Chuck Hagel for President in 2008

Photo - Senator Hagel in Iraq

2008-07-22T10:36:00.005-05:00

Senator Obama, General David Petraeus, and Senator Hagel in Iraq

Press Release - Hagel to join Obama on trip to Iraq and Afghanistan

2008-07-14T08:54:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Senator Hagel's office released this statement:

Hagel and Reed Announce Plans to Join Obama for Bipartisan CODEL to Iraq and Afghanistan Later This Summer

July 13th, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) today announced plans to join U.S. Senator Barack Obama in traveling to Iraq and Afghanistan later this summer to get a firsthand look at the security and political situation in these two important countries for American national security. The bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) plans to meet with top U.S. military commanders and civilians, and senior Iraqi and Afghan leaders. They will also thank our troops, civilians, and coalition partners for their heroic work in extremely difficult circumstances.

In Iraq, the senators will examine whether the tactical buildup of U.S. troops has resulted in the progress necessary to resolve Iraq’s political differences, provide basic services to the Iraqi people, and create long-term stability. In Afghanistan, the senators will assess the U.S.-led efforts to combat the Taliban and expand security in light of the recent rise in violence, while also assessing the political and economic situation.

Senator Reed is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and will be arranging the logistics for this trip. Senators Obama and Hagel serve on the Foreign Relations Committee.

“I look forward to joining Senators Obama and Reed on this important trip,” said Senator Hagel. “U.S. policies in Iraq and Afghanistan are at the center of America’s national security. These critical issues must be addressed in a bipartisan manner that builds consensus for a bipartisan American foreign policy.”

“This CODEL is a good opportunity to look, listen, and assess recent developments in the region. I am pleased to join Senators Obama and Hagel on this bipartisan fact finding mission. Our troops are performing heroically in Afghanistan and Iraq and doing everything they can to stem the violence. They deserve a policy that is worthy of their sacrifice,” said Senator Reed. “Economic rebuilding and political stability are key components of our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We will carefully examine our non-military efforts to bring stability to these places.”

Senator Hagel on Bloomberg TV

2008-06-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

Senator Hagel's speech at the Brookings Institution

2008-06-26T13:05:00.005-05:00

Today Senator Hagel delivered a speech to The Brookings Institution, an event described as

"a discussion of U.S. foreign policy in the context of the 2008 presidential campaign. Senator Hagel examined the inventory of global challenges that the next president will inherit and the responsibilities of the presidential candidates to address these challenges."

The speech was titled "Memo to the Candidates." You can read the full text here as a pdf.

What do you think?

2008-06-09T17:11:00.004-05:00

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.

The Global Wire

2008-06-09T17:07:00.003-05:00

The Global Wire's first episode is an interview with Senator Chuck Hagel. Take a look.

Press Release: "Senate Passes Webb-Hagel GI Bill "

2008-05-22T14:04:00.002-05:00

The following statement was released today by Senator Hagel's office:

Senate Passes Webb-Hagel GI Bill

May 22nd, 2008 - The United States Senate today passed, by an overwhelming margin of 75-22, the FY08 Emergency Supplemental bill that included the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act” sponsored by Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Jim Webb (D-VA). The legislation modernizes educational benefits for members of our Armed Forces who have served since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

“This bill is about giving the men and women of our military the same education benefits that all of America’s veterans have received since WWII. What this bill does is rotate forward the earned benefits into the 21st century so they are relevant to the realities of the cost of education today. We are fulfilling a commitment that we have all made to our veterans. By investing in education we are investing in America’s future and continuing to build a society worthy of the sacrifices of our veterans. This was the right thing to do for our service men and women and their families,” Hagel said.

The Webb-Hagel GI bill modernizes education benefits by funding the full cost of tuition at public universities in each state. It would also pay $1,000 a year for fees and books and provide a housing stipend. The Webb-Hagel GI bill covers any member of the United States military, including active duty National Guard and Reserve components. Like the current GI bill, a service member would qualify for the full benefit after serving at least three years.

"Whither Hagel"

2008-04-20T18:09:00.002-05:00

Robert Novak has a brief discussion of Senator Hagel in his piece from yesterday.

Friends of Sen. Chuck Hagel, the Senate's sharpest critic of President Bush's Iraq policy, say there is no chance he will endorse a Democrat for president this year.

That does not mean, however, that Hagel necessarily will back the Republican candidate, his friend John McCain. That could depend on whether McCain devises an Iraq exit strategy. Hagel and McCain, who occupy offices in the same second floor corridor of the Russell Senate Office Building, have been spotted conferring on two recent occasions.

