No Room for This Name on the Short List

When Senator Obama decided to ask Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to accompany him on his upcoming trip to Iraq, talk began that Hagel might be on Obama’s VP short list.

Each cycle there seems to be speculation that one of the candidates might break the rules and reach across the aisle for a bi-partisan ticket; there was such speculation in 2004 suggesting John Kerry would consider John McCain.

But this year, as Senator Obama shortens his list, Senator Hagel shouldn’t be on it.

If he wants to fuel media speculation, if he wants to encourage headlines that he’s considering a bi-partisan ticket, that’s one thing. But to actually consider Hagel would be a slap to the change coalition he’s put together.

Yes, Senator Hagel has foreign policy credentials, and yes, he’s been willing to buck his party on the Iraq war.

But here’s a few other things we need to remember about Senator Hagel:

He has a 100% National Right to Life and Christian Coalition rating.

He’s against expanding embryonic stem cell research.

He’s voted against expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation.

He’s voted to keep tax subsidies for companies moving jobs off shore.

He’s voted against background checks for gun purchases at gun shows.

And he voted to confirm Justices Alito and Roberts.

If there is any speculation about Senator Hagel joining Obama on the ticket, it should go no further.

Posted by Bernie Campbell on Monday, July 14, 2008
Permalink: No Room for This Name on the Short List