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 will be a great support for Obama, you are a wise man and have been in the ring for a long time, Thanks Again!

OBAMA 08′ and maybe Hagel for VP….Webb or Clark

Hagel has integrity and is not afraid to call it as he sees it, my only question is where was he when GW was getting us into this mess?!?

What's the problem with what Chuck said? It's not his fault the Dems are following the Repub. platform more than the Repubs are.

Ron Paul '08

There is a time when sound advice and good thinking should win. Mc cain has experiance, however I am looking for better results than his experiance has shown. He (McCain),does not realize that he has to make decisions about our most valuable resource ! PEOPLE.

MCCAIN IS JUST ANOTHER PHONY PATRIOT THAT FEELS TORTURE WORKS BECAUSE IT WORKED ON HIM WHEN HE GAVE AWAY STATE SECRETS IN VIETNAM

Senator McCain needs to cut his ties to Karl Rove from his advisory team pretty promptly — look at what has happened to GOP candidates in the 3 special elections recently where Rove, Bush, and Cheney were involved.

Mc Cain resemble G.W.BUSH
Obama resemble Jimmy Carter
G..W.Bush and Jimmy Carter worst presidents we had

Nice try libs. John's right on this one. Go back to your bickering and pathetic delusions.

McCain 08

Welcome to the "new & improved" John McCain. The John McCain who shared the respect of thoughtful Democrats and Republicans over the years has sold out his principles, his thoughtfulness, and his independent style in order to change his address to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Go Obama – for ALL of the people!

GO OBAMA!!!!!!The Cuban people need someone like you!!!I wanna be able to help my family and friends in Cuba,and visit them as often as I want!!!You the only one that will help me see my daughter in Cuba whenever I want!!OBAMA 2008!!McCain is promising the same thing we had in 50 years!!Enough of that!!!!!!!

McCain has nothing against Barack, he's grabbing at air.

Also, this is not a battle between McCain and Barack, this is a battle between McCain and America. Of course AMERICA will win.

America 08

McThuselah is a cranky old man who lacks the temperment and vision to become the leader of the free world. He was wrong on the Vietman War … he was wrong on the Iraq War … and getting shot down while flying bombing missions on a civilian population doesn't make you a hero. He represents the past and his time has come and gone … the same fools that voted for Bush twice think McThuselah is a viable leader? They are fools once again. He's a shameless panderer and major league flip-flopper!

If MCain wants to win he'll have to fight as dirty as the democrats. Obama shows how green he is. He obviously doesn't know what he is talking about. He will not keep this country safe. He can not be trusted. NOBAMAS in the White House.

So many people are saying Obama's VP, but I don't see that. I think it's a lot more likely he might be aiming for (or would be very good if offered) Obama's SecDef.

McCain and Obama have a legitimate difference of opinion when it comes to foreign policy, yet Hagel is upset with McCain for expressing where he thinks Obama is wrong? That's pathetic, and is clear political pandering for whatever office Hagel thinks he might get in an Obama Administration.

If Hagel wants to talk to Iran so badly, I'm sure he can afford a plane trip over there to do it himself.

The only people who vote for McBush will those too ignorant to realize he will bring us endless war and ultimately bankrupt our country through debt. Do not allow yourself to be controlled by fear!

alex richards said: Hey, Democrats, lets make a trade straight up, we will give you Hagel for Lieberman.

______________________________________________________

It's a deal if you'll take Hillary Clinton too and give us a cheeseburger.

Obama/Hagel 2008..!

This is interesting. A Republican sticking up for a Dem. It will also be interesting to see if Hagel will turn to Obama. That will be an interesting match up to say the least. Have to wonder what is Hagel's angle?

What? McCain was right! I'm sick and tired of people treating Obama like the Messiah when he's more like the devil.

I read this discussion string, and one phrase came to mind: "herd mentality." And to think these clowns are coming to my town in August – - -

I don't think he is the only Republican who can see the flaws and mistakes of the Bush Administration. He's the only one willing to say anything about these issues. There are many Republicans who disagree with the direction that this country has taken. If we can stop labeling each other as liberals and conservatives and put forth some policies that benefit this great country of ours and uplift it people, we would be well on our way to a greater nation. First order of business is to get some education to W. VA and Kentucky so we can end this racisms and fear of people who don't look the same as they do.

If you are from one of these states and feel offended by that last statement, then don’t be angry with me. Talk to your neighbors and tell them to stop perpetrating as good people and be honest with themselves and the world. Shout from the highest mountain top and let all the people of this land and country know that you are a 100% racist. Don’t hide behind Rev. Wright’s comments nor use them as a conduit to project your own racist views. Don’t be cowards, boldly stand before your God and this world and say exactly who you are…..

I think the Repub party is setting McSame up for failure so Hucabee can slide in to take his place at the convention.

I'm becoming increasingly impressed with those politicians like Hagel who are stepping up and opposing their party's campaign-tactics. The sniping and back-biting that has become characteristic of political campaigns has frustrated the American pubic for too many years and it's about time our elected officials do the right thing and oppose such tactics. They may never completely go away but it's refreshing to see that some of our politicians are actually responsible people after all.
-Don Kraus

Just read the comments here and you will see all the rep.

Like I have been saying for the past 5 monthes. Hagel would be a great VP for Obama.

Grandpa McBush is a chump! Even James Baker said that a real president not only has to talk to friend but to enemies as well. It's a little something called diplomacy that we we haven't seen in eight years of the fake Connecticut cowboy!

To Straight Talk:

Unfortunately your talk is quite crooked. First Obama has not dissed Hilary. Secondy, exactly what is Obama whinning about?? He didn't write this article or comment on it…and if you want to hear whinning you have to look no further than your gir Hiliary…and truth be told, she scores as badly with some Democrats as you claim Obama does…last I checked, more Democrats voted for Obama vs. Clinton.

But here's the difference, more Obama supporters are truly concerned about the country and its directions which is why we would hold our nose and vote for Clinton if she was the nominee…not because we like her but we know policy wise she and Obama are pretty much in line…vs. a higher percentage of Clinton supporters that would be so spiteful their candidate loss, they'd rather endure 4 more years of a things as they are in this country rather than vote for the person that beat their candidate…

Thank God!!
Politics is changing now. People are learning to use common sense now

Has the world gone mad? Next Cheney will be coming out of the Obama closet and roll over in front of the press. McCain has not said anything out of line regarding Obama and foreign policy. It's an election for goodness sakes. If Obama were in McCain's shoes, he'd attack McCain on inexperience as well. What is the big deal? Since when is this supposed to be a tea party discussion? I'm tired of hearing every big-headed politician's opinons and criticisms from both sides. They are always in regard to…nothing.

I get so mad when I heard people label anyone that wants out of the war in Iraq Liberals or sissies. No wonder the educated people are voting for Obama. As we sink our billions of dollars into Iraq, the entire mideast is laughing as they slowly kill America financially. Hasn't history taught us anything? We just keep making that same mistakes over and over.

Chuck Hagel is an awesome man and so many of us in Nebraska have great respect for him. He is a leader and will stand up for his own beliefs, which so important in politics. You can't just "go with the flow" if that's what the majority of your party believes if it is against your conscience.

The problem with John McCain is he lost this ability a long time ago to stay in line with conservatives.

The Huffingtonpost now there's a reliable, unbiased waste of electronic energy. They should closed down for the sake of global warming.

I have to disagree with Sen Hagel….McCain DOES NOT know better.

The only way the Republicans can win this fall (White House or Congress) is to run away from Bush.

This goes for McCain, too!

I agree 100% with Mollygonz- Bush 2004 scare tactics ain't gonna work this time round.

Men like Hagel transcend party and ideology with their superb common sense, clear vision, and devotion to truth. This man is a credit to our country and will be sorely missed in the Senate. All Republicans would do well to heed his advice and follow his example! OBAMA/HAGEL '08 AND '12!

THE republicans have screwed our wonderful country into the ground. How can anyone think "GOOD" comes from war? I'm sure the havent seen little dead babies that our US tax dollar have created. Thank GD someone is showing McCain up for what he is. AND yes, He needs a brain scan! NOW!!

I wish he was running for re-election, but a lot of people here make up Bush's 28% and are pissed that he hasn't towed the line.

One of your own speaking out when they know what you are saying is wrong is a good thing. The Republicans plan to use scare tactics won't work if someone if their own party speaks out.

OMG, I'd like someone to make a list of all the things you can not ask Obama about. This is getting ridiculous

Get'em!!!!!!!

Hagel is just another "rat" trying to get on board the Titanic..Obama can't even beat Hillary, much less Mccain.

Obama/Hagel '08!

Shut up, stay out of the presidential candidates business. McCain's views are his own, not yours.

