A strange thought: What if Hagel was Obama's running mate?

[Seen the light]

It's pretty laughable to think that could ever happen, but since I'm posting this on the Internet after all, merely a series of tubes:

How would that be treated on DU? Since Hagel is a Republican, would we be able to support an Obama/Hagel ticket on DU without being banned? :yoiks:

[Blue_Roses]

1. it's not gonna happen...

Hagel is still a Republican. He may help somewhere else in the administration, but definitely won't be VP

[Mz Pip]

2. I doubt it would happen

I can see Obama appointing Hagel to a cabinet position but not VP. I'd still vote for Obama, though. I'd vote for Obama if he named my cat for VP. McCain is not an option for me no matter what.

[anonymous171]

3. He would only do that if there was a massive HRC "supporter" defection

from the party. IMHO.

[shraby]

4. Why does someone always float a

Republican with our Democratic candidate?? That happened when Kerry was looking for a running mate.

[Seen the light]

7. I've only really seen it on DU

Again, it ain't happening, I don't want it to happen, I was just playing the hypothetical DU game here.

[opstachuck]

5. I don't think there's much chance of that happening, but

i wouldn't hesitate to vote for obama regardless. the vp slot ultimately won't make much difference (hopefully)

[The_Casual_Observer]

6. Spoke to someone who thought this might happen, however they were

unaware that Hagel was a Republican & wouldn't be convinced that he was.

[Clovis Sangrail]

8. stranger yet... how about Powell? /nt

[evlbstrd]

9. At first, I read "Hegel."

And thought, "Cool."

[John Q. Citizen]

10. What if Obama chose an alien "grey" for his running mate? Would it have to be discussed in the

dungeon?

[Ashy Larry]

11. I think this would only happen if McCain picks Lieberman.

I know everybody who pays attention to politics knows that Lieberman is no longer a Democrat. But there are lot of swing voters who don't pay attention and I'm afraid they would be impressed by it. Obama might need someone like Hagel to offset the impact.

[ccharles000]

12. No No No NO NO No!

[Youphemism]

13. In fact, Matthews suggested this...

Given his stand-up anti-war position, he's one of the few possible republicans on the list. I doubt it's very likely, but I think that Hagel was throwing his hat into the ring by breaking with republican ranks and suggesting that negotiating with Iran is a good idea.

[bridgit]

14. sounds more like a waking nightmare to me...

:thumbsdown:

[Donkey_Punch_Dubya]

15. Do not bring this up repeatedly!

I honestly fear that a Republican running mate for any Dem candidate will mean a 70% chance that a bunch of right wing crazies will plan and pull off an assasination soon after inaguration. Then they would be back in power and could demand the press bow down and never question anything after a tragedy like they did after 9/11.

[Inuca]

20. Silly

I don't think Hagel as VP is a good idea (in the administration - great idea) and I do not think it will happen, but the argument that "crazies" would eliminate Obama in order to install Hagel in power is just absurd. He is hated and despised by extreme right-wingers.

[Gato Moteado]

16. i hate republicans......i certainly don't want one on our ticket

i know hagel is a moderate, at least on the war issue. but there are plenty of great dems to choose from for the vp slot.

let's not tarnish our ticket with a repuke. they are the enemies of freedom. they are terrorist sympathizers. they are environmental terrorists. republicans are unamerican human garbage. anyone that votes for a repuke is a traitor.

obama will select a dem for his running mate....bank on it.

let's concentrate on crushing the fascist republican party in november. destroy the repukes! defend freedom and democracy!

[Inuca]

21. If you REALLY think like this

there are good chances that you will be very disappointed by how Obama is going to operate.

[Douglas Carpenter]

17. IF foreign policy was my ONLY concern (which is NOT the case) I would find him acceptable

2006 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs (WRMEA) 83 percent in 2006.

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=231&type=category&category=32&go.x=11&go.y=7

Sen. Hagel is in many was an old-fashioned conservative - What many would call a "foreign policy realist." One who viewed that foreign policy should be driven only by "American interest". Thus policy, especially interventions that were ideologically driven or driven by domestic demand or for domestic consumption were to be avoided.

I would feel far safer with that worldview than a foreign policy world view driven by ideology or for domestic political considerations.

His staunchly conservative record on social and economic issues are certainly deal breakers. I would be very surprised if he was chosen.

Having said this, James Webb is also a foreign policy realist and I would rejoice at his nomination. Even though he is certainly more conservative than I am on most issues.

All things considered James Webb in spite of being considerably more conservative than myself on a number of issues would be by far my first choice of the those currently in the top tier of consideration. He is considerably more progressive than Sen. Hagel and he is probably just as much a foreign policy realist thus less likely to encourage ideologically driven or domestically driven policy and interventions.


Americans for Democratic Action (liberal) score:



2007 Senator Webb supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 85 percent in 2007.

2007 Senator Obama supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 75 percent in 2007

2007 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 75 percent in 2007

2007 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 10 percent in 2007.

2007 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 30 percent in 2007.

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=231&type=category&category=45&go.x=7&go.y=12

[Boo Boo]

18. Not a ghost of a chance. Pointless discussion.

You can't pass over Hillary (for instance) and then pick a pro-life Republican. That's insane.

It. Will. Never. Happen.

[quakerboy]

19. I dont answer hypotheticals

when I don't want to.

[Marrah_G]

22. I would leave the Democratic Party

[Rowdyboy]

23. I would be nauseated....why not just name Lieberman?

They're two peas in a pod.

[spinbaby]

24. Why does Hagel keep coming up?

He's a REPUBLICAN! He's not a possibility. Why does this subject pop up every other day?

[seaglass]

25. it would be a betrayal - he would not be allowed to do this by the Democratic Party and

he is not going to do it - so don't you worry.

[OzarkDem]

26. Why do Obama supporters keep suggesting Republicans for his running mate?

I thought you were all "progressives" and loyal Dems who are expert politicians and understand the rules of the party? :sarcasm:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

27. I would not vote in Nov if that was the ticket...I draw my line there...no repukes