It would probably bring more republicans over to the Democratic side. I think it’s time we get definite change in the U.S. John McCain DOES NOT support real change and I hope more republicans see that.

It would send the wrong message. It would be saying that no Democrat is ‘worthy’ of being his vice president so he had to look outside of his party for a runningmate. This would be a misstep from which his campaign could never recover.

It would say that Barak Obama is willing to reach out to the other side. That he is willing to be a uniter and not a divider. (forgive me for that)

He should be picking Chris Dodd

Well, Jack, you picked a hard question this time!

I personally like Chuck Hagel. He is a man of conviction but I don’t know enough about his financial package to want him to be next in line! The average person simply cannot withstand another 4-8 years of republican policies, no way, no how.

That being said, I still like Chuck Hagel!

Carol
Knoxville, TN

Jack
I think there are enough qualified canidates for VP in the democratic party, I dont believe going with Chuck Hagel is a good idea it would send a negative message to the democratic party.

It would send the message that Obama was paying attention. Hagel has been speaking the truth and serving the interests of America despite the consequences to the Republican party’s image and agenda. Hagel is a good candidate for Profiles In Courage as well as VEEP, but I bet that was the last thing on his mind when he denounced this fiasco in Iraq.

It would reinforce the ever-widening belief that Obama hasn’t got a clue about anything.He just found himself on a wild ride and could give a damn about anything or anyone,he’s going along for the ride for as long as it lasts.A lot of people are going to suffer because of this empty candidate.

It would look desperate and it would offend many in the Dem base.

Personally I do not care if he puts Franklin Roosevelt on the ticket, I won’t vote for him. Obama is still unqualified and inexperienced regardless of his VP; we have had THAT for the last seven and one half years!

I would like to see him, Obama, pick a Dem however I hear that Hagel is pretty much a dem in repub clothing so it would be okay. It would further enhance Obama’s image as a uniter. Then the election would be a shoo in for Obama not that mcwar really has a chance anyway.

Chuck Hagel is certainly worthy of mention but would be better suited for a cabinet position in Obama’s administration and if he agreed to accepting this position prior to November then it could be used for political fodder for Obama’s campaign.

Remember the choice for VP will not only be made on who is best suited but quite often with some degree of political payoff as well.

Obama is a Democrat and he should stick with what got him there. There are plenty of good candidates out there without going to the Republicans. If you want to put a few in the Cabinet, that’s fine, but for the number 2 slot that should be reserved for another Democrat.

I see nothing wrong with picking Chuck Hagel. He was against the war and if crossing party lines will get the mess in Washington fixed then go for it. Something needs to be done. People will not vote the crooks out and keep putting the same old wore out ones it so let’s do a complete change.

Excellent choice

It would be a brilliant move to recapture all of the sore Hillary supporters. They won’t need to vote for McCain anymore since they can find an old white guy on both tickets.

I like and respect Chuck Hagel, but there are many, many qualified Democrats and Obama should pick one of them.

No. Primarily because if something happened to Obama, we would end up with a Republican president. I think the idea is typical of the naive thinking in the Obama campaign. Yes, bipartisanshiip works in the Congress but not with our executive branch. How can you overlook those life-long Democrats and pick a Republican? I like Hagel, but there are certainly Democrats to consider who are heads and sholders above him.

It brings a great message of bipartisanship but the wrong move if he truly wants to change things in Washington. If he gets elected and then re-elected with Chuck Hagel in as Vice President people would wonder how the President they just elected would have his views continued onto the next Presidency with a Republican as the next in line. For there to be true change you must not allow the old ideas to come back after eight years, you need a proper vice president to carry your views and continue the movement.

It certainly would show that Obama was willing to have a bipartisan presidency. It would excite moderates and force McCain to probably pick someone like Leiberman or Gulliani to fight back. However, it would also scare the Democrats that are already skeptical about him and ruin their chances for 16 straight years of Democratic rule. IF Hagel was willing to switch parties, then maybe something could be worked out. That’s unlikely. I think we’re looking at Richardson, Bayh or one of the Virginia trio. All three could do wonders for the electoral map.

Jack –

In the administration – yes. VP – NO. Heart beat away from being President? OK on foreign policy, domestic policy he is too conservative.

That he is serious about changing the way politics is done in Washington and that he is willing to cross those party lines that need to be destroyed. Jack, you’ve been around for a long, long time. Maybe you can tell us why people are so set in their ways as being a Democrat or a Republican instead of doing what;s right for America first?

Well he certainly needs someone who can show him which end is up. He’s only been in the Senate a few years and half of that time he’s been campaigning for President. Whoever he picks should have more than five minutes of experience.

I am a conservative democrat.. I think it would be a good thing if Obama selected Hagel— he has strong foreign policy experience. That would take away Mccain’s trump card. My problem exists with government spending, and i am not blaming any party. Dems build debt by pumping money into social programs; republicans build debt by huge foreign policy spending (ex. Reagan). Hopefully if this ticket happens they can spend money wisely, cut debt and help relieve some of the financial woes created by bush’s uncontrolled 8 years.

While it might send a message that Obama is serious about reaching across the aisle to include Republicans, it might also anger a lot of Democrats. Hagel is against the Iraq war and that’s great, but he is still a Republican and differs with the Democratic party on too many other issues. Maybe giving Hagel a cabinet position would be acceptable, but to make him next in line for president of the United States would be going a bit too far.