How many of you blasted McCain when he went against Bush a few years ago? Not too many I bet. I guess it boils down to who is saying what against who. Typical. I might be an independent, but I can promise you that I would never join the Republican Party in a million years. I do vote for Republicans from time to time in different elections, but that is where I draw the line. I have always understood why some animals eat their young. Some of the comments on here back it up.

The Democrats keeps saying that a vote for McCain is vote for a third term for George Bush……"more of the same". I don't think so. I think that with McCain being a military man and not someone that is clued up on local affairs (like the economy), he may turn out to be worse for the United Sataes than people believed the President Bush was.

Obama/Hagel '08

I like this man honesty…
Also, apart from any political gains, I strongly believe we should talk to our enemies and try to reach some understanding before we give up on them or bomb…bomb…bomb
That is just a simple common sense

Alright Hagel, now that's some good stuff there! You are welcome to endorse Senator O as much as you'd like. And as for Senator McCain = "OLD MAN YELLS @ CLOUD" LMAO

My goodness how fickle the comments are depending on how the wind blows. Hagel is a great republican one day and just as bad the next day. Seems Obama supporters love it when he is critical of his best friend McCain.
And for me, a HIllary supporter, Hagel ages ago came to mind as VP choice for Obama when it was discussed he was leaving is seat, because I immediately thought in Obama's grand design to gain the WH at all costs he would pick Hagel as VP just to say he won over MCain's longest and best friend.
Sorry, this race is nothing more than politics of old trying to be visually swept under the rug as the behind the scenes decisions have been the dirtiest I have seen in ages.

Even Chuck Hgael can see through McBush.

WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!

No one is saying that the U. S. can not have discussions with our enemies, but anyone with any common sense knows that those discussions would start with low level representatives, not president to president. obama has no international experience and his statements show it. his lack of experience and basic beliefs prove that he is not some one to entrust with the county's future.

Chuck Hagel is one of the best republican Senators known. He is so upfront and honest, and not just now, but that's what his record is. he says, ALWAYS, what is right.

Thank you Senator Hagel for your comments.

Obama .. 08!

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

I am a Democrat, but have to say I LIKE CHUCK HAGEL. The only THINKING REPUBLICAN in the whole republican party.

He's intelligent, realistic and calls it like he sees it. Way to go CHUCK!

P.S. I see Oregon voters played follow-the-leader in voting for Obama.

REALITY CHECK TIME ALL YOU DEMOCRATIC VOTERS, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, AND YOU "SO-CALLED" SUPERDELEGATES!

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE CHOSE THE !!!!WRONG CANDIDATE!!!!

DON'T WHINE WHEN WE ONCE AGAIN LOSE TO MCBUSH IN NOVEMBER. ANY IDIOT COULD SEE THIS COMING…AND AT A TIME WHEN THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESS ARE OURS FOR THE TAKING!

mike e. cooney May 21st, 2008 10:08 am ET…..

Freedom for Iraq at the cost of American taxpayers? The Iraq war is a complete waste. Bush and his team of crooks were not interested in "freeing" Iraq, they were interested in the oil.

WISE MOUTH HAS SPOKEN !!!!

Listen McBush, or better yet don't, you sound like a looser.

One more Obama idiot out there.

Hats off to you, Senator Hagel. I have always admired you for your candor. You are the only decent member remaining in a party that is clearly out of touch. Sir, I really hope that you would seriously consider being the next Vice President of the United States [2008-2016], and I would like to see you as our President [2016-2024].

May God bless you and the United States of America.

Straight Talk. If your going to use an example on corn, you should use the biggest corn growing states of Nebraska and Iowa. Since Hagel is from Nebraska he obvious knows more about both subjects than you do. Nebraska "The Good Life" All McCain knows is beer and was.

I'm impressed. A Republican that isn't afraid to stand up to his party and say they are wrong in how they've been doing things.

Very wise statement:
"I never understand how anyone in any realm of civilized discourse could sort through the big issues and challenges and threats and figure out how to deal with those without engaging in some way," Hagel said.

I wish others would understand that instead of trying to bully everyone.

I am a lifelong democrat but I would support Hagel in a heartbeat. He is better than any candidate who is running for president. I see honesty in Hagel.

After having read all of my fellow Democrats comments, I am voiting for McCain.

Another spin to favor Obama, isn't it CNN ?

wow. maybe just maybe this is why this 70 year old white southern army vet is voting for obama. mcbush has destroyed our name all over the world. Think of Lincoln talking about using honey to win your enemy over and mcbush still thinks it is about power—IRAQ HAS CREATED A NO WIN SITUATION FOR US WITH THE ENEMY WHO HAS GROWTH TO FULL STRENGTH BECAUSE OF MCBUSH. BITTER??? HELL YES. idiots and self seekers like loser dobbs or is that lost his dobber is down or losit dobbs??? at 70 i get confused, but dobbs talks all the time about "as this brilliant independent" he is so upset, has a bad taste—webster says, bitter is to have a bad taste in your mouth.so, IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF OBAMA'S ELECTION I WOULD HAVE SIGNS "WE ARE BITTER AS HELL AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE MCBUSH ANYMORE.

I was a big John McCain supporter, and it is possible I still might vote for him.

But he keeps making it harder and harder.

1. He confuses Sunnis and Shiites WHILE IN IRAQ. He said Al Queada was funded by Shiites. Whoops! Wrong Muslims! Thanks for playing, John. You can't criticize the other fellow's Middle_east policy if you don't know who the players are.

2. His Obama=HAMAS CANDIDATE comments are so out of left field it isn't funny. I was terribly disappointed.

3. His criticism of Obama for saying he would TALK to people was disappointing too. Remember, Reagan sent Oliver North to Iran to talk. Nixon went to China. Reagan talked to Gorbachev. You have to TALK before you lob bombs.

I have contributed FINANCIALLY to the McCain campaign in the past. Now I am sending my money to Obama.

John might still get my vote. But he has to create a positive image of what HE will do, not just tear down and smear the other guy.

There is a different mood in this country. Only stupid people (Hillary Supporters) fall for the negative attacks. People are tired of being patrionized, talked down to, and treated like fools.

Except, apparently, KY, PA and WVA.

I'm surprised Hagel didn't also question the intelligence of McCain's comments deriding Obama's judgement for not recognizing that relatively tiny, non-nuclear Iran was as big a threat to the US as the Soviet Union was during the cold war. Given that the "We will bury you" Soviet Union had enough nuclear weapons (and delivery systems) to destroy not only us but the entire world McCain's statement approaches the patholigically wierd. Do you suppose he's forgotten the Cuban missel crisis when soviet nuclear weapons were pointed at us only 90 miles from our shore? Unbelievable!

Only a republican NOT SEEKING re-election will say something like this. It tell you what some republicans are thinking. McCain is rambling and grasping for anything on a fine human being like Obama.

All the "great" U.S. presidents have talked to antagonistic governments. Not doing so is political pandering… That is what McCain is doing. Scarefactor when it comes to Iran and pandering to the cuban vote in Florida.

Dems be warned:

MCcain and Rethugs supporters are posting in several blogs pretending to be HRC supporters that they would not vote Obama if he wins the nomination.

This is part of the operation chaos.

Let it go ,if this is all the campaign he has to offer he is in big trouble.

Tell it like it is Chuck. Too bad he waisted so many years in the wrong party. Its not to late for you to get on board the Obama express. WE BE ROLLIN.
Talk to them Obama and save American lives. No warmonger McSame. Send Rush,Bill O. and the rest of the cowards at Fox to Iraq to show the world how much they love this country.

He should be ashame of Mccain alnd his party.-+

You go Senator Hagel !

Now is the time to put aside or cross party lines to find solutions to America's and the World's problems. We need smart and honest players who are determined to make progress.

Kudos to Sen. Hagel! One of the main reasons people are choosing Obama is exactly his foreign policy stance which includes engaging leaders of nations "we don't like". McCain suggests that meeting with them lends a kind of credibility and "emboldens" them. Cold war mentality/strategy does nothing to further peace process and continues to fan the flame of anti-American sentiment abroad . It speaks to the lowest denominator of fear and pride on the homefront as usual. I pray it does not work THIS time.

"MCCain is too simple and naive to understand the complexities of the modern world." This comment made me laugh, thank you for the joke. McCain is anything but naive. If you want naive take a look at Obama. Do you think that the Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Ortega, Castro, the Hamas organisation, the Taleban, or any other person, entity or state who hates America and all we stand for will swoon like a college student when Obama speaks. McCain is a man who fought for his country, was held in a POW camp and didn't leave until the last of his men were set free. I don't call that naive, I call that ledership. Besides, I have to warn Obama and his legions of adoring fans. If you start to question McCain because of his age you will haev 80 million baby boomers (who vote all the time) up in arms – and they are one of the groups that has had a lot of trouble with from the beginning.

