Monday, June 09, 2008

What do you think?

Many people have been talking about possible roles for Chuck Hagel in the next administration. Some ideas include Chuck Hagel as either Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense in a McCain or in an Obama administration. The idea of an Obama/Hagel ticket has been widely discussed as well.

What are your thoughts on these suggestions?

UPDATE: There have been a number of news stories out there about a possible Obama/Hagel pairing, and this one from the AP ("Hagel says he'd consider VP offer from Obama") focuses on Senator Hagel's reaction to the possibility.

17 comments:

Deacon Adams said...

Hagel definitely needs to be in the next Administration, in any possible role, for the country to be taken seriously once again. I like the idea of Obama/Hagel for a couple reasons. First, partisanship simply needs to stop, and that would go a long way in making it happen. Then, Obama needs to be backed up with strong foreign policy experience and some economic background, and Hagel fills that role exactly. Most importantly, if Obama wants to talk about change, he has to make it happen to be taken seriously, and stepping outside of the party would do that very effectively.
As for Hagel in a McCain Administration, if McCain ever realizes that Hagel sounds like the "old" McCain, the one America loved, then it's a possibility. What do I think the likelihood of that is? The same as $2/gallon gas.

JD said...

Sounds like a winning ticket to me.

I am not an Obama supporter, but I am absolutely, definitely against McCain.

Anonymous said...

I am a democrat and a strong Obama supporter. I just wanted to say that I see and respect Hagel as the most bipartisan member of the Senate, he would be asset to any campaign (therefore, I hope he is in Obama's camp), since I know he would put country above party anyday.

Anonymous said...

I would love to see an Obama-Hagel ticket. What a great combination of strengths and experience - and what a statement it would make!

Deacon Adams said...

Here, http://www.thenewargument.com/?p=181, the author makes a case for Obama's VP picks, and the argument "why" for Hagel is right on, but the "why not" is off. To think that Hagel will not go against McCain is wrong. Sure, it will be a tough decision, but you're talking about a man who cares deeply about this country, the path it's on, and the path it needs to follow in the future. If it's for the right reasons, the friendship will not end because of such a choice.
Also, rank Hagel #2, and then not place him in the final top 6? That's not strength the Deacon can admire.

Anonymous said...

An Obama Hagel ticket is EXACTLY what this country needs at this time in history. Here are 2 leaders who are forward thinking and willing to put partisan politics behind them for the betterment of their country. Also, I think they would compliment each other strengths and send a strong message to independents and moderate republicans, that politics as usual will change on their watch.

Anonymous said...

Chuck, why don't you just do us all a favor and retire.

Anonymous said...

Why in god's name would someone from the libertarian wing of the Republican party link up with a left wing Democrat who espouses socialist policies?

Deacon Adams said...

Uh, to try and put an end to partisan labels and everything else that blocks the country from moving forward?

Anonymous said...

I don't see why a libertarian leaning conservative couldn't be on a democratic ticket.

There are many good values that Hagel represents that I wish more Republicans stood for. It's sad that you have to be pro-Iraq war, pro-Patriot act to be a "good Republican".

Anonymous said...

I just wonder if a majority of Dems would actually vote for a registered Republican on their own ticket.

Anonymous said...

I am a conservative and a supporter of Hagel. Having him on any ticket, say Obama's, would make it very tempting to vote for Obama/Hagel.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Obama should definitely put Hagel in his administration in some capacity.

Charlie said...

From USA TODAY:
"JFK speechwriter to Obama: Tap Hagel
A former Kennedy White House speechwriter says Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel would be a good running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Ted Sorensen says Hagel's national security experience is what Obama needs on the ticket. He says former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton doesn't fit the bill."

Lindsey said...

Given that "change" is something Obama is going for (as in his campaign slogan), mixing up the ticket would definitely accomplish that. It would show that he is serious about working across party lines. Honestly, I think Hagel is the best bet to accomplish this. He hasn't endorsed the presumptive Republican nominee, McCain, despite being good friends. Hagel's experience would definitely boost Obama's credibility and add a more rounded aspect to the policies and ticket as a whole.

Anonymous said...

Obama/Hagel is the true Unity ticket. Chuck Hagel has always been on the right side of the issue regardless if it was against what his party stood for.

Obama Hagel 2008!

Anonymous said...

I'd rather see a Obama/Clinton ticket rather than Hagel. I really don't care for the guy. He's not a part of the democratic party and I think he's only benefiting the Republicans and not the democrates. Obama wake up and put Hilary on, she's a powerhouse!!!