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Hagel confirms trip to Iraq with Obama

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By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Sunday, Jul 13, 2008 - 05:38:15 pm CDT

Sen. Chuck Hagel said Sunday he views his upcoming trip to Iraq and Afghanistan with Sen. Barack Obama as a means of helping build bipartisan consensus in foreign policy.

Nebraska’s Republican senator acknowledged for the first time he’ll be traveling with the Democratic presidential nominee into the war zones by issuing a brief written statement.

“U.S. policies in Iraq and Afghanistan are at the center of America’s national security,” Hagel said.

Story Photo
U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.

Related Link(s):


7.11.08: Hagel may go to Iraq with Obama

“These critical issues must be addressed in a bipartisan manner that builds consensus for a bipartisan American foreign policy.”

In a joint statement, Hagel and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said they will join Obama in an examination of “whether the tactical buildup of U.S. troops has resulted in the progress necessary to resolve Iraq’s political differences, provide basic services to the Iraqi people and create long-term stability.”

The three-member Senate delegation plans to meet with top U.S. military commanders and civilians and senior Iraqi and Afghan leaders as well as U.S. troops on the ground.

Hagel’s decision to travel with Obama appears to associate him with the Democratic nominee, at least on Iraq policy.   

Hagel, the most outspoken Republican congressional critic of the Bush administration’s Iraq war policies, has not endorsed Republican presidential nominee John McCain, a strong supporter of the war.

Obama is proposing a phased withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq.

Details of the upcoming trip are being withheld due to security concerns.

Obama confirmed that Hagel and Reed would join him on the journey during a conversation with reporters Saturday night on a campaign flight from Chicago to San Diego.

“Look, they are both experts on foreign policy,” Obama said, according to a report filed by New York Times reporter Jeff Zeleny.

“They reflect, I think, a traditional bipartisan wisdom when it comes to foreign policy.

“Neither of them are ideologues,” Obama said, “but try to get the facts right and make a determination about what’s best for U.S. interests. And they’re good guys.”

Obama said he wants a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.

That is needed, he said, “not only to relieve pressure on our military, but also to deal with the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and to put more pressure on the Iraqi government.”

Hagel and McCain, both Vietnam veterans, have been close friends for a long time and operate out of neighboring Senate offices on the second floor of the Russell Building in Washington. In 2000, Hagel was national co-chairman of McCain’s presidential campaign.

But Hagel has signaled he may choose not to endorse either candidate in this year’s presidential contest.

Initial reports that he might accompany Obama to Iraq were a topic of conversation among delegates at Saturday’s Republican state convention in La Vista.

“Have a nice trip,” said GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele said when asked about his reaction to Hagel’s decision during an interview before addressing the convention.

Steele quickly added:  “He’s making decisions for himself and while I may not agree with him, I respect that.”

Republican National Chairman Mike Duncan dodged the issue during an interview.

“What do you want me to say?” Duncan asked. “I always want all Republicans to support our nominee.”

McCain will be in Nebraska Wednesday for a fund-raising event at the Strategic Air and Space Museum along Interstate 80 near Ashland.

Reed, a West Point graduate and former Army paratrooper, voted against the Senate resolution authorizing the use of U.S. military force in Iraq.

Obama and Hagel are members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Reed serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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mark wrote on July 13, 2008 1:24 pm:
" The Infantacidistas can't be happy about that. Hagel's not dependent on the $200,000,000 annual abortion money machine. Careful Barack - Can't hack off the fundamentalists. "

 cc wrote on July 13, 2008 1:44 pm:
" Probably a good thing, but Hagel will do anything to get to the top or
as close to it as he can. "

