Posted on 11/30/2006 5:21:12 AM PST by shrinkermd
A month ago the idea that Sen. Chuck Hagel would make a serious run for the Republican presidential nomination would have been a non-starter. As an outspoken critic of President Bush on Iraq and other issues, Hagel's way was blocked. His best hope was nomination by a quixotic third party in an online convention.
It's a measure of the step change brought about by the Nov. 7 elections that Hagel is now seriously exploring a GOP presidential bid. The Republican blowout, he says, reflected a "breakdown of confidence and trust in governance" and opened the way for what he believes will be "the most wide-open presidential race since 1952." The Nebraska senator says he will make a formal decision in the next two months on whether to run.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I have to agree that it is the most wide open Pres. race, but mainly because Bush picked Cheney to be his VP, and Cheney isn't running.
Uh, Senator Hagel... Save your money.
The MSM always loves a liberal Republican - especially one that trades on other Republicans. The ComPost is doing nothing more than blowing up Mr. Hagel's skirt.
The past election was not a "blow-out" in historical terms, and Hagel doesn't have a snowball's change in Hades of ever getting the GOP nomination - ever - but if the WAPO wants to blow in Hagel's ear, I'm sure Hagel will soon return the favor by stabbing someone in the back.
It's an interesting scenario not having any candidate from the incumbent administration on the ballot. We haven't seen this in over half a century.
He's good at that.
Since J F'n Kerry has fallen out, lots of dummies will make a go of it.
Uh, no.
I like Chuck Hagel. He's a solid conservative on economic issues, especially compared to our current President, and he's a realist on foreign policy. We need to flush the party of big government, big-spending neo-cons, and I think nominating Hagel would be an excellent way to show a new direction for the GOP. He would bring a lot of disenchanted conservatives, especially libertarians, back into the fold. This past election cycle showed that the GOP can't win without this part of their base.
Now, a month later, it is completely ludicrous.
I pee on all DBM 'journalists'!
Chuck Hagel? He's probably running for President because he fears that he wouldn't win the primary in a reelection bid. An actual conservative with decent funding who exposes his liberalism could undo him easily.
I've known this guy had his eye on the Oval Office from day one when he entered the Senate.
He will probably get a lot of the women's vote.
Can't stand him. But the media may help him along and he may do better than many think. Unfortunately.
I think it is more likely Hunter's moment. Hagel has established himself as a modern day Gerald Ford. Hunter is the Reagan Republican in this race.
From your lips to Gods ears; the folks in Nebraska need to find somebody though. My guess is that his stand on immigration is enough to sink him.
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