June 20, 2008 5:44 PM
- Text
Hagel Says He'd Consider An Obama VP Offer
Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said in an interview with the Associated Press that he would consider accepting an offer to be Barack Obama's running mate, if asked.
Hagel, who has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq, added that he doesn't expect to be on a presidential ticket. Still, the Nebraska senator's non-denial of interest is sure to add fuel to the fire of those calling for Obama to pick a Republican to balance the ticket.
"If it would occur, I would have to think about it," Hagel said. "I think anybody, anybody would have to consider it. Doesn't mean you'd do it, doesn't mean you'd accept it, could be too many gaps there, but you'd have to consider it, it's the only thing you could do. Why wouldn't you?"
In his book, "America: Our Next Chapter," Hagel said that the decision to go to war in Iraq was "the triumph of the so-called neoconservative ideology, as well as Bush administration arrogance and incompetence."
Hagel, a Vietnam veteran who hasn't endorsed either Obama or McCain, told the AP he hasn't thought about who he'll vote for in November.
Hagel, who has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq, added that he doesn't expect to be on a presidential ticket. Still, the Nebraska senator's non-denial of interest is sure to add fuel to the fire of those calling for Obama to pick a Republican to balance the ticket.
"If it would occur, I would have to think about it," Hagel said. "I think anybody, anybody would have to consider it. Doesn't mean you'd do it, doesn't mean you'd accept it, could be too many gaps there, but you'd have to consider it, it's the only thing you could do. Why wouldn't you?"
In his book, "America: Our Next Chapter," Hagel said that the decision to go to war in Iraq was "the triumph of the so-called neoconservative ideology, as well as Bush administration arrogance and incompetence."
Hagel, a Vietnam veteran who hasn't endorsed either Obama or McCain, told the AP he hasn't thought about who he'll vote for in November.
-
Scott Conroy Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.
Follow on Twitter »
Popular Now in Politics
- CPAC: Will Sarah Palin spring a surprise?
- Sarah Palin revs up CPAC faithful
- Mitt Romney wins Maine GOP caucuses
- CPAC: Anti-Obama beats pro-Romney
- Ann Coulter riles up the CPAC crowd
- Romney on Obama: I will "knock him on his heels"
- Romney takes on hecklers at Maine town hall
- Mitt Romney wins CPAC straw poll
- Gov. Jindal prepping for national stage
- Occupy protestors kicked out of CPAC
- Santorum infers straw poll-rigging at CPAC
- Immigration speaker sparks controversy at CPAC
- What Does 'GOP' Stand For?
- Obama campaign launches "truth team"
- Health Care Bill: What's In It?
- Timothy Dolan: Birth control tweak a "first step"
- After uproar, Obama tweaks birth control rule
Latest CBS News Headlines
on Facebook Most Discussed Stories
on CBS News
- U.N.: Syria's crimes against humanity continue
- Obama: 2013 budget reflects "tough choices"
- Deaf girl: I was kept in UK cellar as sex slave
- Ex-UK police officer convicted of corruption
on Facebook Most Discussed Stories
on CBS News
