Senator Hagel hints he may switch to Democratic Party?

[kentuck]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/21/ftn/main2381341.shtml

Although he said that if he ran for President, he would do so as a Republican. When questioned by Bob Shieffer on Face the Nation, he let it be known that the present Republican Party is not the same Party he voted for in 1968. No doubt, Senator Hagel is going thru some serious soul-searching. However, he did state that he may have to explore another option other than the Republican Party. Shieffer did not explore the hint further? Is Senator Hagel the "anti-Lieberman"?

[RB TexLa]

1. I'm sure he's talking about running Independent or 3ed

I doubt very seriously he thinks the Democratic party is the party he voted for in 68.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. That would clip the wings of Lieberman threatening to caucas

and vote with the republicans if he isn't given his distorted expectation of respect. Interesting.

[cynatnite]

3. Rrrrriiiiiiggggghhhhhttttttt

:eyes:

A major social conservative like that switch parties? When hell freezes over.

[Buzz Clik]

5. No kidding.

We should be grateful that Hagel is bucking Bush on this one issue. It is NOT going further than that.

[cynatnite]

9. I do agree...

I like that Hagel is out there on this and he's not holding back at all, but I keep in mind his other stances, too.

[Buzz Clik]

12. One of those instances where the flaws in pure partisan politics are apparent.

We don't have to despise every Republican simply because they don't embrace the liberal or progressive philosophy. Having political allies from across the aisle while recognizing key differences is crucial.

(Amusingly enough, other threads on DU are popping up on why we should hate Hagel and put him in jail. Why must everything be painted in such distinct colors? :silly: )

[Buzz Clik]

4. LOL! And the first time that Hagel speaks or votes like a conservative...

... all the hyenas at DU will start howling in unison.

:silly:

[Jim Sagle]

6. You seem to have a problem with DUers in general. Are you lost?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

7. No He Doesn't. Just The Yapping Hyenas.

I found it to be quite clear in its intent, and quite accurate.

Not sure what mae you think it was some smear against DU in general. :shrug:

[rodeodance]

11. you are probably right

[krispos42]

8. Isn't Hagel the former CEO of a black-box voting machine company?

And didn't he win his seat in an upset victory? After his state had changed to eletronic voting? With his former company's machines?

Hmmmm.... upset victory for a Republican who was the former CEO of the company his upset victory was counted on...

There's a connection there someplace, but I just can't quite put my finger on it...

[in_cog_ni_to]

17. ES&S evoting machine company. Those machines are the ONLY reason he's in the Senate. n/t

[rodeodance]

10. he would cancel out Joe. L.

[Nite Owl]

13. No way.

This guy thinks Ben Nelson is a liberal. He could go Independent and that would be good for the dems running as it would split the conservative vote.

[LynneSin]

14. Is Hagel the new "McCain" for the 2008 elections - Wolves in sheep's clothing

Yeah, I remember when it was McCain who was all the range here at DU; hell some folks wanted him to be Kerry's VP. But here's the scoop: Hagal, like McCain, is a republican. Perhaps he's wised up about the war and showing a few 'progressive' ideologies but other than that Hagal is a REPUBLICAN

http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Chuck_Hagel.htm

0% Rating from NARAL (choice)
36% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
0% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
100% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
92% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003)
12% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
8% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
90% conservative voting record; 95% support of Pres. Bush. (Dec 2006)
Voted YES on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted YES on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005
22% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)

[depakid]

19. Thank you

We seem to have a few far right enablers on board who forget who this man really is and what he stands for.

[lisa58]

15. He said Independent n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

16. If I recall, when asked about changing to Independent, Hagel didn't rule that out, BUT when asked

if he'd switch to the Democratic Party it was a definite "NO, I wouldn't." He's DEFINITELY thinking about leaving the repuke party....to be an Independent probably.

[kentuck]

18. Listen to the link closely...

There was a moment, a hint, that he might switch from Republican Party..