Hagel puts country before party, as he has often before as a senator. That's the definition of a statesman.

I think we will see more Republicans speaking out about McCain offering up even more radical foreign policy than Bush. Rational people aren't looking for more war.

It is as simple as this…..When there is no communication, and demands a precondition is not communication, then there is no progress, ever. It is a standing principle. The Soviet Union came around not because we shunned them, but because we talked to them. It is a childish notion, not to communicate. The republican party which is purportedly christian, should pick up the Bible and actually read it…."love your enemies", Christ said, "pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you". Communication, communication, communication…its the only way. You concede nothing by communicating, you only open the door to understanding.

McCain is pandering to the neo-cons. He knows he won't get their support if he doesn't posture as a man who will "kill them all." It's pretty pathetic that McCain believes he has to behave like a moron to get votes from the least educated of our society. His only chance of winning in November was to run as a moderate, progressive Republican. He blew it coming out of the starting gate by cozying up to Bush and his miserably failed foreign and domestic policies.

compare how honest and straightforward senator hagel is and contrast it with the hamas comments of hillary and mcain then you will discover that you have patiots and bigots in all parties.

Hagel is a strong political choice in my opinion to run as vice president with Senator Obama. Thank God for people like him.
He has a clear understanding of the choices that confront us the
American people and he is not intimidated to voice his concerns to
other political leaders. I hope that he steps up to the plate and fight
like hell for spot.

I wouldn't be opposed to Sen, Chuck Hagel being on the ticket with Obama, if he switches parties. If he's not willing to switch, then maybe a cabinet position. He is a great honest American.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, please endorse Barack Obama for President!

April of what year!!

Thanks Chuck, for these comments on the war monger McCain. At least you're a bit more level headed than these neo-cons that have taken the GOP over.

Hagel doesnt toe the neocon line.

Way to Go Hagel — tell him!!

OBAMA '08

PS — Why don't you Hillary fans quit slammin' Obama — he is so far ahead of Hillary (and her fans) when it comes to decency it's pathetic — he has given her shinning props from day 1 and all she has done is step on him!!

Syria as we speak has low level talks with Israel (via Turkish channel)…Israel for a year now is talking with Hammas….

what is the beaf Mr. McCain?????

It's starting already. No one is allowed to criticize Obama; everyone must treat him with kid gloves, as if he'll break if he's spoken about harshly. We already know that he'll pout if he gets criticized. And then of course will come the usual label of "racist" applied to anyone who levies a criticism at the sainted Obama.

What gives with this guy? Why is everyone so afraid to criticize Barak? Could it be that a new "McCarthy-ism" is upon us? If you dare to criticize the great Obama, you'll be labeled a racist and summarily ruined? If he's the nominee, we'd better start lowering our voices and whispering and carefully watch our backs…

The political calendar show it when he debate with Hillary Obama said when he get elect for President he going to sit down and talk with those evil leader, even Obama CO. chair said same thing in the interview. Obama still lie and flip-flop about his policy…..this is unelectable. Wrong
to be President of United States. Chuck you not going to get VP for Democratic side please just shut-up.

McCain is incapable of negotiating with adversaries and is wanting in terms of foreign policy skills. He talks tough. He speaks of bombing people and how he hates certain ethnic groups (he once stated he hates gooks). This is not the talk of a rational person. It's the talk of a madman or insane human. People should reject the lies and deceptions McCain is spewing out.
FYI…Israel is holding indirect talks with Syria and Hamas.

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

wow! this is amazing to see republican(s) stepping away from their own for a change….

and i'm thrilled to see a republican tearing into their own party's "presumptive nominee"….. it's about time! mccain is too old! and with his sick joke about bombing iran (and huckabee thinking the joke was funny), NEITHER of them belong in a public office…..

John Mccain has no clue as to what it takes to run a country. For over 40 years we have isolated Cuba, and where are we. Israel has begun to talk with other countries. Is every country that does not agree with our philosophy is our enemy. If so, then we will always be hated by the rest of the world.

John
Burlington,NC

"Hey, Democrats, lets make a trade straight up, we will give you Hagel for Lieberman."
Done!! I would so much rather have Hagel than Lieberman.

"likening it to meetings between former American Presidents and the leaders of the Soviet Union"

Ohhhh.., you mean those little meetings between two SUPERPOWERS in which Reagan parralled Russia with the evil empire??? This statement alone betrays the depth of Obama's inexperience and lack of judgement. Doesn't America deserve more than just an ill advised Jr. Senator in the White House??

Senator McCain is abolutely right in his criticism of Obama on Iran and also re Cuba. . Obama is inexperienced in foreign policy and like President Carter, simply too eager to trust America's enemies and believe what they say.
Obama's policies will only get us into serious trouble and risk the lives of Americans both at home and abroad. You don't talk directly to people who have sworn to kill you and your allies and give your enemies credence and more influence unless you're a complete fool.

Negotiate as a government, have tough preconditions , and hold a stick to support any carrots you may decide to offer. Otherwise, you'll end up with egg on your face. Successful Presidents know that.

This guy is a flake. I think he has been running like many other for a spot as vp or a cabinet position with Obama.

I agree with Hagel… watching McCain dumb things down has been tough to watch. I often wonder who those people are clapping for McCain and what the hell are they thinking?

They're not thinking…

I hope we open dialog with CUBA…
I hope we open dialog in the middle east…

If there is to be a Republican on the Obama ticket, I've always thought it should be Hagel. This just made my point.

It amazes me how CNN, NBC, and FoxNews are always two days and a dollar short of what is going on across America. It often takes on-line news sites to present the real news before the networks catch on. CNN, where is the coverage about the lobbyists in the McCain camp? What about Israel' s government believing that George Bush wants to invade Iran before his term is up? Or about the fact that McCain was corrected by a reporter about his miss-understanding of the Iranian leadership structure which was in error of his conflict with Obama? There is far too much information out in America and around the world that CNN and the other mainstream network news refuse to bring to light.

For example: The world's view of Senator McCain is that of a warmongerer, or that of Senator Clinton isn't much better since her nuke Iran comment, and that most countries are very positive and hopeful that Senator Obama becomes the next USA President.

I think the senator is right and think he should endorse Obama
as well because mccain is going to do worst than Mr.Bush. He
will hurt this country worrying about the war than domestic issues.
Mr.Obama. I think will be a wonderful prsident for this great
country america. The american peoples of all race should give
him a chance to change this country in a new direction. If he can't
he want be re-elected after his four year term. Where is written in
anyone book that a white president run this country better. We all
are God childrens and should start looking if that we are.This one
reason for the problem in this country with ours young children,grown
up continues to make mistakes. We can change the course of race
if we talk about it more and try move forward in this nation to do
God work and listen to his word,unstead of making up ours own
believes about this country and Individuals of all ethnics groups.
Wake-up American it is time for change and it start with ours
government and than with all american peoples.

Thank you
God bless us all

With all due respect to John McCain, his recent comments were out of touch, especially the way he criticised Obama without any substantial arguments. And we all know McCain's foreign policy will fail as it is the continuation of Bush. So, Hagel was spot on getting upset with McCain…The general election is shaping up quickly and McCain will score low if he continues his antics against Obama.
Obama dresses the issues without attacking his opponents, he only does it when he has to respond to criticism… I don't know why McCain is immitating Hillary, and he knows he will fail !!

Obama 08-2012

Our policies toward Cuba has not changed anyting for over 40 years, so apparently it's not working. We need to change our strategy.

Hagel's name has been thrown around for Obama's VP, so I'm not so sure I'm onboard with his motives. I don't know him, but politics is politics and Barack has integrity. I don't know if Hagel does.

Joe Lieberman hates all the Arabs and Muslims and only cares for Israel and the Jewish people. Lieberman is, in my opinion a devote racist and a sympathizer the Israeli agenda. Joe Lieberman doesnt even seem to care what the American people think, much like George Bush and John McCain. Israel is just as important to the world as is Iran, Syria, Egypt and Australia, get it.
Joe Lieberman lost his democratic nomination and ran as an independent to lock up the Republican vote. Lieberman is a traitor to his party and seems to be on his way to becoming a traitor to his country.

Hagel is actually my choice for VP..with him you wont need Clinton's stubborn if-my-girl-don't-win-i'll-vote-to-keep-the- nation-just-the-way-it-is supporters! He'll gain repubs and Independs. People dont realize that this "base" support doesnt usually support Dems in General anyhow..he wasnt going to get them anyway!!!

NO CLINTON VP..HAGEL WILL DO!