 Impressed wrote on July 13, 2008 2:03 pm:
" With the U.S. perception(s) in the international arena (including the war), the state of our current economy, the constant layoffs of big companies, and the housing market are some of the major concerns our country will have to address immediately. Obama (D-IL) and Hagel (R-NE) are moving the right direction by thinking outside the box to resolve America's issues. This type of bipartisan leadership is needed for the 21 century. "

 scout swimmer wrote on July 13, 2008 2:08 pm:
" To respect, to listen, and to work together on common problems are the beginnings of an effective approach to our shared future. It is long past time for blindered ideologies. It is time to responsibly address the many profound issues confronting the United States and the world. Self-centered and delaying strategies are overwhelmed by the seriousness of the issues on our plates. We have the moral responsiblity to work for each other's well being and it is the only way we can untangle this knot of competing self-interst. This entire arguement requires the expectation that in the end we will all be held accountable. "

 Proud of Chuck wrote on July 13, 2008 3:00 pm:
" Good job Chuck. Nice to see some folks take bipartisanship seriously. Not like so many other politicains who feel that bipartisanship is just fine until you have to work with someone from the other party. Of course Nebraskans will not understand this. "

 goob wrote on July 13, 2008 3:07 pm:
" Hagel is NO conservative and republican ONLYY in name. He went republ ticket from the dem side just to get in office. He is a sham and is one of MANY so called republicans or so called conservatives which should step down ASAP!!!!
He is revolting!! "

 Zach wrote on July 13, 2008 4:27 pm:
" Not a conservative? Are you kidding me? Hagel has the most conservative voting record in the Senate. I tell you what's not conservative, it's today's GOP. Deficit spending is not an ideal of conservatives and the Bush administration has allowed just that, deficits. "

 Dave wrote on July 13, 2008 5:01 pm:
" Even though I disagree with much of his voting record, I respect Hagel for having the courage of his convictions. If Obama can discuss matters with Hagel then perhaps they can put forth some middle-of-the-road commonsense policies. "

 Drewster wrote on July 13, 2008 5:10 pm:
" Obama is hitting on all cylinders. To take a outspoken, Sr. R, Senator along with him, is just another move to insure he will be the next President. As a R myself, I wish our party was pulling off some things like this. Obama is acting presidential at this point, and is taking more moderate rebublican voters over to his side. Will O feel him out as far as a Vee Pee spot? Perhaps but O does not want to anger the far left voters. "

 no to chuck wrote on July 13, 2008 5:13 pm:
" No, Chuckie is not conservative. He is a politician. He is the one who wanted to give social security to all of the illegals.

He can't go fast enough. "

 Conservative wrote on July 13, 2008 5:43 pm:
" Real Conservatives are very happy with Hagel. The new Bush/Cheney/Rove Neo-Cons despise him for having the audacity to tell the truth about the war. Trillions! Now that's not Conservative. Hagel's voting record is. "

 Goober wrote on July 13, 2008 5:47 pm:
" If you pay attenion to policy rather than politics, you would see that Hagel's voting record is about as Conservative as it gets. Lesson 1: Politics and Policy are two different things. Policy is real while politics are a figment of your imagination. CC: Bush/Cheney/Rove and the Redneck, Gun-toting Bible thumpers, pay attention. "

 mc hick wrote on July 13, 2008 8:18 pm:
" We as Americans, and as Nebraskans are always so conserned with republican and democrat, when I here people will not vote for McCain becuse he might cross the party line. It makes me sick. That is one of the things that makes me a proud of our country we can make our own decisions and not what is expected of us. So what you are telling me is if he try's and get along with the other 50% you will not vote for him? Good luck in November Republicans, change is a comming and that means we don't all have to agree w/ you. I myself will be voting for Obama in November, and I absoluty love it that he is welcome to other party ideas and changes. "

 ellfie wrote on July 13, 2008 8:54 pm:
" bipartisian consenus my aunt fanny. why is hagel going anywhere? isnt he not running for re election? why should he care about anything? just another example of wasting tax payers money. How is a 6 hour stop in the "green zone" in Baghdad going to shape obamas opinion on iraq. will just be a tea party with mid-level iraqi politicans and military and voila he's foreign affairs expert. NOT... VOTE THE BUMS OUT "

 MarkyMark wrote on July 13, 2008 9:05 pm:
" This wouldn't be a wise move to make Hagel the VP nominee. First, they are polar opposites politically, and second, the VP breaks all tie votes in the Senate. That might work out fine, but it would be really stupid politics on the Democratic side. I would say that Obama is checking him out for a cabinet post. "

 independent wrote on July 13, 2008 9:24 pm:
" Secretary of State would be my recommendation. "