It would demonstrate that Obama means what he says; he’s out to redefine politics. The strategy of the 51% majority has left people feeling miserable and at odds with the government. This would be an important step towards establishing a government that works. Let’s do it!

Jack
in one word? NOPE!

Pablo in Tejas

Give me a break. This smells like a planted liberal story to make Obama appear to be most magnanimous. Please put a little mustard on this baloney and hold the tomato.

It would tell America that Obama is a pragmatist and centrist at heart, and not liberal that he is portrayed as by Republicans. To me, Hagel is head and shoulders above many of the other names under consideration. Of course I would want him to switch parties if he accepted. I don’t think it would be a good idea if the VP was in a different party when it comes to tight Senate votes.

Hey Jack how about you for VP? Or Lou Dobbs for that matter. You guys seem to be for the middle class Americans

It would create confusion. Hard to say if it would shake out as a positive or negaqtive.

it’s a great idea for unifying the country at, perhaps, our most difficult time in history.as vp,hagel would be a good symbol of unity,without much clout to change policies.it might be a nice gesture for the nation,as a whole ,but, many republicans still would not change their votes from mcbush,because they dont want minorities as president.

I would be very surprised to see Chuck Hagel leave the Republican Party. You may not like what your party does and you might vote against your party. (Many older Democrate will be doing that this year.) But to leave the Party takes a lot of planning and soul searching unless your a “flip flop person.” I’ve never seen Chuck Hagle as that type.

Carol
Oregon

Edwards or Webb would be better choices but choosing Hagel would still produce a winning ticket.

Chuck Hagel is a good guy,a straight shooter and a Vietnam veteran. The reason he is not running for re-election in Nebraska is the fact that he has criticized bush’s illegal war. He knows that the republican right-wing nutcases are out to get him. The message that his nomination would bring out is that we have to stop all this partisan garbage before we destroy ourselves internally.

Look at the history of Bi-partisan tickets. There was Lincoln-Johnson. Lincoln ended up dead, Johnson was impeached.

Precedent Jack.

Jack,
The political highway has a left lane, a center lane, and a right lane. Reagan and Bush 41 took us right. Clinton took us to the center. Bush 43 too us to the right again. We have to make a hard turn to the left and take no center or right passengers for the trip to the White House. It is the center, and the right that caused this mess we are in.

Jack:
Forget the GOP crossover vote.
Forget the appeasement of HRC’s supporters.
Forget the image thing.
What Obama needs is time and space to make what will be perceived as his 1st executive decision. I think we (the media included) can just sit back and wait instead of the media inundating use with all these sensational speculative reporting.

Ty
San Diego,
It would send a powerful message to the opponents of change and most importantly to our children. We constantly try to instill in our children to work hard and work togther. However in are politics we do just the opposite, constantly setting a bad example for our young men and women. We the people have allowed the current administration to continue to fail this country miserably, now we as a nation must come togther and fix what has been broken for the last 7 years.

It would prove that he has no clue as to what he is doing…I’m sure he will be elected, then 3 or so years from now people will be crying the blues about the mess we are in…Serves you right suckers !!!!!

Jack: Obama is preceived as suffering from an obvious lack of Washington and national security experience, and the voters are wondering if two years in the Senate is enough experience. Obama needs to select someone with national security credentials and DC know like maybe Joe Biden or Chris Dodd. He would be ill-advised to choose anyone of less credentials. Crossing party lines by choosing Hagel would only demonstrate that his candidacy is truly bi-partisian and might be irrestible to many swing voters, but that is a gamble…and Hagel is not the right choice.

It would send the message that Obama is our best chance to elect a president who will work to end the gridlock in Washington. Something we have been looking for since Gingrich’s hit list in 1992.

Jack, I’d still keep Hagel under consideration but as you point out he is very much a conservative to the issues Democrats care most about. Obama should place Hagel perhaps in a foreign policy role (since thats where Obama and Hagel agree on) in his administration and ultimately choose a Vice President that he can trust and can count on supporting Democratic party issues. Personally I would love to see an Obama-Edwards ticket.

It tells me that the DNC and its’ delegate structure doesn’t work and needs to be replaced. I will not vote for Obama if he selects a Republican as his running mate. Everyone was worried about the Clintons weakening the Democratic party – this move would destroy it!

Jack, if Obama chooses Chuck Hagel for V.P. it would signal that your boy Obama is desperate, to find a coalition strong enough, to beat McCain come November. Obama is so far left he definitely needs some conservatism, in his stable, to win the general election.

I suggest Chris Dodd for V.P. or Sec. of state. They seem to think on the same wave length and we need completely new faces in the entire gov’t. starting with our V.P. Jan Pound Cortez Co.

Jack, I think it is not likely to happen, but if Obama is entertaining the thought, it shows he (Obama) thinks outside the box and puts America ahead of politics.

Heck no – Jim Webb is much better.

It would show that he may really mean what he says about change, but I am dubious. I do believe however, that Hagel is one of the very few in government that truly loves this country.

