We should be fearful of Hagel

[Horse with no Name]

He seems to be the only Republican Presidential hopeful that is against this war.
He is definitely a candidate that Republicans who are disgusted with this administration can vote for because he embraces all of their other "values".
That is who our candidates need to be mindful of. Mark my words. The next Republican candidate will not have a pro-war stance.
This is not going to be an issue that Democrats can win on in the Presidential race. Congressional races...sure.
Don't get too comfortable.

[Jack Rabbit]

1. Do you mean Hagel?

Hegel died in 1831.

[Horse with no Name]

5. ....

Thanks!

[mr_hat]

8. And he could drink you under the table.

[Jack Rabbit]

14. Some of this sentences sound like they were written under the influence

[mr_hat]

20. Rene Descartes, it should be pointed out >

was a drunken fart.

I drink therefore I am.

[Kahuna]

2. I would hope that Hagel WOULD run and become the nominee

that we run against. Face it, the republican nominee has at least a 50% chance of winning. I would much prefer that if a repub wins, it would be Hagel instead of McCain or Rudy.

You see, Hagel doesn't give me the hibee-jeebies like most republican candidates going back to Ford. I have a highly tuned bullshit detector and have been very good at reading between the lines of republican-speak. While I don't agree with Hagel, I've rarely gotten a sense from him that he was being deceptive or divisive. So, with him, what you see is what you get. I can't say the same for McCain or Rudy.

[acmavm]

3. Research the guy and his voting record why don't you?

[Kahuna]

6. Did you NOT read my post. It's not about his voting record. I said

I don't agree with him. I'm talking about character and whether a man can be taken at his word. Don't try to change the subject on me.

[acmavm]

19. I AM ALSO talking about his 'character' and whether or not he can be

taken at his words. Actions are proof of character. His words, such as where his loyalties lie and is his real constituency 'is' is in his actions.

Pay attention.

edit: Problems with grammar.

[Horse with no Name]

7. I understand

But I guess the point that I am trying to make is that Democrats AND Republicans will both vote for anti-war candidates and most likely, they will be someone who initially authorized the IWR.
It's not something we will be able to "one-up" them on...it will be equal footing.
That is my point.
The Presidential election will not be about the war. It will be about the social issues.
Congressional elections will be about the war. All of the filth that continues to vote for the war will lose their seats. The ones who vote against will gain.

[Kahuna]

9. Thanks for understanding where I'm coming from... Again..

I'd rather run against there best than their worst. Because like I've said, their worst could have a 50% chance of winning and I can't take another 4 years of a dishonest and divisive republican regime.

[Horse with no Name]

10. Yes

I want the war ended. If we were to lose the Presidential election, I would still want it ended.

[still_one]

12. Hagel is not necessarily for getting out of Iraq

In fact if you listen to his latest comments on supporting the non-binding resolution, it has more to do with an incompentent led war by this administration, and less about getting out of Iraq

I do agree with you that he is much more a "straight talker" then the republicans, and most of the Democrats running, and for that reason I think it would be good to have him in the race if for nothing else than to hopefully force the other republican candidates to respond to the issues directly instead of through nuance. In fact, that is one reason I am extremely happy that Dennis Kucinich is running. He is not vaugue about where he stands, and this will hopefully force the other Democratic candidates to take a stand, or be thrown out of the primaries

[leftofthedial]

4. and terrified of Nietzche

[BlueManDude]

11. He's got no shot at the nomination. Hagel's been great on the war

and his statement in the Senate committee (For Relations? Armed Services?) was inspiring - but I have no illusions about him. In the end he's a RWer and will eventually support McCain.

[PassingFair]

18. Here he is.

He has gone renegade. Time for US
to push as hard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZCeUhLkGto

[eek]

13. Hagel+ES&S = i can never trust him

That fellow is one of those most culpable for the mess our country is in.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

15. I partially agree, but feel it unlikely Hagel would survive the primaries, unless the Republican

party as a whole undergoes a complete revamping of their whole way of "thinking" and operating in the next year, which I also think very unlikely.

He'll likely be Swiftboated to death by his own party, unless the Republican political machinery can let go of the mythology of "Bush = God and can do no wrong" while Bush is still in office. Hagel's stance is at direct odds with this mythology, and they cannot coexist and get Hagel to the top level of nominee.

[PassingFair]

16. There are a LOT of disaffected 'pukes out there.

Probably more than there are Bush lovers.

Hagel has the pole position. I think he is
JUST beginning to realize what he could do.

Most 'pukes I know are PRAYING for a way out
of this mess they have created. I'm betting he'd
get the lion's share of the "libertarian" and
'puke votes in Michigan. All he needs is a little
mainstream media and momentum.

NONE of our candidates is as sincere a speaker
(Dennis excepted) as this Hagel is.

He could steal our thunder if one of our own does
not get out in front of him.

Hillary's recent "mea culpa" just doesn't cut it.

[Hubert Flottz]

17. I've been thinking the same thing.

The GOPers are playing Good pub bad pub and it's working like a charm. Look at all the free face time Chucky is getting...