GO DEMS!

l agree with Chuck, l thought john mccain was been disingenous about his rhetorics, n for an old man truthfulness and honesty should be his mantra. it is disappointing that a man of his stature will engage in say anything do anything and speak from both side of the mouth.

Once the "Double Talk Express" is going, you can't make McCain stop.

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!!

Go get him Hagel! Obama/Hagel 08!

Meeting to discuss differences involves no commitment on our part, only a willingness to listen and discuss. As much as I admire John McCain, his position on this issue is very disturbing. George Bush's policies have essentially shut off any diplomatic discussions that might have been possible. The United States needs to be willing to meet and discuss differences with any legitimate government. That does not mean we need to agree with them. Who knows how many lives could have been saved if George Bush had been more open and communicative.

Hagel ought to hook up with Mark McKinnon and switch parties if he feels that way. I am astounded at the apostate behavior in these people. These two men have zero integrity.

I don't think John McCain is as intelligent as his peers believe he is. GW Bush was able to get through two terms with only a few functioning brain cells, so maybe McCain aspires to that level of incompetence. It would be so refreshing to have a president who could finish a sentence without someone helping him, or a president who could engage in successful conversations with leaders from other countries. Of course, I am voting for Obama.

Thank yoy for the chance to air my comments.
I first must say that I am in prayer for our Senator Ted Kennedy and I pray to God that he will miraclalously recover completely.

You will begin to see the defection more and more from the Republican party. McCain has not taken the conservative base, but is using his own Bush-style shoot from the hip and its not working. People are tired of the empty insults and insuations…

I'm glad that someone with a lot more experience in foreign policiy is finally taking Obama's side. It seems like even the media was turning on Obama on this matter…lol. I think Chuck Hagel would make a great Secretary of Defense and I dare Senator McCain to start attacking Mr. Hagel on a daily basis. You can't really say much when one of your best friends not only disagrees with you and your President, BUT agrees with your Democratic opponet. That speaks volumes to Obama's new foreign policy. Obama makes a great point in saying that Iran does not pose the threat that the Soviet Union posed. That's just common sense. Iran is in pursuit of a nuclear arsenal, while the Soviet Union was just waiting on the OK that would have launched hundreds of nuclear warheads. Those are two gravely different scenarios. I also think he made a point in saying that he is not interested in a propaganda battle with Iran. Sure the President is the highest elected official in the world, but I don't think to touch shoulders with the President is any particular badge of honor in the international community. Especially not a controversial president like George Bush….or, if the world goes to the dogs, Senator McCain. I don't see any intelligable reason not to employ direct presidential diplomacy once certain preperations are made. If these rogue nations comply to all of our conditions before the President is even willing to meet with them, we might as well just have the Secretary of State send a stamped letter saying: 'Thank you, but as you have already agreed to the terms set forth, we no longer need to meet!" That sounds like a ridiculous request of nations that have very strong beliefs. It is going to take someone that is willing to at least try to soften the hearts of these people and come up with some type of negotiations.

I have said for the past 3 months that Obama should pick Hagel as his vice pesident. It would be historical to say the least.For someone who has run his campaign on changing Washington and crossing party lines to get thngs done there is no better choice than that.

His friend is afraid before November McCain is going to slip and call Obama a very bad name. I am waiting for that also. With his temper and Obama not "staying in his place", this should prove to be a very interesting campaign.

Hagel, you go away or join democratic party.

Well…more and more Republicans are supporting Obama. As he has demonstrated, he can bring people together. Regardless of what you think about him, he has results of bringing people together DURING HIS CAMPAIGNING!. Results not seen by his opponent who boasts of being able to fight.

Fighting doesn't always win the battle. Sometime you need to be humble. Read your bible.

Many people have difficulty with change. Change is good.

What a decent Republican Hagel is! McCain has no shame Distording the truth about foreign policy trying to scare American like Bush did in 2000 and 2004.

HAGEL IS THE ONLY PERSON IN REPUBLICAN PARTY AT THIS TIME HAS INTEGRITY AND GOOD JUDGEMENT . I WISH OBAMA CHOOSE HIM AS HIS RUNNING MATE.

Great, so one RINO decides to throw his 2 cents into the equation. His attitude is hardly shocking or noteworthy.

Mcsenile is another bush. hagel was right to criticize him. not all republicans are spoon-fed idiots. nice to witness it

Chuck Hagel is a smart, honest man and I am backing him to be Obama's vice president.

Yes, the Republicans need to back up and regroup, especially since Isreal reported today that "THEY" are having low level talks with Hamas and have been doing so for a year now. Hmmm seems this all adds credibility to Senator Obama's position on open dialogue with those that are considered your enemy. Not only are the Republicans out of touch with Americans, seems to me there are a few Republicans, McCain being one of them, that are out of touch with their allies.

The whole thing about this is Obama never said he would meet with Ahmadinajed specifically..he only said he would meet with Iranian leaders. John McCain basically put words in his mouth. I am waiting for Obama to defend himself from John McCain's horribly distorted views. I am so tired of it. Ahmadinajed is not even the one who controls foreign relations in Iran and John McCain doesn't care if most Americans believe he does because that would support his views. That is so much like Bush having us believe that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9/11. Unbelievable.

I hope his criticism is not falling on deaf ears. Hagel is a war hero like McCain. So for him to be critizing McCain on his ideas on foreign policy says much about the difference between these two men and the presidential candidates. I think this is good news for the Democrats and Obama's campaign.

Can only hope he gets through. People are beginning to ask just who in hell is this McCain. Where did the 2000 McCain go?

MCCain is too simple and naive to understand the complexities of the modern world. We need a SMART President.

McCain claims not to be a warmonger yet he is willing to continue the Bush boneheaded policy of not talking to adversaries. If you will not talk then war becomes your eventual option.

Poor Senator John McCain. After getting only 85% in Oregon and 72% in Kentucky now even his friends turn against him. That doesn't bode well for him in November (not that i think he as _any_ chance in November, given 8 years of Bush, but it would be nice if he didn't lose by double digits, something like that can crush a soul).

I wonder what the GOP voters want. A second Ronald Reagan? Not likely after the Neocon "Revolution" that destroyed all values (i.e. financial conservatism) in favor of Big Business, orwellinan perpetual war and greed.

One problem is that the GOP (as well as the Dems) is a "Big Tent" party. Here in Germany we have a lot more parties, giving a presumtive nominee better percentages from his people. Those who don't like him simply switch…

Come on over to the Obama camp. He wants to bring this country together and not divide it. Good on you. And has anyone noticed a trend of Clinton and McCain long time friends chastizing them over their rhetoric.

i am not surprised and I appreciate your honesty. i am not the only REPUBLICAN PARTY MEMBER WHO HAS BECOME AN ARDENT 0/BAMA SUPPORTER. HOPEFULLY MY' GEORGIA 'CONGRESSMEN ,( BOTH REPUBLICAN.). FOLLOW YOUR LEAD. OUR COUNTRY TRULY NEEDS MORE-THAN A 3RD "MCBUSH' 4 YEARS.

Hagel should put a sock in it! He is so jealous and angry that McCain got the nomination, he would probably vote for Obama, and then lets see what Obama would do for immigration reform. But who knows, perhaps I will vote for Obama too. My family and I are a long time Republicans, If Hagel is so much against McCain then he deserves a socialists liberal agenda. Maybe the whole country should go that way? These Right Wing, republicans are so against the regular people that they deserve to loose more seats in the Senate.

He would have hard for the Democrats to run against.

This is one Republican I will vote for anytime. There is nothing that sooths like when a politician "makes an effort to say the truth" no matter how much it hurts. Obama has been unfairly criticized, but the American people should be smarter than that. All I can say is that "Change is coming to town" people. Do not be fooled by status quo mongers.

Call it as you see it Mr. Hagel! You Sir, are truly a great American! We look forward to your endorsement. Grandpa McCain is playing “The Hillary’s Kitchen-Sink Game” Its not going to work grandpa its not going to work……you sir are only a common “Warmonger” who has no platform to run on. A vote for Grandpa = Bush 3rd Term, America we can’t afford to make this mistake.
SuperDs lets wrap this up, let’s put Hillary out of her misery.
Congratulation Obama, we are almost home!

Our President Obama 08’ & 12’

I have been listening to Senator Cliniton's remarks on the issue of sexism in this campaign. When is CNN going to report in an unbiased manner on this issue? Also, last night on The Situation Room, the commentators discussed the issue of race in the context of "uneducated white voters" voting for Clinton. When will you comment on the issue of black voters voting for Obama solely because he is black? 90+ % in every contest! Come on now, let's open an honest, unbiased dialogue.

Race issues aren't one sided. Gender bias runs deep.

Man Up or Woman Up and report in an honest, unbiased way.

