The Financial Times on July 3, 2007 presented an article by Senator Chuck Hagel entitled “Internationalize Iraq”. In contrast to the major Republican Primary candidates, who continue to support the disastrous policies of the Bush administration Chuck Hagel, in his article, maintains that political accommodation is the only way to end the bloodshed in Iraq and supports establishing an international mediator with the “backing and authority of the international community to engage Iraq’s political, religious, ethnic, and tribal leaders in an inclusive political process. With this stand he also bravely distances himself from the Bush administration and their policies by stating that the “misadventure in Iraq is the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam.”

Other signs of Senator Hagel’s independence from the party line are evidenced in his breaking with the party by opposing the fiscally irresponsible prescription-drug program under Medicare. Even more important, however, is his steadfast support of states rights, his emphatic stand that the federal government has no right to dictate what constitutes a marriage, and his vehement opposition of the President’s federal “No Child Left Behind Act.”

Reminiscent of Ron Paul Senator Hagel’s ability to cross the great political divide would make him a viable candidate to reclaim the leadership of the mainstream of this country. It was surprising for this author to see that even the New York Times offered an article in July 2007, “Seeking a G.O.P. Opening on the War” which questioned if there wasn’t room in the presidential race for candidates who oppose the administration’s war policies.

So who is Chuck Hagel? Senator Hagel is a long-time Nebraska Republican who has been among the loudest critics of the Iraq War and despite his conservative voting record has been forcefully criticized, over the last four years, for his criticism of Bush’s handling of the war. So while not officially a candidate in July he attended a Democratic Debate, sponsored by CNN/YouTube, in which he was named the winner despite his Republican Party affiliation. During this debate Senator Joseph Biden a Democrat was asked “If you have to pick any Republican to be your running mate, who would it be?” Without hesitation, Mr. Biden said: Chuck Hagel. Then John Edwards was asked the same question and he too replied that he would choose Chuck Hagel to be his running mate.

Therefore, knowing that Hagel is a registered Republican it is interesting that his name has been linked to not only the Republican ticket but also to the Democratic and Independent ones. So, in an environment immersed in hyper-partisanship and ideological polarization it appears that Chuck Hagel may be the man to bring unity to our divided political front.

Another glowing accolade about Hagel came from fellow Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who called him a “solid, thoughtful, conservative Republican” whose voice is invaluable to the nation, and who is “an indispensable member of the Republican team”. (Lincoln Star Journal, May 2007, by Don Walton)

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned as of today August 2007, but it should be known that Senator Hagel called for his resignation on May 16^th, 2007 after Former Deputy Attorney General James Comey testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that as White House Counsel, Gonzales attempted to undermine Comey’s authority to persuade Attorney General John Ashcroft to re-authorize a domestic surveillance program from his hospital bed. During that statement Hagel stated “The American people deserve an Attorney General….whose honesty and capability are beyond question. Attorney General Gonzales can no longer meet this standard. He has failed this country. He has lost the moral authority to lead.” After this statement Hagel added, “ America is a nation of laws. In the interest of the American people, Alberto Gonzales should resign now.”

Given this over the board support from an array of arenas and political parties I would suggest that you join the www.drafthagel08.com movement and continue to ask Senator Hagel to enter the presidential challenge.

[tags]Chuck Hagel, 2008 Presidential campaign, draft, Alberto Gonzales, Bush Administration, Iraq War, No Child Left Behind, Medicare drug-prescription plan, Ron Paul, John Edwards, Joseph Biden, Republican candidate,[/tags]