Chuck Hagel or Jim Webb would make great VP’s for Sen. Obama. Sen Hagel, due to his recent awakening from what his party has done to this country over the past 8 years, would add to the very viable group of advisors that Obama would aquire to govern this country. My money would be on Sen Webb though. He has shown great maturity since being elected to the Senate. His military background and expertise would be invaluable to Obama’s Cabinet. Both Hagel and Webb seem to be able to peer through all the smoke and mirrors now confronting the Congress (ok, the White House). Either might even be able to see the similarities between the current oil price increases via the “speculators”, and how ENRON operated. Who knows.

i think that obama is a smart man and he’ll make the right choice on he wants in the ticket. I’m from uruguay and he needs to pick somebody that will this war and hopefully fix this country and help the immigration.

it would send the message that he doesn’t want to be president. imagine the wrath of the hillaryites. the republicans saying” he can’t even find a worthwhile democrat to run with” it would be a disaster.

It would look like a pander to me, as an Obama supporter. Hagel might have been against the war, but the rest of his record is party line. The question Obama needs to ask is whether his VP pick is someone whom he’d want running the country in his stead. I’d be very afraid for Hagel to be that person.

jack, it is super nothing more beautifull than this ever people can imagine, i wish obama chose some one honest like you who always speak the truth.

It would send the message that Obama is making too many changes too fast. I think that Hagel should be part of his administration to get a repulican perspective on things since some of the voters are republicans but as VP I don’t think that’s wise. I don’t trust the Rep. anyway.

good.. then no one can complain when john mccain picks hillary as his running mate.

I’d say no republicans in power, they are about to send the US into bankruptcy.

I think it would bring some voters that are sitting on the fence over. they would see him being a uniter of red and blue. it may get some moderate republicans to join in also. Mccain still has not convinced a lot of the moderates.

Now that’s my idea of a dream ticket !. Hagel would be a good choice, it would help sway those that are looking for : the “experience”, plus the older voters, and the republicans that are in the middle, just to name a few.
Yes, that would be a good choice.

Jack I called it right after Obama’s 12 in a row. If not, He sould definitely run the DOD. Take that Lieberman.
Marjorie
NY

We all know what Lieberman brought to Gore’s ticket, particularly during the Florida Recount fiasco. There’s one thing to have a bipartisan cabinet, but a joint party ticket running against a maverick who will surely pick the most conservative republican living to be his running mate — is another. If Obama is going to win, he must choose Gore or Webb.

Excellent Question Jack. I would be open to it but then again, I can’t answer it honestly because I do not know where he stands on the other issues other than the war. Just because he’s on the same side with Obama on this issue doesn’t necessarily see them on the same side with other issues such as universal healthcare, taxes and the economy.
Need to do more homework.

Thats a tough call. It would put some substance behind “yes we can” and “vote for change,” but some will be offended. I would love to see more reaching across the isle, but not at the risk of another conservative judge on the supreme court.

If he wants a Republican he should pick the Goldwater baby. That woman is the only Democratic candidate that has the guts to stand up to the Republican party. All the other Democratic candidates are just plain old weak and that is why they always lose.

Mary Allison Lubinsky
Cleveland, Ohio

makes no sense to have him on the ticket. if for no other reason than their apart on so many issues. would look very political as well. obama is going to have a hard time not picking hillary, although i think there are better candidates for the job.

Jack,

It would send the right message politically, but Chuck Hagel is too far right- especially for the VP position- for what is expected to be the biggest leftwards political swing since the late 1960’s.

Obama has already made the point he has opposed the war from the start, he doesn’t need Chuck Hagel to further that position.

-Michael

That he did not think any Democrat was worthy of the job. If Mc Cain was smart, he would kiss and make up with Hagel and ask him to be his VP. He speaks for what the American people would like for this country. Maybe some of his ideas would rub off on Mc Cain.

Who cares what his values are? Last I heard it is the president who gets to pick our Supreme Court Justices.

I am all about the symbolism and potential for a step towards unity a ticket like this would offer.

I like Hagel, and I’m sure he’ll be part of an Obama administration. However, he’s voted on the wrong side on some serious issues (particulary anti-choice) which would be a bit of a conflict for democratic voters.

I do believe Obama would do himself a huge favor by picking someone with a strong military background like Hagel, Webb or Wesley Clark. My preference is Webb.

If Obama picks such a VP, paint it over for John McCain.

I love his anti-war position,. but his anti-choice, anti-gay, and anti-gun control are the antitheses of what Obama and the Dems should be standing for.

That ticket might do well against McCain / Lieberman.

It would send a message that Obama’s camp does not have it’s head on. After 8 years of Republicans in the majority of the federal government, hasn’t anybody learned a lesson? They can only be trusted less than the Democrats.

Obama needs to spend more time reinforcing his definition of change. I’m from New Mexico, and I don’t believe average people quite understand Obama’s message. As far as my friends know, they believe Obama is an ultra liberal who stands up for gay marriage, not political party unification. I think it would be too early for Obama to announce Hagel as his VP, but I wouldn’t rule out the idea.

Question: What would happen to the Republican and Democratic party if they united? What could our future look like? Good or bad?

Oh, that would be a wonderful idea Jack! It would just be one more smack in the face of democrats telling them how bad the democratic party is that he couldn’t find a VP in all of it. Or could it be that Obama is really a closet republican? Just a thought!

What about trust and comfort to work with?