Or, is this state controlled news reporting agency unable to report solid, unbiased journalism?

I can't see what it would hurt to drop a few more words and a few less bombs. McShame is too old and only knows one way.
Obama 08

Wow!!! I am speechless! Words do sometimes speak volumes!!!

Its sad when a good Republican decides he's not running for office again.

Obama and Hagle in '08!!!!!

Atleast there is someone in the Republican Party who is smart and civil and understand what need to be done to uplift the image of America instead of being arrogant and believe in going to War and not talking to Enemies.

Obama should consider Hagel for the VP.

John McCain should not get the key to the white House. He thinks tough talk is the only solution to everything

Boot McCain Out

This is the ticket that would stand for real change in this country. Let McSame pick Lieberman the backstabber who couldn't win the democratic nomination so became an independent.
We'll take an Obama-Hagel ticket. Not a dem and an independent, but a dem and a republican coming together to show the country how discourse leads to real problem solving. This should not be a RED vs BLUE STATE country. We are in this together and have more in common than what divides us. Let's discontinue the politics of division and vote Obama-Hagel 08

And this coming from a man who knows foreign policy and is good friends with McCain. A good indication of when you are strong candidate and when you are making good points is when the oposition's close fiends start siding with you (i.e. -75% of the Clinton's friends). Also to note, McCain's chief media advisor is stepping down because he doesn't want to campaign against Obama because he thinks Obama is an extraodinary candidate. This is the same man you produced all of Bush's media during his 2000 & 2004 bids.

For Obama's foreign policy
Chuck Hagel
Joe Biden
Colin Powell
Jim Webb
James Baker
Anyone with a brain

For McCain's policy
George Bush
Joe Leiberman
Fox News

You decide….

VP?

Why don't Chuck Hagel just shut up and declare he is really a democrat. How did this guy ever get elected as a Republican?

Such comments from a well-respected Republican member of Congress like Sen. Hagel demonstrate how unpopular the Bush policy – and McCain strategy – of disengagement is among Americans —- even Republican. Let Sen. Hagel's comments be a wake up call to the GOP…. and something to consider: How can foreign relations have any chance to improve without broaching a dialogue? What is the only outcome of disengagement—only stagnation of relations.

The Bush policy has failed. McCain's proposal would only ensure continued failure.

Americans, please think of this when considering a candidate.

Hagel for VP ?? I would support it…It's refreshing to hear intelligence and thought-filled commentary…

Good to see people on both sides seeing what Obama said for what it really was. Being open to a meeting with people we dont like rather than simply declaring everyone evil. Its called diplomacy, and its what has been lacking from the current administration. You gotta be tough, but you gotta talk too. Tough talk is better than no talk.

This is kinda like how Obama took Mccains 100 years statement out of context.
people saw though that as well

As FDR said, try something. See if it works. If it doesn't, then admit the failure and try something else. But keep trying. This Bush philosophy of "my way or the highway" was worth a try. Didn't work! Time to try something new. Give Obama a shot. If it doesn't work, we'll try something else.

John McCain's basic problem is that he stands for very little, therefore he will say anything to get elected. He can criticize Barack Obama for saying we should engage our adversaries in the middle east in conversation, yet ignore his own position on engaging in diplomacy with these folks. He can rant for years about campaign reform and the undue influence of lobbyists, then hire lobbyists to run his campaign, only to watch them start resigning when they are exposed. He can oppose expanded education benefits to Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans yet vote for every defense bill that comes before him. He wants to please the neo conservatives so he takes positions he thinks they will like, even though those positions contradict positions he has taken in the past. John McCain may be the worst candidate running for president since George Wallace.

Dear Senator McCain,

Obama "doesn't understand the basic realities of international relations", but these men did?

1. Reagan negotiated with the Ayatollah of Iran (gave him a birthday cake, in fact).

2. Rumsfeld met with Saddam Hussein of Iraq (boy, that really turned the old WMD'er around).

3. "W" Bush negotiated with Kim Jong Il of North Korea (yes, the pensula is safe now!)

Sen. Clinton baggage hasn't been on the table.

Obama 08

If Obama and his wife had the baggage Sen. Clinton and Bill Clinton has, it would have been a major issue from day one of campaigning.

There white, so it's a none issue!

Good. Glad to hear not every republican is just following suit.

PLEASE, PLEASE ENDORSE OBAMA….THAT WOULD BE THE ICING ON THE CAKE.
OBAMA 08

Hagel Obama VP. Not running for re-election. Bi-Partisan ticket. Looks good from where I am sitting

Chuck Hagel… Isn't this the same republican asked about running as Obama's VP??

Sen. Chuck Hagel, Sen. Jim Webb, or General Wes Clark would be excellent choices for Sen. Obama's running mate. He needs some military experience to help balance out the ticket. Hagel's presence in particular may convince some Republicans to support Obama.

Well fought, Sen. Hillary Clinton. You and your supporters have been very formidable competitors this primary season. Let's make sure we all come together as Democrats over the summer so that we can win back the White House this fall. This country's economy and military cannot afford another Bush-like term.

Good to see there are some republicans out there with a modicum of independent judgement and intelligence.

Chuck Hagel did not understand the nature of the Vietnam War. He sided with Vietcong, like Jack Straw in UK.. How can he understand the Iraq War? He was an army officer, but he surrendered to the Communist enemies. He must disappear from the American political arena. He did not know the jungle guerrilla in Vietnam, and he does not the urban guerrilla in Iraq, either. He was a bad soldier, how can he be a good senatorf? Shut up and disappear!
Phan Vu, Westminster.

Hagel for VP !

Sen. Hagel is absolutely correct. Both McCain and Clinton have crossed the line when speaking about Iran and Iraq and it's about time someone spoke out. McCain suffers from anxiety to attack Iran and he is certainly very dangerous in this aspect. That 100 years in Iraq McCain spoke about would be created by him if given the opportunity to the presidency and I don't see why people can't recognize this.

Go figure….In Indiana Obama voted like a Republican and sometimes it's hard to see him as a Democrat? Well we now know O's only credential for being president. He deliberately voted against the war initially with this election in mind, while taking the Democratic view in other supportive legislation in what little time he was actually sitting in his senate seat (one year)?

Atleast some repulicans will see that words will go allot further then war.
United we stand, divided we fall. Being a bully has been america's mo for a long time, its time to change.
Other nations call us warmongers and have little respect for our country and its people. Its time we get some of that respect back and stop fighting a war thats cost 4000 american lives that is irreplaceable, and 10billion a month that we cannot afford.

Obama/Hagel '08?

Thank God atleast one republican stands for his principles than a party. John Mccain has to explain about lot of issues including the reason why he voted for war in iraq. The onlt good thing going for him right now is he is a war hero.

Not talking to those who don't like us will not make them go away. It only makes them more determined to get to that table by doing the very things we don't want them to do. Is this what we want? War is easy, peace takes hard work.

Thanks Senator Hagel,

Last i checked, Saigon and Washington did not have bilateral relationship when John McCain was released from the prison in Vietnam. This McCain (guy) benefted from the diplomacy of direct talk. How soon John McCain forgot this?

Senator Hagel ,
Please endorse OBAMA .

Please visit our website, Vietnam Veterans against McCain to understand why many veterans are choosing not to support McCain. He is not fit to be commander in chief.

Thank you. McCain's position on this one is absurd. Does he really think the only, or the best, way to resolve strife between nations is with deadly force?

DO YOU SEE NOW………. All of the voters that are saying they will vote for McCain, if Obama wins the nomination. Even his friends and fellow Republicans know what a mistake it would be to have McCain as president. Let go of the hatred, accept the fact that Hillary gave it a good try, and support Obama. Otherwise, you'll have four more years of hell and no one to blame, but yourself. And guess what, Obama will be just fine.

Do you really think Obama is putting, yes his life on the line, his family safety to become president of the United States, just for the hell of it. No, he wants a change and better life for everyone. All I am saying is give peace a chance…………..

Good for him

Hagel is a republican…McCain is a republican…
I guess I will have to pay less attention.

I like Hagel, an independent minded senator something we need more of. He is kind of like the Lieberman of republicans, another man I admire greatly. Senator McCain is also in this mold, hopefull if McCain wins the presidency all three men will be in his cabinent. Presidents don't need just yes men sitting beside them all day.

Diplomacy is step towards more peaceful world. Nobody said it would be easy to do.. WAR just causes more anti sentiment

what?another crossover republican with some sense of integrity?proof of the 'uniter' concept.

If Hagel endorses Obama, and Obama taps Sebileus for VP, then Kansas will actually be in play in November.

If McCain has to work for Kansas, he's dead… That's probably one of the 10 most solid republican states in the U.S.

