Hagel’s Dilemma

Hagel’s Dilemma
The senator is vague about his political future but clear in his opposition to the Iraq War.
by Kelley Beaucar Vlahos

Something happened to Sen. Charles T. “Chuck” Hagel on the way to the press conference. The man of seemingly impenetrable defenses and unshakable disposition took the curious step of announcing on March 12 that he had nothing to announce about his much-anticipated run for president, making himself vulnerable to spurned reporters and snarky bloggers for days afterward.

The 60-year-old Nebraska Republican is known for playing it close to the vest but seemed to surprise even his staff with his non-announcement. Deflated supporters did not know what to think when he told reporters at the University of Nebraska event, planned days before, that he was still mulling his options.

TIME Magazine: 10 Questions for Chuck Hagel

Here's an excerpt from a great Time Magazine article:

10 Questions for Chuck Hagel
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007

Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), a member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees.
Jay L. Clendenin / Polaris


There's no less likely a hero to liberals than Nebraska's Republican Senator, who toes the party line 90% of the time. But Chuck Hagel, 60, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, has become one of the most vocal critics in Congress of the Iraq war. He spoke with TIME's Perry Bacon Jr. about opposing President Bush's plan to send 20,000 more troops to Iraq, about whether Iraq will become another Vietnam and about presidential "wannabes."

Read more... http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1592762,00.html.

Hagel Documentary: "Echos of War"

I received the following e-mail from a fellow Hagel supporter:

Hey Nathan....

Great blog on Hagel! I haven't seen on any of the "draft" blogs a reference to a really great documentary about Hagel that gives some really interesting insights into his anti-war sentiments. It was put out by Nebraska Public Television... pre Iraq. A crew was with him and his brother when they returned to Vietnam for the first time. It's really cheap... like $10 ... and is a great discussion starter about the guy. Thought you might like to check it out. I found it on the Nebraska public TV web site. It's called "Echos of War."

http://secure.netnebraskastore.org/ProductView.aspx?pid=6e98d0e7-5545-4fbe-87c8-ec04a941df5d

Good luck with the quest!

bk

Newsweek Highlights Senator Hagel

Check out Newsweek's article, A Reluctant Rebel's Yell, about Senator Hagel's experience in Vietnam, the Senate, and his possible run in 2008.