicans, those who have become disenchanted with Bush and the war. McCain won't take Hagel, and with Hillary falling off, there's only one other butt for Hagel kiss.

Chuckie….a great big thank you for finally admitting you were a democrat all along and only ran as a republican to gain office, but your dismal failure as a Senator was not overlooked by anyone.

Good to see a Republican that is able to call a spade and spade…

and an out-of-touch old man an out-of-touch old man.

Dems in 08

Someboday wants to be VP…?
As a democrat, I will be fine with it

MCCAIN GET A LIFE RETIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why is cnn the obama network only posting obama's supports?
Hagel is just another "rat" trying to get on board the Titanic..Obama can't even beat Hillary, much less Mccain.

ANY REASON EVERY ONE OF MY COMMENTS "AWAIT MODERATION" ALL DAY!

CNN - I'm disappointed that you didn't post my last comment, but not surprised. It's too bad you won't give a voice to those you don't agree with but that's your choice. I'll stop wasting my time reading your "reports" and making comments. You and your bloggers seem to be quite content (and disillusioned) promoting a dangerous policy of appeasement. You really ought to realize that Bush and McCain are not the enemy. If they were we would have been enslaved by radical extremists by now.

Chuck Hagel…a politician I can respect and trust to act in the best
interest of the country not his own !!!

I'm old enough to remember when your word meant something-when our country belonged to us and not all of the planet- when people stood by interity, honesty, and not greed.
Where are we (US) going as a country when you have to pay $50.00 per week for the gas companies to reap unheard of profits, when race is still a factor in everyday life-not to mention where you came from- and all the businesses that we (Americans) have built- have gone overseas to other countries- and its okay to have sex with children.
I want a planet were people still care about each other, where trees are standing tall and not dictating our weather for lumber, and when you speak, you really mean what you say.l

Hagel is no friend of McCain. McCain is an honorable man that went through the Vietnam war and the shame that war brought. He is determined not to repeat the same mistake twice. Obama is like an unrecorded tape: he is prone to make the same mistakes all over again.

Look who supports Obama. Dr. Brezinski, the NSA when Iran was surrendered to the Ayatollahs in 1979 to appease the clerics (Carter adminstration). APPEAESMENT IS THE MIDDLE NAME OF THE LEFT. The mistake of 1979 by the Left is now at the door step of the free world. Naive thinking: the terrorist states are not interested in negotiating away their weapons.

Hagel is Republican by name only. McCain will beat Obama handily in November because Obama makes his policy as he goes along. He is an expert in denouncing his friends and mentor when they don't suit his political ambitions. Hell, he is making a 180 dgree turn on "Negotiating without Pre-Conditions".

I'm amazed by all the people who claim that Hagel is betraying his party. Should he never say anything that doesn't come directly from HQ? Do you want Congressmen, or just automatons that spout party dogma and never say what they really think?

It's especially funny to read that Hagel "doesn't share the values of Republicans." Aren't your values supposed to be fiscal responsibility, small government, less intrusion, and respect for the Constitution? If so, the Republican party lost it's values as a group over 30 years ago. It sounds like what Hagel doesn't have is that Republican propensity, that we've seen so much of lately, to continue doing what has already failed in the hopes that it will suddenly start to succeed. I'd say we can all do without that very nicely, for a few years at least.

You go Chuck,
we love you
the one honest Republican.

Chuck is right. We need to talk with our enemies.

The only think we accomplish by not talking is increasing our fears. When this happens we react based on fear.

McCain needs help finding his teeth in the morning, how is he going to lead our country? God bless America and God bless the next president of the United States, President Obama.

Typical republicans and conservatives. Attach those that don't agree with your views. If any of you had half a brain, you would understand what the man is actually saying. You cannot, as the potential leader of this nation, speak poorly of other nations, then want to try to go out and negotiate with them in a diplomatic fashion. Ever heard of the term two-faced?? You people are why we're in this mess we're in now. This is not a liberal, conservative, republican or democratic issue - this is a common sense issue. And clearly, you and your candidate have none.

Way to go Chuck, someone has to tell McCain that it is not as easy as he has had it. All he has had is lobbyists telling him what to do..

Obama will be the next president.. The question I have for McCain..

"what if anything are you going to do about Iran"? If it is the same status quo rhetoric.. then we need someone else.. and it is not 4 more years of the same. End of conversation..

And for those that don't want to deal with Cuba.. (only to appease those Cubans thar are living freely here in the U.S. ) I say.. sorry, but Cuba is not and has never been a threat to the U.S. If we had the guts to do something, we would be helping them more instead of isolating them because of their ruler. If the people in Cuba did not want him there, they would have already done something about it.. Live with it, but don't condemn those that want to help the people that live there.

MCCain is only another puppet for the lobbyists..!!!

Wow! you people have no work to do? It's no wonder the polls all come out like they do. I'd rather be working than bs-ing about Obamination. Which is exactly what I think he is. I don't agree with anything he says, I think his policies are overly simplistic and optimistic. How does he feel about Iranian television brainwashing children to hate the Western world? I have significant problems with his ideas. I want a leader who has a better understanding of how the foreign policy works and understands that there are people in the world who have hated the Western world LONGER than Bush has been in office. But these days, it's just easier to blame the President rather than blame the media, congress, or OURSELVES for what has happened in the world. And that's it. Hindsight is 20/20. I'm done.

Maybe we should start grilling McCain and ask him why everyone is jumping off of his boat. November is look good for the Dems.

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND IN DEED. WHO WOULD KNOW MCBUSH BETTER THAN MR. HAGEL. WE FEEL AS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS THAT MR. MCCAIN MENTAL STABILITY MUST BE A
JUSTIFIABLE ISSUE DURING THIS GENERAL ELECTION SEASON. THE NEWS MEDIA CAN CALL IT FILP-FLOPING IF THEY WANT TO. SOME CAN CALL IT LYING. BUT LIKE WE HAVE BLOGGED IN THE PAST, HE HAS ALL THE SIGNS OF EARLY DEMENTIA. HIS INABILITY TO REMEMBER FROM ONE WEEK TO THE NEXT, OR BETTER YET
PAST MEMORY IS VERY DISTURBING. NOT TO BELABOR THE POINT, WE ARE ON THE EVE OF ELECTING THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD TO THE MOST POWERFUL POSITION AND NOT TO BE CONCERN IS ASKING FOR REAL TROUBLE. IT IS BETTER TO ASK AND BE DISCREDITED AND NOT TO ASK AND SUFFER THE OUTCOMES OF A DEMENTED MIND. WE ARE NOT QUESTIONING WHETHER HE IS OR IS NOT, BUT, NOT TO RAISE THE ISSUE WOULD BE UNGODLY. MR. HAGEL IS RIGHT ON POINT.

You are a smart man Senator Hagel…and we the Obama people will welcome you aboard this great Movement.

I think you