Fighting Words From Chuck Hagel

Here is an excerpt from The NY Times Magazine, and an interview with Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb). "Q: You're one of a growing number of Republicans who have lately accused President Bush of botching the war in Iraq. Hagel: If someone says I am a disloyal Republican because I am not supporting my party, let them say it. War is bigger than politics. ... Q:How would you compare the situation in Iraq with the one in Vietnam? Hagel: Congress was absent during the Vietnam War, and they didn't ask the tough questions, and consequently we lost 58,000 Americans and lost a war and humiliated this nation. It took a generation to get over it. As long as I am here as a U.S. senator, I am going to do whatever I can to make sure that isn't going to happen. ... Q: ... with our deficit now exceeding $400 billion, aren't we sort of out of money? Hagel: In terms of the deficit, we have blown the top right off. We're a bunch of Democrats. Q: I've never heard anyone call President Bush a Democrat. Hagel: That's my point. We're less honest about it. We built the biggest government history has ever seen under a Republican government. The Democrats are better because they are honest about it. They don't pretend. I admire that. They'll say: 'We want more money. We need more money.' Q: Where do you think the Republican Party needs to go? Hagel: I'd take it back to the party of Eisenhower, Goldwater and Reagan. It was a pretty simple party in those days. It was all about limited government, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and pro-trade foreign policy." Kind of refreshing isn't it? To see someone from King George's own party standing up to him. The Dems would be wise to keep an eye on this guy. Hagel just might be a formidable opponent in '08. One thing you can count on however, he sure won't get the religious right vote if he runs on a "Real Republican" platform. Read the entire interview HERE it makes for quite an interesting read.