A footnote: Although the conservative Hagel is an unlikely running mate for either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, he conceivably could end up as secretary of defense for either Democrat.

Chuck Hagel on "Morning Joe" from April 1

2008-04-02T14:13:00.001-05:00

Senator Chuck Hagel was on “Morning Joe” on MSNBC yesterday morning speaking about current events, his new book, and the Presidential election. Take a look.

Senator Hagel on The Daily Show

2008-04-01T09:25:00.003-05:00

Chuck Hagel was the guest on one of my favorite shows last night, The Daily Show.

America: Our Next Chapter

2008-03-24T13:25:00.002-05:00

Chuck Hagel has written a book, America: Our Next Chapter: Tough Questions, Straight Answers, that will be released tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25th. Be sure to check it out!

Drafting Hagel via Unity08?

2008-01-05T09:45:00.000-06:00

For some, the effort to draft Chuck Hagel to run for President has shifted over to Unity08. You can join the "Hagel 08" group at Unity08 if you are interested.

Hagel not running in 2008

2007-09-10T10:15:00.001-05:00

Chuck Hagel has announced today that he will not be seeking a third term in the Senate and that he will not be running for Presdient.

Here is the text of Chuck Hagel's announcement today (the text from Sandhills PAC):

Hagel Announces He Will Not Seek A Third Term In Senate
OMAHA, NE – United States Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) announced this morning that he will not seek a third term in the United States Senate and does not intend to be a candidate for any office in 2008. Below is a text of Hagel’s remarks delivered at the Omaha Press Club:
“I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate, nor do I intend to be a candidate for any office in 2008. It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve my country and represent my fellow Nebraskans in the U.S. Senate. My family and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and the trust placed in me by the people of Nebraska. It has enriched all of us.
I have always tried to live up to the promise I made to the people of Nebraska the day I announced my intention to seek this Senate seat. On March 30, 1995 I said, “I intend to be a Senator all Nebraskans can be proud of.” I hope I’ve done that, and made some contributions to our state and country along the way. History will sort that out.

I am proud of my Senate record and deeply grateful to all those who helped get me there and keep me there, and those who have worked so hard for the people of Nebraska—my staff. I would like to particularly thank Mike McCarthy, Ken Stinson and Lou Ann Linehan. I owe a great deal to these three individuals.
I would have been unable to do my job without the love, wise perspective and constant encouragement of my wife Lilibet, my daughter Allyn and my son Ziller. My appreciation for their support is immeasurable. I would also like to thank my brothers, Tom and Mike, for their constant support and occasional brotherly constructive evaluations.
I said after I was elected in 1996 that 12 years in the Senate would probably be enough. It is. I have always believed that democracies work best when there is a constant cycle of new energy and ideas, and fresh leadership.
I will leave the Senate with the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and love of my country that I started with. I leave maybe a little wiser, surely a little more experienced and with a very respectable amount of humility.
Public service has always been a big part of my life, and I hope to have another opportunity to serve my country in some new capacity down the road.
This afternoon, my family and I will return to Washington, and I will go back to work. I look forward to working as hard in the remaining 16 months of my Senate term for the people of Nebraska as I have over the last 11 years.
Thank you.”

Watch Monday's Announcement Live

2007-09-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

You can watch Chuck Hagel's Monday announcement live at www.ketv.com, an Omaha news station.

Monday - Hagel to announce future plans

2007-09-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

The wait may soon be over. Here is the message from Chuck Hagel's PAC website:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) will hold a press conference on Monday, September 10th. The press conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Omaha Press Club. Hagel will announce a decision regarding his future.

I and many others are hoping that Chuck Hagel will jump into the 2008 Presidential race on Monday, but we'll have to wait a few more days to find out.

American Public Media: "Drafting a President"

2007-09-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

Weekend American has done a piece on "Drafting a President" and the Draft Hagel movement has a link of the page. With luck, our Draft Hagel movement can achieve the same result as the Draft Ike movement did fifty years ago.

Veterans group praises Hagel on Iraq votes

2007-08-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

Southwest Nebraska News reports that there is a new radio ad praising Senator Hagel ("Hagel, other Republicans Commended in Radio Ads").

Major General (Ret.) John Batiste, former 1st Infantry Division commander in Iraq, life-long Republican, and advisor to VoteVets.org, is featured in a new radio ad campaign being launched today, that praises three Republicans for standing up for the troops.

