The Daily Background
| Hagel can’t run as a Republican…. can he?
by Arlen Parsa
“He’s an American hero and a person I love dearly.. I look forward to him being on the campaign trail.”
McCain also said Hagel would be a “good campaigner” who is “a very articulate, attractive handsome man with an impressive record” if he enters the 2008 race for the White House.
“He would kiss anybody’s ass and say anything to whatever group if he figures it’ll help him become president. He has given himself up to his ambition, and I wanted to vomit knowing what the Bush people did to him in South Carolina and watching him in 2004.”
Okay, apparently that second quote was Hagel’s brother. Regardless.
I’ve thought about this a little bit, and I really don’t see how the heck Chuck Hagel runs as a Republican in this race. He sure as hell isn’t going to run as a Democrat (he simply wouldn’t be able to compete on most domestic issues), but there is certainly room for an independent.
The reason I say I can’t see Hagel running as a Republican is because the Republican base is still quite supportive of the war in Iraq (especially the loyal base type who participate in GOP primaries). He just wouldn’t have a chance at being nominated unless somehow Iraq went to an unimaginably awful situation where the Republicans needed a candidate who had consistently advocated for withdrawal for a year plus.
On the other hand, if Hagel runs as an independent, he has a shot at getting much more substantial support (not to mention it’d be really interesting and the media would probably start treating him with all that juicy “maverick” love that they once gave McCain). Well, we’ll find out on Monday, when Hagel plans to announce his 2008 intentions in a morning press conference. He’s also up for re-election in Nebraska by the way (though I understand he hasn’t raised much money for that possibility).
Hagel-Electronic voting machines.
If I had my druthers, it would be illegal to hold another office when running for President. Like Bob Dole, you must resign from office to run or not run for re-election. THEN, you’ll have people who truly believe they can win and want the office. People like Hagel are just running so they can have a say in the platform. Politics has become so silly. Campaigning 2 years out?! ANOTHER law! No formal campaigning until 3 months from the primary. ANOTHER law! Primaries occur over 4 weeks in all states and DONE! Forces them to campaign in all states. Finally, keep the electoral system. Otherwise, the small population states will be ignored and will have no representation or impact on the candidates.