Hagel not ready to back McCain for president
(CNN) - Senator Chuck Hagel, R-Nebraska, said on Sunday that he isn’t ready to endorse his good friend and Republican presidential nominee John McCain, citing major disagreements over the Iraq war.
“I’ve obviously got some differences with John on the Iraq war, that’s no secret,” Hagel told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on "This Week" Sunday. “Certainly doesn’t put me in Obama or Clinton’s camp, but John and I have some pretty fundamental disagreements on the future of foreign policy.”
Hagel, who has been the one of Republican party’s most outspoken critic of the Iraq war, said he’s not sure what McCain meant when the Arizona senator said on the campaign trail that the United States would stay in Iraq for 100 years if necessary.
“I think we've got to look at the reality that we have before us, and we're in a mess right now… The fact is, all of our senior members of this Cabinet have said that we're not going to sign long-term commitments to defend Iraq,” said Hagel.
The senator from Nebraska had briefly contemplated his own White House run last year, but said recently he is now planning to leave politics. "I don't intend to be in the government next year. I don't anticipate it, and I don't look forward to it," said Hagel.
–CNN's Peter Lanier
From CNN Politics
- CNN Political Briefing
- The best credit cards for people with excellent credit
- Top Navy leaders visit aircraft carrier following recent suicides among crew
- CNN Poll: Most Americans are concerned about the US and 'burned out' on politics
- Untitled
- DOJ files suit against casino mogul Steve Wynn seeking order that he register as foreign agent of China
Chuck Hagel is the voice of reason. I'd love so see a third party with Hagel and Obama as running mates. They're both thoughtful and intelligent and challenge us to view the world through a broader lens. On second thought, what was I thinking? It's obvious that we Americans prefer the cheap soundbite and the slimy mudslinging of American politics. Perhaps individuals like Hagel and Obama are too good for American politics, since we clearly love the dirty politics of the Bushes and the Billarys. We'll get exactly what we deserve.
Who asked him to back John McCain? More importantly, who cares? Like with both candidates, we're not voting for the surrogates or endorsers, but rather the candidates themselves. I'm sure Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain want you voting for them instead of Oprah, Bill Richardson, Ed Rendell, or Sylvester Stallone.
I look forward to reading Senator Hagel's newest book. If we are to have an honest debate about Iraq, we need his voice!
Chuck Hagel is the ONLY person that voted against the war and backed up that vote, it was not Barak Obama. His voice against the war was and still is a political ploy!
It seems that everyone can find a reason to criticize John McCain. I thought we were looking for someonewho didn't just tell us what we wanted to hear, was able to cross party lines, placed loyalty to country over party when necessary, did not pander to liberals or conservatives, and had the courage of his convictions. You know, an actual leader. Americans for McCain!
I should have added that Hegel really deserves the title of "Maverick" rather than McCain since many people seem to think that he would continue on many of the policies of George W. Bush. Hegel has fought on more things and many important issues with the Republican party than McCain has.
good go away
if we had more republicans like hagel, we would need democrats less. maybe obama can pick him as a running mate, that would be a great team!!!!
Who cares what Hagel thinks or does?
Senator Hagel's backing and recommendations aren't of sufficient importance to effect anything. He gives credibility to the word "insignificance."
Obama / Hagel ticket would be a real winner.
I wish Hagel would run as an independent. The current candidates remind me of Moe, Larry and Curly.
Senator Chuck Hagel.
You are a republican. I am a republican. I am most grateful to find another republican who actually shares my views.!!!!!!!!!!
Of course Hagel is reluctant to support one hundred years of war in Iraq. McCain is a continuation of the AXIS of Idiots of Bush, Chenney and Rumsfeld. McCain is Al Queadas dream candidate. He will waste our financial resources and wear our military down in Iraq while Bin Laden watches from his mountain home on the Afghan. Pakistan Border. Vote O8ama
Finally, a decent GOP official.