"We are not who we say we are." That appears to me to be the crux of the matter. I've been saying that, if they were for balanced budgets, small government, and even family values (though I have a broader interpretation of family than they do), they would be a party worth supporting. I wish they would get a good, decent, competent candidate to run and win their nomination because, given the Dems' aptitude for losing elections, we need the best Republican option possible in the general election. Hagel looks much better than all the other pander bears, including Ron Paul.

"To question your government is not unpatriotic — to not question your government is unpatriotic."

"I took an oath of office to the Constitution, I didn't take an oath of office to my party or my president."

"There will be no victory or defeat for the United States in Iraq."

-- Chuck Hagel

(Quotes from Wikipedia)

Chuck Hagel talks a great game. He inspires in liberals that uniquely liberal trait - the desire to support a conservative for political office (e.g. Ron Paul).

But be warned. Chuck Hagel is all talk. He is one of the worst Rubber Stamp Republicans out there. In fact, in 2006, there was not a single Senator who voted with the Bush Administration more than Chuck Hagel.

I don't understand the game Chuck Hagel is playing. His voting record and his rhetoric are exact opposites.

So be warned, fellow liberals. You should avoid hero-worship in general, but if that's one of your vices, then please at least don't be one of those fools desparately in search of a Republican daddy-figure as your hero. Ron Paul and Chuck Hagel are not for you.

I still want Dennis Kucinich for president!

The military is NOT the best and brightest. I fucking hate hearing politicians say that. Soldiers deserve a bit of respect -- but so does every other human being. This hero worship is sickening -- especially when it is done for political purposes.