Ok, Look, I like Obama but a republican senator for VP just wont get it! its either Hillary,Gore, or Joe Biden.If a republican VP is the best he can do then I want my money back!

It show that Senator Obama is grasping for any straw that would help him get elected. He should pick Rev. Farrakhan if want to make a true change.

I think it would be a curious choice. The progressive movement is in the best position it has ever been, but they don’t feel as though they can win the White House without conservatives? The did essentially run republicans in the southern states they just one in the run off elections, but this seems a little far, and it seems it would put off the base some

Obama will choose a VP who shares his views ahd have the same passion in public life so I guess all you guys are just speculators. Analysts and Pundits get paid for speculations so hands off and just wait and see.

Jack, It would sure show that Barack is putting his money where his mouth is. I don’t know too much about Hagel, but he certainly seems like an independent thinker a la McCain (cir. 2000) Sounds like it would make for an interesting combination.

I think in an ideal world it would send a great message, however we live in a place where people are overly sensitive and in some cases just down right plumb dumb. Don’t believe me, some people were upset that Santa Claus says “ho ho ho,” even more so some people are probably mad that I even point out Santa Claus. Anyway I think it would be awesome, but I would be in the minority, but that is normal.

It would mean Hillary is going to be McCain’s V.P. choice.

Is this the type of questions being asked, now until November?

NO……..Hagel on the Dem ticket will TURN-OFF possible Republican voters who would view Hagel as a GOP traitor. A Republican can justify switching his vote ONE TIME to elect a Democrat, but these folks are still basically Republican, and would be offended by a Hagel defection.Better to pick a moderate Democrat to appeal to those one-time GOP switch-voters, and the independents….someone like Gov Sibelius or even a Gov Rendell would be much better.

dont be absurd jack this left wing liberal could never do anything as BIPARTISAN as choosing even a moderate republican as his running mate. he wants to rule the world not share it.

It would send a message that it’s not about being a “Republican” or being a “Democratic”, but everybody together as one.

Leslie
Austin, Texas

Just because he opposes the war doesn’t make him a near-democrat. If he’s truly “anti-choice, anti-civil rights for gays and anti-gun control”, what in the world would make you think he’d be considered on an Obama ticket?

Chuck Hagel would make an excellent Secretary of State, but for the VP spot, let’s stick with a Democrat.

As a Florida Republican for Obama even I find it a tough pill to swallow, with some almost falling over themselves for the job, who thought this was the best match? Just because Hagel agrees with Obama on the War in Iraq, he is too conservative, and I’m a conservative.

Hagel is a Republican maverick, like John McCain. Hagel would make a great VP for BO; the two of them can fight it out as to who will get the glory the Black Revolution.

Cafferty You are a man after my own heart. I’ve been thinking this exact thing before Obama even became the nominee. Hagel would give him the military/foriegn policy he needs as well as help with those conservative dems and moderate rebuplicans. I’ve done my research and checked his voting record and I can honestly say i think it would be a good fit. If not, Joe Biden. But something tells me Obama might have Hagle in the top three.

If we have an Obama/Hagel ticket and a McCain/Lieberman ticket, the Democrats and Republicans could all join hands and sing songs together. Or, why don’t we set up a whole new party — we could have the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and the What’s-it-matter Party.

Vice presidents don’t make appointments to the Supreme Court and Republicans don’t vacate Democratic senate seats. Besides the fact that the Hagle “straight talk express” isn’t loosing another wheel on a weekly basis like McCain’s, the choice would demonstrate pragmatism unmatched by the old party politics that Obama hopes to leave behind.

Senator Hagel is in line with Obama on the war in Iraq but what else? Hagel in the Obama administration would be a great move to bridge partisan divide but people tend to vote for who’s at the top of the ticket not the VP. Not sure Hagel as VP moves leaning McCain voters over to Obama. Hagel would be best as Secretary of Defense.

ANYONE but the the Clintons. Obama is going to breeze to victory regardless of who he picks. My first choice would be John Edwards, but others like Richardson, McCaskill, Sibelius, or Biden would be terrific. Of course if Obama picks Hagel, then that means McCain has to take Hillary (aka THE CLINTONS)…. such a deal.

Oh and Jack, also about the VP thing . . . please remember that if God forbid anything happens to Obama on the VP’s watch, we would end up with the unthinkable . . . another Republican President! Sorry Hagel, but you are still a republican.

Hagel would be a home run for Obama. Straight-talking, articulate, good on foreign policy and defense issues. Putting a Republican on the ticket would send a strong signal about real change!

Hagel is fine but there are at least eight better candidates and none with the last name of Clinton.

I do think Chuck Hagel would be a great addition to the Obama administration, but not as VP. A cabinet position, filled by a Republican, would send a better bipartisan message . Besides, looking at the current Vice Presidency, I can’t classify that job as honest work.

Why in Gods name would a Democrat pick a Republican for VP?

If he picks Hagel it would show how truly naive he and you are Jack..
Those who seem to think this move will bring Republicans to vote for liberal Obama are truly naive..

