Do you see this as good evidence that there are still some thoughtful Republicans?

Question

Does Chuck Hagel 'get it'?

"I remember asking in hearing after hearing [before the war]: "What happens after Saddam goes down?" At every turn, the Congress was assured, "Don't worry. We know what we're doing. We have plans." Well, they didn't, and we put our troops in the middle of this. I'm concerned about General [David] Petraeus [the new U.S. military leader in Iraq] and some of my colleagues building him up as the most significant conqueror since Napoleon. Petraeus is a first-rate general, but he's not a miracle worker." Chuck Hagel

"I've talked to this Administration many times in private, but I have an obligation that's far higher than to the President. That's part of our job: oversight. After four years of disaster in Iraq, there are some in the party who think we should still tiptoe around this. That's irresponsible." Chuck Hagel

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1592762,00.html

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WIoa7WU2Dfc

Answer 1

Well, chuck is an R, I wouldnt always call him a conservative.
I agree that its pretty obvious that the plan was short sighted.

Things are never as easy as they are expected to be and they should have counted on more trouble than they expected and had a plan on dealing with it. You really have to.

I think most people, maybe not all but most, were for removing Saddam, I believe people just do not like the US military sitting there in Iraq, with little visible progress. We keep seeing contined violence with lots of roadside bombs and people dying.

It is obvious that what Hagel says rings true at least to some degree. the plan was obviously short sighted with not enough contingencies.

I do not believe Iraq is four years of disaster. ( especially since we havent even been there for four years quite yet ) It went good at first. But then it stalled. There IS alot of good going on in Iraq.
But at this stage of the game there needs to be a light at the end of a reasonably short tunnel.

Answer 2

Yes You are telling the truth.I think Chuck Hagel must be Commended for doing and saying all this.But unless the Majority of Americans are not with him He alone will not be able to achieve much.I think Republican Party will have to listen and change according to what Sen Hagel tells if they have to play any future role in American Politics

Answer 3

Yes,,regardless of party affliation, Chuck hagel is a Patriot

Answer 4

Based on these statements I'd say maybe. I understand he's thinking (or is?) of becoming a presidential candidate.

BTW - McCain bashed Bush getting us into Iraq yesterday.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=2895526&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Answer 5

He's right. Took him long enough.
They don't care man, neither do the dems. Off with all their damn heads!

Answer 6

Hagel -- Bagel!!!