Here is the text of the ad being run in Nebraska:

"I first want to thank the great state of Nebraska for standing behind our great military. When I was in uniform, my duty was to get the job done, without commenting on the policy makers in Washington. Now I'm a civilian, and pleased to thank Senator Chuck Hagel for his moral courage and standing up for our troops and military families. We're caught in the middle of a brutal civil war in Iraq, without a focused national strategy. Senator Hagel is well-informed, challenging those politicians who are breaking our great Army and Marine corps. Right now our soldiers and marines are killing and dying in Iraq, despite the fact that the Iraqis are no closer to reconciliation, and the current government is ineffective. Policy-makers need people like Senator Hagel, standing up for our troops, their families, and our national security."

There have been many veterans that have expressed their support for Senator Hagel and the trend will no doubt continue. You can listen to the ad here, or at VoteVets.org.

Senator Hagel reacts to the Gonzales Resignation

2007-08-29T10:54:00.000-05:00

KETV, an Omaha station, has Senator Hagel's reaction to the Alberto Gonzales Resignation.

In a written statement, Sen. Chuck Hagel said, "Attorney General Gonzales has taken the responsible and appropriate action in resigning. His resignation is the best thing for the country, Justice Department and the president."

Hagel book to be released early next year

2007-08-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

In February it was released that Senator Hagel would be writing a book (check out the original post here). Amazon.com has a page for the book, including a title: "America: The Next Chapter: Tough Questions and Straight Answers." Check it out.

David Broder - "Bloomberg And Hagel For 2008?"

2007-08-27T11:16:00.000-05:00

David S. Broder's column in yesterday's Washington Post, "Bloomberg And Hagel For 2008?", is certainly worth a read.

Chuck Hagel, the senator from Nebraska, describes himself as a "tidal" politician, one who believes that larger forces in society shape careers more than the ambitions of individuals. "The only mistakes I've made," he told me last week, "were when I tried to go against the tide."
...
Next month, Hagel will make a threshold decision -- whether to run for a third term in the Senate. He gave me no definitive answer, but my guess is that he will say that 12 years of battling the institutional lethargy of Capitol Hill will be enough. Certainly he is under no illusions about how much he can achieve as one of 100 lawmakers.
...
The imperative the public will impose on the next president, Hagel says, "is to lead the country and restore the sense of national purpose." But the early start on campaigning for the GOP and Democratic nominations, and the prospect that the battles on one side or the other or both could continue right through next summer's conventions, could make it harder for the survivor to be that unifying figure.

Lincoln Journal Star: "Hagel: Congress demands facts on Iraq"

2007-08-19T22:59:00.001-05:00

Don Walton had a piece in Friday's Lincoln Journal Star covering Hagel's latest on the Iraq war. Check out the full article for more.

“We’re going to demand we get whatever information we require,” the Republican senator said during a Lincoln interview. “We fully expect the leaders of our government will comply with their responsibility. We must have all the facts and details required to make intelligent decisions.”

One and a half years

2007-08-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

Today is the one and a half year anniversary for this blog. Thanks for all the support!

Fantasy Politics USA

2007-08-15T17:51:00.001-05:00

Head over to Fantasy Politics USA and check out their 2008 poll. Chuck Hagel is currently in 2nd place and if the readers of this blog sign up and vote I think we can push him to number one for the month.

The latest on Hagel in New Hampsire

2007-08-10T16:58:00.001-05:00

The Concord Monitor ran a piece on Hagel this week.

The nation's increasing frustration with the war has given Sen. Chuck Hagel - the loudest Republican critic of the war in the Senate - renewed hope in a possible presidential run. He told The New York Times recently that a few major fundraisers were urging him to run. He said: "There is no Republican presidential candidate with this point of view. There might be an opening for me on this."
We checked in with state Sen. Bob Odell, a Lempster Republican who's been friends with Hagel for 30 years.
...
Odell said he thinks Hagel's position has increasing resonance. "I certainly think the public is open to a new voice, a new approach," he said.

A post and a video from DWSUWF

2007-08-08T11:27:00.000-05:00

DWSUWF has a new post on Hagel that's worth a look: "Now is the time for one good man to come to the aid of his party." Here is an excerpt:

Hagel's staff has not asked me, but I have some free advice for them. There are three themes/messages that a "Hagel for President" campaign should focus on and hammer over and over again.
"It's the war, stupid." - Hagel is the only credible anti-war Republican (except for Ron Paul - but the problem with Ron Paul is that he is Ron Paul).
Hagel is The AntiBush - (See above)
Hagel is a real conservative. - Unlike Bush, Cheney, or most of the current crop of Republican candidates.
This video hits on the first two of the three. I know, I know - two themes in one video is one too many. That is why this video is too long at two minutes. Hey - this is strictly amateur hour - you get what you pay for.

Check out the post and the video.