This would be an interesting move to say the least. It would seem to indicate that he is WILLING to reach across the isle. But I am sceptical of what politions say during the campaign. It could prove to be only a simbolic gesture, rather then prove he can do business with both parties. Simply picking Hagel as a running mate doesn’t mean partisan politics in America is over. If this ticket happen I for see two possible senarios: 1. Hagel is disowned by the Republican party and partisan politics continue as usual. Or 2. Hagel’s Vice Presedential bid signals the beginning of a leftword movement in the republican party which gives rise to a more powerful Libertarian party which will be populated by disallusioned conservatives. Either way, not much will change.

addendum: he should first consider MARK WARNER !

Colin Powell would be a much better choice if he was going to pick a republican

I love the idea — but hope he doesn’t do it. Hagel is still a conservative Republican on domestic issues. And he’d be a heartbeat away . . .

Yes, he is a Democrat in Republican clothing. He may as well change party loyalties. John McCain should pick Joe Lieberman for the same reason. I like the McCain / Lieberman team.

yes he would be a good choice…whether he would be accepted by democrats I do not know…as an independent i think he would be a good choice

I think he is great! However, as a over 60 woman, I am afraid that a pro-life Repulican would send the wrong message to women already upset by Hillary’s losing the primary. But how about Sec of Defense?
Can’t think of anyone better.

Not to many democratic Big figures would be happy. Cafferty got this nice idea because he is above parties inside politics.

Barack Obama would show the world his appeal, and ability, to “cross over to the other aisle” while simultaneiously showing wisdom way beyond his age. Chuck Hagel is the REAL “straight shooter” in Government—he is passionate and possesses that great industriousness typical of Midwesterners! I suspect he’d cover your backside too!!!

Obama picking a Republican to run on his ticket would be the worst thing he could do to himself. You don’t HAVE to reach across the aisle – especially since the other side still reeks of Bush and his Constitution-destroying bunch – a large majority of people are already going to vote for you.

Jack it would be a Bad Move, I Don’t see it, Like all who posted

However do the same question with Joe Biden for VP instead, the reaction wont be the same

Jack, I say lets do it. Its time people understand the true potential of Barack Obama. This would be a great way to appeal across party lines and it might even get Obama a few red states.

It would send the message that intellect, logic, and common sense will triumph over ignorance, fear, and complacency. I think its a brilliant choice politically as well as practically. Senator Hagel has a an excellent head on his shoulders and the nonsense of how things are done in Washington can have a step in a positive direction. It seems people who find this to be bad idea, or a dissaster, or those who believe this would show Obama’s lack of judgment are the same people who put their faith in ignorance and not logic. Hate to admit it, but a vast amount of my countrymen and women are not that swift……..

Well Jack, that would definitely get my vote!!! I’ve thought for quite some time that Hagel is the one that Obama should pick.

Obama/Hagel or Webb, 08

It would be as effective as a McCain-Lieberman ticket.

Presidents throughout the 20th century have used members of the opposing party in their cabinets. None of the presidents have had a member of the opposite party as VP. Yes, I do like change, but that would be stretching it a little bit too far. I am sure Sen Hagel is a good man, but there are many democrats that Sen Obama will be able to pick from, who are good and honourable.

hi jack, no matter who he picks he will be greatly criticized, by those voters that will not come into the realization that he is the nominee and not hillary.

Wake up Jack….you’re dreaming again…………

I don’t think the VP slot would be good for Hagel in an Obama administration. Aside from the war in Iraq and veterans issues, Hagel has voted in lockstep with Bush on every other major issue. I would, however, give him major consideration for a post like Secretary of Defense, or Homeland Security. The amazing thing would be if this were to actually occur, the clashes between him and Joe Lieberman would be epic in proportion.

I am all for it! This country needs balance and unity.
Obama – Hagel 08!

It would send a good message. It would be unity and a change! It would bring the two parties somewhat together and it would make most people happy. What could go wrong with this pick?

I would say to the Democratic Party that he does not need them…..not a good plan.

Jim, MI

That he was the best candidate.

Colin Powell would be a better choice.

I am a long time Democrat but really like Chuck Hagel because he had the GUTS to oppose Bush’s wrong war in Iraq.
I would LOVE to see Chuck Hagel on Obama’s ticket.
WOW.

It would be Game, Set. and Match for Obama.

Alex
from Baltimore,Maryland

It is a silly democrat idea. Republican ideals are nothing like Democrat ideals. This would do nothing more than frustrate a already frustrated government. Pick one or the other and do your best to stop flip-flopping.

Kidding me? Might aswell pick George W Bush

The message it would send would be, “I don’t know what I’m doing, with regards to selecting a running mate.”

It would say he wants to lose. Two Senators is a no-win scenario, whether it be HC or Hagel or whoever. The only way a ticket of two Senators wins is if Obama & McCain join up.

it says things that make us go hmmm….

The message would be that there isn’t a Democrat good enough to run with Obama. That’s what message it would send.

Obama & Hagel teaming up, “Yes We Can”!

This question exposes the problem with Obama’s claim he will change the way Washington works. It is a pipe dream to think that Republicans will just “come around” and agree on gay rights, abortion, etc. No matter how you reach across the isle, there are fundamental disagreements between the parties. It is a nice thought, but it ain’t reality.

I believe that Hagel is a good choice but there are better choices on both the democrat side and the republican side. If he wants to reach across the aisle for a VP I would suggest Colin Powell. If your goal is to try to end the Iraq war then you may need his insight.

Obama’s message of change will resonate with conservatives if he picks Hagel. Go Obama! Do it.