Oh boy, sounds like the repugs are in fighting as they have nothing to stand on this year. It is an outdated platform for the repugs. You guys should review your platform and update it to the 21st century!!!

Mr. Hagel

I appreciate your honesty. I agree with you. Mr. McCain is better that that. He must be a leader and not a Bush followerer.

so macain also goes negative against obama ? i means why usa can t just put obama in the office automaticaly ? plz plz plz ppls plz usa make me more prund of this i love usa ? ! plz dont kill our chance its wil be a great message to world usa we r one nation plz ?

Could Obama win in Nov. with Hagel as his running mate? I wonder. It sure would be symbolic. A man who puts principle before party. What a concept!

McCain feels the same way about Iran as Bush, and probably would love to start a war as soon as possible, if the people are stupid enough to elect him. That's providing, that Bush doesn't start one before the election, in order to use his new Presidential powers ( Presidents defense authorization act) to declare martial law in the US, and halt the election.

Why not talk to countries such as Iran and N Korea? Why can't we have the same standing with them as we do with Saudi Arabia? Why isn't Saudi Arabia considered a terroist state? 15 of the 19 hijackers were from that country, and terrorists like Bin Laden are still in Saudi Arabia. Without the support of the US, the royal family would be doomed

Great! Even McCain people know that he is a flip flopper and trying to get elected. This is ridiculos!

JOHN Mc CAINS MOUTH MOVES MUCH FASTER THAN HIS BRAIN. COULD THIS BE BECAUSE OF HIS AGE??? McCAIN IS MUCH TO OLD TO BE PRESIDENT.

Good for Sen. Hagel for telling it like it is. McCain is a two faced liar and a mean little man.

Hagel is very real. If McCain subscribes to petty and nasty politics which the GOP is itching to engage in he'll surely lose his bid for the presidency.

We need more people like Chuck Hagel in BOTH political parties. Whether you are a dem or repub, you should at least be able to agree on that. Here is an honest man who always stands up for what he believes is right, whether it is popular with his own party or not.

Several dems could learn a few things from this man.

It is really too bad he is retiring…

Obama will destroy him in a debate. No stamina, no money, no clue about economics. Just talk about war.

America is in distress now because it's best men have been shouted down for far too long, and it's lesser men have failed to speak up while the worst among us, those who have no scrupples but only seek power for personal gain, have hogged the headlines. We need more men like Chuch Hagel to speak out with truth no matter the political afiliation. I, too, have been disappointed at the tone of the comments coming from John McCain lately. It sounds like the same old Bush/Rove divisiveness and deceipt. It surely doesn't sound like the "straight-shooting" John McCain of 2000. I've been equally disappointed in the Clinton media effort this year. It has been divisive and mean-spirited at times. So far, Obama has avoided the worst depths of the Bush/Rove/Clinton/Wolfson style of politics. Let's hope both McCain and Obama will raise the level of discourse in the coming general electuon. America needs to have a good, honest discussion of where to go from here. Both candidates need to set forth their plans without trying to destroy the other candidate's character. America deserves better than what we have been getting for the past 28 years.

What a joke. Hagel is a RINO so of course he's going to be upset with some of the things McCain says. It's no wonder Hagel isn't running for office again; he's a man without a party…well, I guess if he's thinking of voting for Obama, that shows his true colors. I suppose Hagel and Obama would be willing to try to negotiate with Bin Laden, also. Didn't either of them learn anything from Carter's blunder when he met with Hamas's leader thinking he could "reason" with him? These guys just don't seem to be able to grasp the truth that some people are unreasonable. That is why there will never be lasting peace in the mid-east. You are not going to persuade someone to give up their ideology/religion. Some of us have learned from history that there are crazy men who want to exterminate entire races of people. It's as if others don't remember HItler. Is Ahmahdinejad any different? Is Bin Laden any different? Was Obama taught that part of history which speaks of Hitler? or was that missed while he was receiving his education in an Indonesian school? Does CNN dare to print this? Or will you disregard these comments because they are contrary to what you usually post?

So pointing out to the American people that Obama, who is running for the job of President, is not experienced enough and a bit naive is wrong?
Interesting Chuck.
I thought the voters needed to make an informed choice, not chose who the Dems think they should chose?
Wow is Obama going to be protected by his surrogates or can he speak for himself?
Obama, you refused to debate Hillary cause you can't beat her in a debate. She shows the world your inexperience and incompetence.
Wait till McCain gets a chance to show what an inexperienced naive person you really are!

Mccain you are a loser Obama put a good canidate on the ticket with you if it is not Richardson Pick Hagel

On the back of the dollar bill, by far the most common of our paper currency, an eagle holds an olive branch in one claw, and arrows in the other. For far too long, it matters of affairs with our enemies, we show them the arrows. It is time to see what tough diplomacy will gain us.

Didn't your mother always tell you that you draw more flies with honey than with vinegar?

Well, Chuck Hagel is one HONEST Republican and when he speaks he speaks with GREAT credibility on issues of Foreign Relations and he too is FED UP with actions of the GOP.

So this is BIG SHOT across the bow of the Straight Talk Express. John McCain needs to figure out what is the next move for him on this Foreign Affairs issue.

Obama 08

Hint to McCain, please do not take the low road like Hillary did. You will not only lose the general, but your good legacy too.

so in other words..
"John McCain is being reckless with Iran just to argue with OBAMA…"
"Where is the John I knew?"

Just another Obama lemming who doesn't understand foreign policy. Of course, everything that Obama says is correct and anyone who questions him or has a different opinion should be ashamed of themselves. These people are ridiculous. We'll see how Hagel is feeling when we get nuked by some of these terrorists that he thinks we should talk to.

What do you think McBrain Is Smart…? Come On

Obama/Hagel 08 Chuck Hagel would provide a great balance for Barrack Obama. This would be a tough ticket to beat.

Well said, Sen. Hagel……actually, I believe Sen. Obama has said that he would have Republicans in his cabinet and this guy would be a prime choice for SecDef or even a vice pesidential spot. He comes from the midwest, has impeccable foreign policy experience and unlike McCain has shown recently, is a true 'maverick', I think this would go a long way in showing how open and bipartisan Sen. Obama is and what his camkpaign stands for.

"John is smarter than some of the things he's been saying."

We just had eight years trusting that someone was smarter than they sounded, and it backfired on us big time.

It's time for all the neocons to admit they failed and join the human race.

Unless of course they think they can win an election based on who wears a flag pin and when.

I'm glad someone has a brain !

I wouldn't mind seeing Hagel run for president. He doesn't seem to be strapped by his party the way McCain seems to be. I think he'd make a better choice for president than McCain. McCain flip-flops too much.

Obama/ Hagel 08

MCCAIN WON'T OR CAN'T CHANGE HE IS A PHONEY A BLATANT OPPORTUNIST. HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY WHY DO YOU THINK HE SAID IRAQ WAR WILL BE ENDING AFTER HIS TERM IF HE IS ELECTED,JUST TO PANDER FOR VOTES.
MCSAME MCSAME MCSAME !!!!!!!!!

No way is he looking to be on the ticket, but there's a rumor out there about Secretary of Defense. It'd be an easy way to bring in a liberal for Secretary of Education.

hmmm Obama/Hagel '08? sounds good to me!

The man is too feeble too old. The flip-flopping could land him in the hospital

Thanks to Sen. Chuck Hagel for being a man willing to step forward regarding Sen. McCain's rhetoric attacking Sen. Barack Obama over foreign policy. McCain should be telling the American people what he plans to do as president instead of attacking Obama. All I see him doing is rigidly talking in circles and attempting to act tough. What he displays today may have been good in the 60s, but it does not wash with the younger generation. He is out of touch in this century.

I do not trust McCain or anything he has to say. He is too rigid and appears to be scripted . In this day and age the American people need a president that is willing to be the president for all Americans.

Since when has it been wrong for a person running for office to point out policy differences between himself/herself and his/her opponent Mr. Hagel??? Obama has said time and again that he would meet with leaders such as Ahmadinejad, Chavez & Castro with out preconditions being met. McCain is simply saying that he would require preconditions be met. That's a policy difference, and that is something that the voters should be made aware of.

I suppose that you have no problem with Obama and his camp pointing out that McCain is a tied old man or that Clinton may have womanly issues that limit her ability to govern effectively. Do those kinds of comment bother you Mr. Hagel??? No…??? I didn't think so.

Perhaps next time you should do us a favor and run as a Democrat. Or, better yet, just do us "all" a favor and don't run for reelection. Either way, you've made it very obvious that you're vying for a cabinet position should Obama become president. If they should create a position of 'Secretary of Giving Our Country Away to Our Enemies' you'll be perfect for the job.

