Is Hagel getting out ahead of the Democratic front runners as being opposed to more Iraq folly?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

I'm referring to real and potential '08 presidential contenders, of course.

[saltpoint]

1. Voted 'Other.' I think Hagel is isolating those in HIS party,

not ours.

The rest of his GOP colleagues are fretting over the issue, or rather, how they are going to navigate the disaster Bush has created for them for the 2008 elections. Hagel has them warehoused and taxidermied while he's out in front of the cameras, telling the truth about Bush's mismanagement and short-sightedness and arrogance.

I think Hagel runs an independent campaign for president and works the same strategy on the GOP candidate. It's not inconceivable that the 2008 election is between Independent Hagel and our ticket, with the Republicans bringing up the rear.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. No, he's undercutting his OWN party on this.

He's falling in line with vast public opinion and trying to separate himself from the GOP Presidential Nominee crowd.

[Nederland]

3. He is definitely in front of Hillary

Which brings up an interesting hypothetical. How would anti-war people vote in a Hagel / Clinton race?

[saracat]

4. Yeah and see how many on DU wopuld support Hagel over Hillary.

I am no Hillary fan but this is disgusting.What ever happened to not endorsing other parties than Dem on this board?(Not saying anyone on this thread does just noticing some comments in other threads!)

[Perky]

5. Yes and I am delighted with it

First he is providing cover for other republicans who want to say the same thing and is thus leading the GOP is a direction not in lockstep with Bush. It has to be driving McCain nuts. because suddenly he is siding with the idiot rather than the GOP presidential wannabes.

Secondly, his vociferousness makes the issue non-partisan, which gives the Rightwing pundits a tougher sell.

Third (and this is not to be confused with poolitical cowardice) it give Dems who are running for President some cover.

Good on ya Hagel.

[EVDebs]

6. Yes, he knows the fate of his own political party is at stake

just as Watergate resulted in a backlash, so too will an anti-republican backlash come once the numerous scandals of this administration become more "congealed".

This could potentially be the demise of the Republican Party and Hagel seems to be the only one that realizes the stakes. Once Cheney falls the rest of the house of cards comes down.