It would send the right message. Change is coming. Let’s expidite things and elect Obama. I need the US economy to pick up, So get er done.

I am a Senator Clinton backer and had no intention of voting for Obama; however should he pick Hagel as a running mate; he sure would have my vote. Hagel is a great Senator and would be a great asset for our country.

WOW……….talk about CHANGE! Hagel as Obama’s VP would be revolutionary and incredibly exciting. I think it would absolutely guarantee the election of the first black American President. DO IT, Barack, please! Nelson, Indianapolis, IN

I’ve been voting for presidents since 1952. Obama/Hagel would be the best for our country. . . way over any other combination that I could think of.

In response to Arnie. Putting Colin Powell on the Obama ticket is a loser. People are gradually warm up to principle of being judge by the content of mind and not the color skin. Putting Powell on the ticket would be culture shock.

It would be a boost for our morale to have someone of Chuck Hagels integrity as Vice President– it has been missing in that office for the past 8 years. It’s also shows that Obama is committed to change in Washington and is willing to buck the party to achieve that goal.

I can only believe that Democratic and Independent voters will wonder why there wasn’t anyone good enough to choose from the Democratic side. Republicans will just chuckle.

I would trust that Obama believed it was the best choice for VP in the next badministration.

Maybe there’s still a chance we’ve reached the point where the good of the country comes before partisan, knee-jerk politics — even the kind that’s nicely disguised with spin and feel-good propaganda.

Ted in Phoenicia, NY

I can’t figure out why this country doesn’t seem to get much of anything. A Democratic candidate cannot choose a Republican as VP and Republican candidate cannot choose a Democrat as a VP. This is not legal under election and party laws. I wish everyone in this country would stay informed so, we might actually get the right candidates sometime.
Chris
PA

If he takes Hagel, the election will not need to be held. It shows Obama cares about the country and not party lines. It will prove to all republicans Mccain is incompetent and Barack would win the election 65/25/10for undecided!

Jack,
It would be perfect!! He would be reaching across party lines and have someone who agrees with him about the war and the Bush administration!! Someone who has credentials!! How could the Republicans resond to that!! It’s a winner!! And it would definately be changing Washington!!

If Obama selects a republican running mate, it would show he knows the truth. That is that there are no good democrat VP candidates; or Presidential candidates for that matter.

Sounds good to me, why not that would destroy the Republican party…

I’m not sure what message it will send, besides solidifying Obama’s claim to reach across the aisle. However, it will indeed give every disenheartened Republican, dissatisfied with the Bush years/policies, the justification to turn their admiration of Barack into full-fledged Obamacan-status.

Absolutely the best choice. We’ve been wondering how Chuck Hagel could be worked into this mix. With two good men like that, we can’t lose.

Appointing Hagel would mean that there are no Democrats that Obama believes could do the job as well as Hagel.

Jack:

Sen. Hagel seems like an honorable guy and more of a straight-talker than you know who. At least Hagel doesn’t have to TELL everyone he’s talking straight. Still, the first black president with a VP who disagrees with him on a significant number of hot-button cultural issues? Hmmm…talk about needing to hire a food taster. How about Chuck Hagel for Defense Secretary?

Bryce in Pennsylvania

Barack Obama, by choosing Chuck Hagel as a running mate, would send the message that it is time for us to start putting the country and it’s citizens ahead of POLITICS and EGO.
This would be a brilliant move

Perhaps it hits home Barack Obama’s promise to do things differently and bring about change, but selecting Hagel as VP would also seemingly indicate Obama’s confidence that the Democrats will take control of the Senate by a much more comfortable margin. Otherwise, why would Obama give a Republican the tie-breaking power that comes with the Vice President’s role as president of the Senate?

Obama should run with Colin Powell. It would give him some foreign policy credibility.

Great idea – and Obama would be putting his money where his mouth is with all his talk of “bringing the country together.”

However, if the country really came together, you guys (i.e. the media) would be out of business – I don’t think getting along sells quite as well as controversy and vitriol among the parties. Its already boring since Hillary left!

Its like adopted baby, you never know what he will become in your household when he grows up. Jack what is Wolf doing with all those papers in his hand? Has he thought of going green?

I would trust that Obama believed it was the best choice for VP in the next administration.

P.S. Setting up a Republican for an incumbent run in eight years… I don’t think so!

TJ SanDiego

If Obama actually gets chuck to be his V.P it would get everyones attention in the country and then finally more people would get into it. Also lincoln did the same thing and look at the success he had even the we were a building country. whats the difference now? I’m just saying that I am all for it.

Jake Chuck Hagel and Barack Obama is exactly the change we need for this country.

It sends the message that Obama needs to keep looking! Has little to offer Obama, except some war experience.
And NO, Hagel is NOT as conservative as Gov Ed Rendell would lead us to believe, or he wouldn’t be supporting amnesty for illegal aliens.

Jack It would probably be the only way I would consider voting for Obama. I wanted Chuck Nagel to run for president. So yes I think it could send a good message that he is sincere in making a change…and not just a word

Loretta

Bill Cohen or Collin Powell would be decent VPs if Obama wants to cross that divide.