There is both right and wrong with McCain and Obama. They do have different views but should step back and look at the whole picture.

We don't want to go to war but we don't want to have milk and cookies with them either. We must be firm and let them know we are not going to stand for them walking all over us. We have been very lucky since 9/11 and don't want another attach on our shores.

Obama better get some experience.

"I believe that John is smarter than some of the things he is saying. He is, he understands it more."

No he's not…

This is what attracts me to Senator Obama, he talks real with people and don't just say anything to get a vote. Thank God, he sent us a person that will be honest. If America can become the great Nation all Americans believe we can be and all the world can see, we got to get back to basic truth talking from our leaders. The last two presidents have stood in front of the whole world and lied and now the world think of us as liars and this is so unfair to the American people to be portrayed as liars because of leaders that will outright lie for any reason. It is time for America to get back to being a country that we can be proud of. An American where the people are represented by leaders that are honest, smart and can take care of business. So, Senator McCain, I admired you because I thought your were tough but if you have to make up stuff to get people motivated about you, then you are just as weak as other politicians that will say or do anything to win. If you have to stretch the truth to make yourself look good, then what does that say about you. So, be the hero you are and fight fair.

After hearing senator McCain's remarks and seeing that he actually has a chance to win the general election leads me to believe that the electorate in this country has an IQ of about 60 which equals mental retardation.

We have troops in 130 countries world wide that cost $1 trillion annually.

As great a nation as we are right now (and hopefully will be), we must face the fact that we are no longer the lone superpower, and many countries are starting to stand up and be strong.

It was differenet between Korea and the 1st Persian Gulf War, because it was duty and responsibility to have troops overseas and to defend nations….

but not anymore. Bring everyone home and let's worry about ourselves, because the next few years will be very deserate times. I am not saying I'm not a patriot or that our troops have died for nothing fighting two wars…

but to save our country from imploding and to drastically improve foreign relations with some countries, it is time for us to bring home ALL of our troops….

I've read that if Hillary does not accept the VP spot on the ticket, this guy could be in line as the choice, which would not only be a very interesting decision given that he's a Republican but also because it would show that Obama is not just 'all talk' in terms of unifying the country. That may be a solid decision, as one thing Obama will have to do is make moves that reach for the middle of the political spectrum, as fair or not, Obama has been branded as a moon-beam liberal. Hagel could be that 'centrist' that the ticket will need, although I'd ask those who may know more about him to share their knowledge of his track record, as I am curious.

wow – as a republican I think this is one of the reasons Barack Obama has my vote.. we need change NOW america. this man will unite all americans.

Wow, First the Chief Media Advisor steps down because he does not want to go against Obama and now this, it just shows that obama can unite the united states and the world. Even McCains advisers and collegues/friends know obama is the best candidate to bring back the united states to the people. Republicans and Democrats unite and elect Obama for the needed change we need in America and in the world.

Hooray! Finally a republican who speaks the truth about the realities of the world and not give us political Rhetoric.

McCain is old. Honestly, I can't see him leading this great nation.

Obama '08

The human race is on the verge of extinction because of global warming, wars, disease, overpopulation, hunger, etc. The world's resources would be better spent working together to solve these problems than using them to fight each other. If we don't start talking solutions, soon there may not be anyone left to fight.

If Obama is willing to talk with our so-called enemies, then he should do so. First talk to your enemies, then you fight if that doesn't work.

I think Mr. Hagel is a gutsy guy and speaks the truth. McCain is like a run away train..saying anything.. again Post Tramatic Stress Disorder can make you say and do some "reckless" things..

I would have loved to have see Jim Webb, Colin Powell or Chuck Hagel as VP. But, I know witchy poo isn't going to let that happen.

Interesting enough, I am a big fan of Senator Hagel, but am voting for Senator Obama for president. I actually believe Senator Hagel would be a great choice for VP for Barack Obama. He is a straight shooter who exercises common sense. His honesty is very obvious and an honest politician is worth his weight in gold.

I used to really like John McCain. I told my family and friends he would be the first presidential candidate who was a Republican that I would seriously consider voting for, but that was a while ago. He's sold out and cheapened himself to appeal to a broader base and he has lost my vote.

you should have thrown your hat in the ring
you make sense for a change.
lisa.

Oh God forbid you should say mean things to or about Barack Obama. Apparently he is untouchable. Just for the record, I am a democrat and there is NO WAY that I will vote for Obama. There are at least 20 people in my family and hometown that will not vote for him either. By the way Obama, your playing in the big leagues now, grow a set or get out if you can't stand the heat.

I'm so glad that his colleagues are reprimanding McCain.

It is like he's possessed. He did the same attack on Mitt Romney before. Is this man mentally stable, is this how he'll attack world leaders when they come to the White house?

This McCain guy is SCARY! Hillary is Evil, McCain is UNSTABLE, poor Barack.

It's about time that someone with grit within the Repub. party spoke up. McCain has "lost his bearings." And I don't mean his mental capacity. More pointedly, McCain has lost his way. He is a ship lost at sea. McCain wants to be president so badly that he'd rather adhere to nonsense than to principals that he's espoused for many many years.

This is political cycle is sad, in that, we are seeing people dissolve on the public stage. Sad indeed.

Very perceptive man. Senator Hagel is one of the more insightful public officials serving the U.S. right now.

Yes We Can & Yes We Should
Obama 08′

I am just blown away. Over the last few days, there have even been Republicans coming to Obama's defense and backing him. WOW… I mean just…..

WOW!

We definitely need to get back to the sit down and talk it out tactics that past Presidents use to do. Why would you not want to meet with & try to talk things out to make peace instead of making threats with out negotiation? That is why The US has so many enemies because of Bush & McCain's narrow minded policies. Goes to show that there is something to it when one of your friends speaks against you, and possibly changes parties.

I'm trying to read into Senator Hagel's comments to determine what he thinks of the general election matchup. It wasn't long ago when the possibility of him being Senator Obama's running mate was tossed around. He didn't reject it out right. However, he seems to be trying to shape the form of the Republican campaign here. Its very interesting.

Obama/Hagel 08!!!

True change!

Hagel should be McCain's running mate. It would attract moderates and democrats and if McCain starts going off on another Bush tangent Hagel can knock some sense back into him.

Oooohhh –what would Fox News say about this….. or are they still stuck on Rev Wright. This is a clear message to all voters (especially those stuck on "if I can't have Hillary, I switch to McClain").
We should vote for the person who reflect the values, vision, and leadership that represents USA. I'm an Africian American who does not agree with all of Obama's positions, but I can not deny what he would represent as a leader for this country — it appears this Republican sees it the same way.

Wow!!! Bring the Reps. on. Unite the country. Awesome.

Hagel is right.
While McCain has always been a friend of the military and he has certainly always advocated a strong force and the use of the threat of our force, he has never quite been so simple and arcane in his positions as he is now.
All of this stuff about "not talking to leaders we don't like" is bull, anyway. Even this backward administration engages in some levels of communications.

John McCain is a warmonger and a disgrace to his country. His comments about Iran have been downright disgusting and pathetic. The last thing this country needs is another ignorant warmonger in the White House.

Who cares what Hagel thinks. He is a RINO

Outstanding!

As with Obama & Clinton, this is the main difference between the mind set of a career Diplomat and that of a career Soldier. Politics…don't you love it!

Hagel for VP. Talk about change!

Hagel for VP!
Obama/Hagel 2008!!!

Sun Tszu put it most succinctly ages ago. "Keep your friends close, and your enimies closer". We achieve nothing by refusing to speak to our enimies, beyond looking like 13 year olds who can only disengage when talking becomes too hard.

Wow. Can someone say TAKE OVER!!!

That's not a good sign for the Grand ole Party.

Hagel is reinforcing what the rest of us know. In round one of the foreign policy debate, Obama has beaten McCain.

Like Roosevelt, JFK, and Reagan before him, Obama IS willing to open up dialogue with nations of a different persuasion in the hopes of some reconciliation. Bush has pissed off more countries and fueled more international discontent with his "my way or the highway" intransigence. McCain thinks it funny to "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran." McCain and Obama may not "love thy (international) neighbor, but Obama has the sense to realize we're ONE world and we sure as hell oughta learn to put our guns and nukes away, or we'll all sink together.

YEAH MCCAIN!

Have you ever wondered why the symbol of the Democrats is a DONKEY- Because you all are that?

MCCAIN GOT THIS…

I have never seen so many dumb people.

