It seems to me that the new congress is having a thawing effect on some republicans--Hagel is actually speaking his mind, not worried about the impact on his political career. How novel.

Sen. Chuck Hagel is the man. This is my choice for President.

And I wouldn't say that it's the new congress that's thawing Hagel out, he had initially reluctantly voted for the war as per the reasoning given by the president.

Having seen it as a disaster slowly occurring he started voicing concern in 2004, which got him name dropped by Kerry during a presidential debate and made him a complete persona non grata at the GOP.

Seeing as the GOP wouldn't really back him for the Presidential run, I think he simply doesn't give a damn anymore and wants to do as much as possible for the troops who he can relate to more so then McCain.

Since there's a difference between seeing a war on the ground and a war in the air.

http://www.videosift.com/video/Rep-Sen-Chuck-Hagel-Confronts-Secretary-Rice
http://www.videosift.com/video/Hagel-Tells-it-Like-it-Is

When I heard this soundbyte of Hagel, on NPR during my commute this morning, I was forced to spontaneously shout "BOOYA!".

Agreed farhad, I'd vote for him, and I'm a democrat.

Looks like we have 08's version of the fast talk express.

Finally Republicans speak out - unforunately it's too little, too late.

I'd like to think I know who will get the Democratic nomination for President, but I have absolutely no idea what the Republicans are going to do with themselves.

If you believe polls, McCain and Giuliani are the front-runners, neither of whom have any support from the base, so they may not get out of the primaries.

It's amazing how quickly the tide's turned - jokes about how the Democrats were in disarray could now describe the Republicans.

This morning's Washington Post:
Hagel Ponders White House Run As War Criticism Raises His Profile

Again, I don't think the Republican base (pro-war, Christian right) will know what to make of someone like Hagel.

Before falling in love with this guy, you might take a moment and find out a bit about who he is and how he got elected. Specifically, he was head of ES&S - the voting machine company. And he was elected in an election that used those specific machines. And won by a large margin. And the results didn't match the exit polls.

Rated 100% by the Christian Coalition
Rated 0% by NARAL
• Voted NO on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada.
• Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
• Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
• Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
• Voted NO on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
• Voted YES on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
• Supports anti-flag desecration amendment.
• Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore.
• Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy.
• Voted NO on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on Bush Administration Energy Policy.
• Voted NO on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations.
• Voted NO on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity.

Oh, there's no way in hell I'd vote for him, but I do like to see people over there talking without as much fear. Less fear in DC must be good for all of us no matter the party.