Chuck Hagel would be a bad choice for Barack Obama because it would show that Obama doesn’t have firm beliefs and is wishy-washy. I already don’t trust Obama. By selecting Hagel he would show that he doesn’t believe in his party and isn’t a strong believer in his parties beliefs and policies.

Jack,

Chuck Hagel would be a good addition to the Obama-nation! I personally think Colin Powel would be an excellent choice as his VP and would be an exceptional addition to the Obama-nation.

It would be an “interesting” pick, but there are better choices out there. Hagel would help on foreign policy issues and signal a willingness to cross party lines for the good of the country, but a number of his social positions would create a negative buzz in the Democratic Party. He’s a two edged sword……..much better to name someone more in tune on all issues.

Barack Obama puts Chuck Hagel a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Yep. In the Bizarro World.

WE need change, why not?

Jack, maybe you should become Barack Obama’s running mate!

I am a Hillary supporter and Arizona voter and I would be surprised if McCain takes this state.

Hillary or Hagel as V.P. is the only way I will vote for Obama.

The more I hear about Obama the more sorry I am that I cast my vote for him. He seems to be willing to sell out Democratic values to gain power, and this seems a little too much like what Bush did in selling out American values.

Obama / Gore ‘08

Now thats the ticket.

Hagel would be an interesting choice for VP. I don’t know too much about him other than he is on the right side on Iraq etc, but we need more information on him concerning his views on the economy, energy etc.
It does not bother me that he is a Republican – we need the best possible people to run the govt regardless of political party, race, creed or gender.

You only need to go back to history to when Lincoln/Johnson shared the ticket and the reprecussion(s) that came with it.

I could see Sen. Hagle in the cabinet, perhaps Secretary of Agriculture. That’s about it though.

TJ SanDiego

That would make just about as much sense as this blog.

The ticket of Obama and Hagel is one I could vote for without any reservation. I feel that Hagel is one of the few best Senators in the Senate and I was sorry to hear he was leaving Government but this combination would save for us a great politician.

Picking Hagel as VP would undermine the campaign, not because of the minor issues (like guns) but because Hagel is deeply conservative on the basic economic issues which divide the two parties and on which most of the country wants a Democrat. However, picking Hagel as Secretary of Defense and announcing it soon would accomplish much of the same positive goals, and show that Obama is serious about not following business as usual.

i am an independent voter who most of his life was a Republican. It doesn’t matter who Obama picks, I am for him as long as the Democratic party stays away from more gun control legislation. Put that in the Demo platform and I will vote for McCain.

Jack: This, I beleive is the silliest fluff-question you’ve ever come up with. What are you – the Jeanne Moos of the Poltical Ticker?

Being from Nebraska, I believe it would be an excellent choice. I am a Democrat but have always liked Chuck Hagel. Felt a little guilty about that sometimes but the man is solid.

Would absolutely reinforce the word CHANGE!

Chuck Hagel would be great for change but I would like to see him pick Michael Bloomberg better based on the economy.

It could get diasaffected Republicans–along with plenty of independents–on board.

BTW–our first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, set a similar precedent during the Civil War by picking Democrat Andrew Johnson as his running mate during hi er-election campaign 144 years ago by forming the Union party.

Hillary, Hillary, Hillary! if Obama is to win in November and unify the democrats in the process, I really don’t see him doing this without hillary’s 18 millon voters. the Problem is getting her to act as a number 2 on the ticket, good luck doing that!

I think this is a VERY good idea. It DOES send the message that real change is in store for the UNITED states of America and not the Blue or Red states of America.

We need to quit worrying about the parties so much and worry about the damn country and it’s citizens.

I sound like Lou Dobbs, but it’s true!

It may upset yellow dog democrats, but outside of Clinton the Democratic party hasn’t been able to write the book on how to win many elections in recent memory in its own right..

This would show that Obama isn’t rhetoric and it would show Americans he means business about bringing us together to solve our serious problems.

I’m sure this would send a message loud and clear and would win over independents and disgruntled Republican voters.

This is one tough question, Jack. For me, I think not. Appreciate his time and effort but he is still a conservative Republican on many issues. There are truly several great Democrats to choose from and a previous writer suggests a positon within Senator Obama’s adm. and that would speak to unity across the aisle.
Thanks,
Kay from Lincoln’s Land

If Mr. Obama were going to pick a Republican, I think Ron Paul would be a better choice. There is no one else in either party who has been telling the real truth. However, I will vote for Mr. Obama no matter who his running mate is.

A lot of the comments say “This would send the wrong message. That there is no worthy democratic VP’s”. I disagree. To me it says, enough with the partisan politics which get nothing accomplished except line our friends pockets. Lets get some work done!

It would send a clear message that Barak Obama is truly SERIOUS about CHANGE in Washington city…. Boy, wouldn’t THAT be a change.
That a polititian actually is serious about the promises made during campaigns. Mary from Sarasota, FL

the best choice

I am a registered Republican, but have voted Democratic for the past 16 years and will so this time. However, Hillary is THE ONE for Obama’s ticket as well as the best for his Vice President while in office. Forget all the jealousies. I ran campaigns for 12 years on a state and national level. Obama attacked just as much as Hillary; that’s just what happens, no matter how we want it to change. Who better to be hashing out international relations than someone like Hillary who knows the world and has been in on every major decision, in one capacity or another, for the past sixteen years. And she knows domestic issues as well, health care, inside and out. No pun intended. AND she has a proven record of working with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate. She knows exactly what it takes in Washington to really get things done when it gets down to the nitty gritty, as it for sure will. Not to mention that she deserves to be on the ticket. NO governor or senator can deliver as many states for the electoral votes as can Hillary.