LOL KEEP FIGHTING YOU ALL IS HELPING OUR PARTY. LOL

WE are not even worrying about a backfire. We already know Democrats are dumb, LAZY and filled with HATE. Therefore, I hope Obama win so we can keep the Whitehouse because you all are too DUMB to go vote…lol

MCCAIN 08 P.S. we will rule for another 4years and keep you ALL in your PLACE…lol

SORRY DONKEYS (JACK- – - ) YOU WILL NOT GET THIS ELECTION

Hagel is right about McCain.
If McSame makes it to the White House, he won't remember what he said during the campaign.

MacFlip-flop stand for nothing therefore he is fall for anything. They say empty cans make the most noise well Macflip-flop is proof of that.
MacFilpflop sounds like a broken record who seem to be over obssed on Iran which he himself previously suggested that he would negociate with. Now that he is the Republican candidate, he is trying to APPEASE the conservative base by radically deviating from principles that he once stood for.

Yes, because our current strategy with dealing with our enemies has been SO effective thus far.

What's that definition of insanity? Continuing to do the exact same thing expecting different results.

An honest & courageous man who's willing to acknowledge the smoke screens both McSame & Billary continue to attempt on the USA citizens. Obama & REAL change 08 !!!!

come on over mr hagel

lots of rumers you would be a good vp for obama
so come on over to our house you will be more then welcome

YES!

Thank you Mr. Hagel!

You know you are wrong when your friends go against you!

Ha,h,ah,ha,! This is great!

Well Mc Cain – Mr. Hagel has called you out on the carpet and questions your inexperience and reckless judgment!

We know why you can't stop talking about Iran – you want to bomb that country –

Go Obama! What a great speech last night that should rattle Mc Sane's cage!

Or should I say Mccain/Bush rhetoric.

Well said Mr. Hagel.

Great news! Even some wise republicans are coming out against Mccain's rhetoric.

Obama and his campaign have never said they would be "engaging Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad diplomatically" and they've say this to the media several times.

Ahmadinejad doesn't control the nuclear program or the foreign policy. He isn't the top guy who the US should be talking to. Unfortunately, McCain and Bush don't seem to know that.

I APPLAUD SENATOR HAGEL. HERE IS A MAN THAT HAS PROVEN TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT HE IS WILLING TO SPEAK THE TRUTH IN SPITE OF WASHINGTON'S TREND TO RALLY BEHIND PARTY STANCES. WE HAVE COME TO A TIME IN OUR HISTORY WHERE WE NEED LEADERS WHO ARE WILLING TO TRANSCEND OUR DECREPID 2 PARTY SYSTEM, WHICH LENDS ITSELF TO STALEMATES AND INACTION. I FEEL MOST AMERICANS HAVE VALUES AND BELIEFS THAT FALL IN THE GRAY AREAS BETWEEN LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVES, AND WE NEED LEADERS WHO ARE GUIDED NOT BY PARTY AFFILIATIONS, BUT BY CONSCIENCE AND COMMON SENSE.

As if we needed further proof of just how out of touch McCain is with reality and with the country.

McCain looks like he's going to go down in flames much like McGovern in 1972.

McCain must be using our "Cuba" foreign policy approach. Can we afford 50 years of nothing?

Let's break this down.

1) Bush's policy has failed utterly
2) McCain wants to continue Bush's policy
3) Obama doesn't

Not exactly a complex issue here folks…

Hagel is a baggy eyed sissy who apparently sees NOTHING good about Iraq!? Well,there are no more rape rooms,no more childrens prisons(think Abu-Graib),no more wood chipper treatments,etc.Freedom does have a cost.Hagel and the other mollycoddled milksops on the far radical left would rather spend money on college degrees on lifers in prison,butterfly museums,health care for criminal illegals,farm subsidies to millionaire sugar/tobacco farmers and all the wastefull 1325 federal programs that are so outdated ,as to be CRIMINAL! Retire to the farm HAGEL….SOOOOOON!!!

McCain needs to learn from the mistakes Clinton made…! Coupled with his temper issues this might cause problems for him….

John McCain needs to have a brain scan done as soon as possible.The American people have a right to know his mental and physical condition before November.

go chuck

It is a coalition that has democrats, independents and republican working to solve the same problems

Obama 08

At least this Republican has some sense. Welcome to the Obama Movement. It will be a wise choice to go with his nomination.

great news!!!

Hagel quit whining.

I don't think this story is worth mentioning, but since you are reading it, Obmobus and his crew of CNN pundits certainly know how to dis Hillary. Now they are crying Give me a break. Imagine Obombus is whining again what a girlie man. More stories critical of everyone but ombumus. Give us all a break.

You bet he scores badly with some Democrats. He is as green as the corn in Ohio in the spring. Yes the corn is green, since it hasn't had time to grow and mature yet and so is he.

He has spent his life running for one job, obtaining it, then running for another before he establishes a mark.

Let's set him straight and Super Delegates Vote for a proven leader, Vote Hillary.

The Truth Hurts! I like this Hagel guy. He's one of the few Republicans I would vote for.

Right no McCain looks just like Bush – a warmonger with nothing but hatred for people who don't follow his way of thinking. He will never get my vote!

Sen Hagel, Please enumerate the "things" Sen McCain is saying you don't agree with.

What's happened to you anyway? Are you running for Democrat VP?

Well this article said absolutelty NOTHING. Early attempts to begin to sway voters by the liberal media.

a REPUBLICAN that got some sense!

Sen. Chuck Hagel,

He is totally correct and America needs a unified government. We need a government that about keeping all america safe and secure.

We need jobs to come back and help those areas that have lost jobs and help right a way………

Thank You Sen. Chuck Hagel….

God Bless America

I see someone is campaigning for Obama VP

Chuck Hagel for V.P. for the democratic Party

I'm glad that someone is finally calling McCain out on this. It is ridiculous that they are trying to insinuate that Sen. Obama is trying to harm this country in some way. Why can't McCain and Clinton give Obama the same respect he gives them? We ALL love this country!

WELL SAID MCCAIN IS MOT THE SAME "MAVERICK" FROM 2000 HE LOST HOS "BEARINGS" TO "APPEASE" TO THE NEOCONS I CANT STAND HE HAS BEEN CRITICIZING FOR YEARS. MCCAIN HAS SHOWN HE IS WILLIN TO SAY ANYTHING TO WIN EVEN IF HE HAS TO SELL HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL

Thank you Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel for being honest and keeping with the straight talk that is need right now. Our country is in bad shape and the American people need to be told the truth and not be told PR and spin just to win the White House and I hope that Barack picks you for his running mate.

Obama & Hagel 08!!!

I think our good friend Sen. Hagel sees it too – the Bushification of John McCain. McCain's spent the last 6 months abandoning whatever centrist views he once had to try and woo over the neo-cons. It's certianly not doing him any favours, and they'll stab him in the back the first chance they get.

Well, it's nice to see someone from the Rep side state the obvious. We can't keep "requiring" all sorts of conditions before we'll pick up the phone. Better yet, like the mafia, which may be where Obama takes this position from, they come see you if they have a problem and talk about how to get it resolved. Then, there could be no misunderstanding if we "handle our business." Capiche?

I think Hagel is looking for a high position in an Obama cabinet…. politicians are so predictable

What a tool Hagel is.

Hagel, just shut up and retire.

Why is Hagel attacking one of his own? Is he looking for Obama's VP spot?

Things that make you go "Hmmmmm…."

The soon to be running mate of Obama!

Senator Hagel, the problems that McBush is having is due to his age, health and senility. However, thanks for speaking up and speaking the truth.

What else do we need to know about mccain that raises concerns just like his old friends implies.

Hagel, boo hoo, waaahaaa, he is such a crybaby. We all know he is not a Republican. He is just mad he is not relvant anymore. Hey, Democrats, lets make a trade straight up, we will give you Hagel for Lieberman. I say they are in the same boat. They got screwed by their party and so they lash out at their own. I dont understand people like this. Why dont you just trade parties. All Republicans know Hagel is not what they stand for.

I admire you, Senator Hagel, but butt out. None of your business what my main man McCain says.

From McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds:

“This election is fundamentally about who Americans can trust to secure peace and prosperity for the next generation of Americans. Without a doubt, Barack Obama is a talented political orator, but his naive plans for unconditional summits with rogue leaders and support for big tax hikes on hardworking families expose his bad judgment that Americans can ill-afford in our next president. Rather than offer solutions and leadership, Senator Obama again tonight launched the tired old political attacks of a typical politician, not the ‘new politics’ he’s promised. America needs a commander in chief who is ready from day one. John McCain has the experience, character and courage to move America foward with strength, optimism and resolve.” –McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds

a potential VP for Obama????

Question:
What do McCain, Bush and Osama Bin Laden have in common?

Answer:
They wont talk to their enemies

Republicans have some major issues this fall..Obama will be the next President.

Hagel maneuvering for the VP slot? (For Obama, not McCain…).

Way to go Chuck!