 Zack wrote on July 13, 2008 9:37 pm:
" It's amazing how fast this state will turn on one of its own when he shows that he is not controlled by Republican party lines. I think this is a great start for Barack. If he can show the country that he will cross party lines, then maybe the skeptics will see that he has a real chance to make some changes in this country. Being a college student, I think this may be one of the most important elections in the last hundred years. We cannot maintain our current course if we want to live up to the standards we are used to. "

 Charles Finley wrote on July 13, 2008 11:26 pm:
" Who made General Hagel an expert on foreign affairs? Hope he don't start adising our troops while over there. "

 Matt P wrote on July 14, 2008 12:19 am:
" You people attacking Hagel make me sick! How can you possibly say he isn't conservative. He voted conservative over 90% of the time. Simply because Hagel disagreed with Bush on the war you act as though he is a crazy liberal! Give me a break and grow up! Hagel was one of the very very few republicans who had the guts to put his career on the line and actually do what he thought was right. Maybe, just maybe, because Hagel served in the military he recognized that the troops being sent to Iraq were young men and women and not just pawns in the political machine orchestrated and executed by Rove and Cheney.

You further demonize Hagel and Obama for daring to work in a bipartisan manner. A MOVE LIKE THIS IS IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS! "

 Nina wrote on July 14, 2008 8:04 am:
" This will be a worldwide role model, that differing factions of politics can work together instead of against each other. By the end of this trip, Obama will know that, if he becomes president, Hagel will or will not be a good secretary of state, defense, or whatever cabinet position is the best fit. More power to them both! "

 JB wrote on July 14, 2008 8:35 am:
" Hagel is very conservative on domestic issues, but is able to use his "brain" on foreign ones. To be classified as a consevative do you have to vote 100% as scripped for you? "

 you go chuck wrote on July 14, 2008 9:30 am:
" Not all camels are created equal, Chuck. "

 Jeff wrote on July 14, 2008 11:22 am:
" It seems that most people are starting to realize that the partisan bickering has resulted in our ineffectual government, including 6 years where the republicans controlled the executive branch and the legislative branch. For the vast majority of politicians who are moderate and in the middle of the political spectrum, it is now time to start solving the problems that have piled up by the continuing incompetence that marks the last two decades of government in this country. Every time some one wants to throw darts based on conservative/liberal or republican/democrat arguements, rather than solving problems - we need to rise up and squash them. Quit it already. "

 New to Lincoln wrote on July 14, 2008 1:13 pm:
" If Iraq would just keep both of them it would solve alot of problems over here. "

 RE Charles findley wrote on July 14, 2008 3:25 pm:
" Ok, Hagel was just a sargeant grunt in vietnam while mc cain was a officer and gentleman. Guess what? The NCO Grunts see the action first hand on the ground, in your face death while the officer and gentlement pilots only see from 40,000 ft down. I would rather be with a nco who has seen it all than a pilot who only sees the bombs drop. Hagel would probably give good advice, much better than mc cain if asked. Obama is a smart man to take Hagel with him and get someones first hand knowledge of the situation. This fiasco is not that much different than vietnam except the surroundings and thats its all volunteer. If this keeps up it won't be all volunteer anymore. Big corporate ceo's and slick corporations like hallibuton are actually profiting from this war along with the oil companies who will eventually take over the oil fields. Bush and Cheney have so far hidden their association with these companies, but, that will come out in the wash after they are out of office. I had an association with the u.s. government for 45 years, 21 of it military and I have to say that I am ashamed of our government. I am afraid of Bush because he is one of those cowboys with a navy seal wantabee attitude. Those two just can't get gone soon enough. I don't think the u.s. can survive another like either one of them. Nebraskans you should appreciate someone like Hagel, but, typically you will call out one of the best to have a name association with the state. It's just no wonder people from the other 49 states think nebraska is out of touch and don't take them seriously "

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