I think Hagel would be an absolute brilliant choice for Obama. It would virtually guarantee the presidency and begin to create a small, but vitally important era of bipartisanship. Good luck, Chuck.

Paul
Lake Charles, LA

OMG I don’t even want to read this article it almost made me throw up……..ugh

Well, seeing as how the press already is bubbling about fantasies of it happening, the actual event would cause the press to go into full-blown uproar. Said uproar would require Democratic party leaders to get into a tither about why he couldn’t choose a Democrat (especially with Hillary drooling over the spot). No doubt all of this would offend even more people who promptly would declare they would never vote for him. Doesn’t sound like a very good idea for him to follow your ramblings down the garden path.

On the other hand, if Hagel would switch parties first…

Picking chuck hagel sounds intriguing and plays off obama’s “changing” washington theme, but would it really work? No. Hagel would not turn his back on his lifelong party and to think that all this hype is just over his opposition to SOME aspects of the Bush Administrations foreign policy decisions. There needs to be more than the war that Obama and Chuck agree on. Besides the whole country, except for the Bush drones, believes the war is failed foreign policy, does that qualify every former and current elected republican who feels the Administration has gone the wrong way for president? Stick to a moderate, militarily experienced Democrat who appeals to white working class voters and doesnt mind getting his hands dirty-
OBAMA/WEBB 2008

It would send a clear message right now to Obama that he can confirm his loss of the white suburban women’s vote- including mine. Obama and his supporters should not continue to be “so full of themselves.” Obama is barely ahead of McCain in the national polls. Obama needs the votes of white suburban women to win in Nov. He does not seem interested in my vote, but McCain does.

I will only vote for Obama if Hillary is the VP- bottom line- if not then I will vote for McCain. At least McCain seems interested in working to earn my vote- Obama does not and the “slights” his staff and his supporters keep giving Clinton and her supporters does not help to mend any fences.

If the situation were reversed- Obama supporters would demand for him to be the VP. They are just “too full of themselves” to admit it.

Well Jack… I am a Republican and an Obama Supporter. All I heard from Hillary Clinton is “It is Us vs. the republicans come Nov.” She is so devisive that it turned many people away from her. We will never get anything done without waling on middle ground. Obama has been a unifying force. He has reached across parties, races and genders. To pick Chuck Hagel would be a step in the right direction and show that it is time to put all the partisan crap behind us and get down to Change.

the best republican he could get would be colin powell. i would give hagel maybe sec def or something since obama has said he will have a republican in the cabinet.

If Obama can flip a Nebraska Republican, peace will break out in Middle East, floods will stop in Iowa, and protests over gay marriage will be over who were the pants.

It could get diasaffected Republicans–along with plenty of independents–on board.

BTW–our first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, set a similar precedent during the Civil War by picking Democrat Andrew Johnson as his running mate during hi er-election campaign 144 years ago by forming the Union party.

Menomonie, WI

(sorry for repeating myself–forgot tom put where I was from)

An Obama/Gore ticket with the capper of a Pre-election annoucement of Clinton (Hillary) as the Secretary of State.
That’s a ticket I can live with.Change and experience!

A member of the cabinet would be good.

Jack: I think that E.J. Dionne’s column in the Washington Post last week that touted the merits of Joe Biden made a lot of sense. For many good reasons. While Sen. Biden may seem a natural for a prospective cabinet position such as Secretary of State or Defense, I do not think that it is a stretch, at all, for him to be No. 2 on the ticket.

Jack, It does not matter who Obama or McCain choose for a running mate, because it will take at least 10 administrations to dig us out of the blunder of George W. Bush. Did I say blunder? I meant legacy.

A move like this would be evidence that a politician means what he says…”reaching across party lines” “bringing change to Washington”. For others to say that he is some how implying there is no one in his party qualified enough is an illogical argument. He isn’t saying they aren’t qualified, he is just saying that right here, right now, this is the correct person to be his number 2.
Besides, if Dan Quayle can be someone’s VP….anyone can.

It should send a clear message that politics in Washington is no longer politics as usual. He would obviously be trying to assemble the best team possible and his team starts at the top and works it’s way down and laterally. I have no problem with anyone that Barack wants to pick. I am a Hillary supporter and will support her and Bill and the DNC by supporting Barack Obama

I like the idea of having a republican as his running mate. But i doubt it will happen.

Meaningless speculation, of course, but that doesn’t keep it from being fun.

I like Hagel a lot, and picking a prominent Republican would send a huge message that Obama is trying to do things differently. It would also serve to discredit the Republican party itself to some degree.

Unfortunately, as important as the Iraq war is, as an issue it’s really the only good reason to put Hagel on the ticket. There’s too many other areas where Obama and Hagel would have fundamental differences for the ticket to work. If Obama really wants to send a message by putting a Republican on the ticket, he should select former NJ Governor and Bush-EPA head Christine Todd Whitman.

Thank you Jack. Hagel as VP and Joe Biden as Secretary of State and we just might see some progress!!