Chuck Hagel: Palin isn't ready

Posted: Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:20 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Security, Sarah Palin

From NBC's Mark Murray

In an interview with the Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) suggested that Palin doesn't have the foreign-policy experience to be president. "'She doesn't have any foreign policy credentials,' Hagel said in an interview. 'You get a passport for the first time in your life last year? I mean, I don't know what you can say. You can't say anything.'"

Check out this other Hagel line: "'I think they ought to be just honest about it and stop the nonsense about, "I look out my window and I see Russia and so therefore I know something about Russia,"' he said. 'That kind of thing is insulting to the American people.'"

And this one: "'I think it's a stretch to, in any way, to say that she's got the experience to be president of the United States,' Hagel said."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Hagel's comments are as good as an endorsement.

Thank you Senator!

Is Colin Powell next?

kirsch59, salem, ct (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:43 AM)

Benjamin Snyder, Beaverton, OR (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:28 AM)
- Not only will those trips give her experience, they will also serve as a distraction for the Obama team and the press as they will focus on here again and not on McCain himself.

Benjamin:

Your kidding of course. I hope you are. What is there, less then 8 weeks before we vote for a President and Vice Presdient? And you think Palin can read books and take a few trips overseas in less then 8 weeks to gain the experience that would give people the confidence they would need in her to handle foreign policy issues and to vote for her?

You are kidding, correct?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:43 AM)

If the views of republicans like Chuck Hagel and Richard Lugar were at the fore of the party and not those of Bush, McCain, Cheney and Wolfiewitz I'd still probably be a republican. We need two strong parties (at least) in a country this size to have good discourse. Right now Senator Obama has the views and proposals I can get behind. It's wrong to go after Palin so hard...she's just a climber. In my view it's just another poor judgement by McCain and the RNC.

Reno Will (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:43 AM)

THANK YOU, CHUCK HAGEL! You should be on the Obama team.

Thank God someone has the GUTS to speak up and protect our country from more unqualified people.

Joan Walsh from Salon.com also said it and I applaude her, too.

VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Obama Is Best For America (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:43 AM)

See, there really are smart Republicans out there!

Tina,NC (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:45 AM)

Even Karl Rove states that McCain's choice for VP was political. This means that he gave no thought to who would take over in case of his disability or death; it was entirely a move (successful) to energize his failing campaign.

John Mehan, San Francisco CA (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:46 AM)

Chuck,,,,,,,,Nothing else needs to be said,she was brought on this ticket as a side show.But a funny thing happen on the way to 1600.The market has tanked,the lies have been debunked,the country is in real trouble and the lip stack has worn off,the people are now seeing that she has no foreign creds,no military creds,no management creds,and has carried the Bush/Chaney/McShame mantel .Not even close to VP material.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:46 AM)

John McCain made a very cynical VP pick. The truth will feel like you're in hell.

Sarah....and my last name isn't Palin (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:46 AM)

corny Chuck (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:29 AM)

corny:

Thanks for the good laugh. It is appreciated.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:46 AM)

Chuck is right! And it is refreshing to see a Republica actually demonstrating the thought process - something most right wing wackos ignore daily. I was once a Republican. It is the faul of the idiots in that party that made become an enthusiastic Obama supporter. Obama all the way!

Ken, Fredericksburg, VA (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:46 AM)

Beverly in Chicago--that is too funny! And accurate.

Let's see -- Canada is to the north of Minnesota. I married my high school sweetheart when we were visiting Mexico. I know a member of the National Guard who just finished a tour in Iraq. Oh Boy! Someday, I too, can be a veep candidate.

Kudos to Chuck Hagel. Courage to go against his party and stand up for his country.

Bailey Qrtrs, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

It's disappointing to see anyone buying into the McCain campaign's BlogParrot project.

When all we get is regurgitation of the campaign's lame talking points the hollowness of "Senator Maverick" is exposed for all to see.

Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

Eat that Leiberman!!!! I am glad conservatives are finally coming out ans saying that she is not the "Savior" McCain & his chronies have been preaching about for weeks. Her response to the question of her posessing any "specific skills" to be President was, "I'm Prepared." She's a joke, and this whole thing is coming unwound for McCain. I would have respected the pick of a guy like Romney, or even Ridge. They at least had been in positons of real leadership and were somewhat seasoned. She's is just George Bush with lipstick on...vacuous and overly self assured.

Nathan Barton (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

I think she is light on FP experience and I wish the tired talking point of "I can see Russia" would stop. However, she does have a reform record - even better than McCain.

The problem is not the Republicans or the Democrats - It is the politicans. We need some people who don't care about pork and the next election.

We have to fix the systemic problems of Washington - period.

An Adult who loves America, GA (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

"Go back to Your Neb cornfield, Chuck. What experience does Obama have? NADA. Alaska has Russian and Canadian trade. She is CIC of the AK National Guard. Has Obama done that? Nope. You people can discredit her readiness all you want but that doesn't erase the fact that she does have executive experience, small business experience and Obama has none of that. Also, she more clearly identifies with the average american"
****************************************************

WOW!! Throw a person from your own party under the bus for speaking the truth? Are you saying that to all the Conservatives who have claimed the same things Hagel has? This is exactly why I am no longer a member of the Republican party!! Too much "it's all about me", and not enough "us". I am proud to now cast my vote for Obama/Biden this November.

Adam (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

From the start the choice of Palin to be a heartbeat from a 72 year-old heart raised eyebrows. Many Republicans' first reaction was surprise, but as they always do, they fell in line around the talking points. Palin's bounce is over, it's finally OK for conservatives and Republicans to speak their mind, and the truth hurts. Palin may be qualified for a Cabinet post (though I don't know which one), but she doesn't have near the life experience, management style or original thought to be a potential President.

Tackman San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

I think I have more foreign policy experience than Lipstick since throughout my civil service career I've met with officials from at least six foreign countries from Europe to Japan. What a joke she is.

Obama and Biden our only hope in 08!

Bill, San Antonio, TX (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

Chuck Hagel: Another Republican who will put America First and not the McCain/Palin campaign first. As time goes on there will be more republicans voting for Obama than democrats voting for McOld.

From earlier posts...It seems that a lot of people are wanting a differentiation between negative ads and lying ads. This is one of those "C" changes in politics and the media still has some catching up to do to report on the honesty of all ads. Honestly, you are doing a little bit better. Stick to journalism ethics, report the truth and that will serve you well.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

This is priceless. Thank you Chuck Hagel for your honesty and willingness to do the right thing -- even if it bucks the party.

Obama/Hagel, would have been nice too. :)

Joe, St. Paul, MN (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

Thanks, but no thanks Sarah Palin!!!!!! Oh and also to my friend McShame thanks but no thanks!!!!!

Thanks, Houston TX (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

Hello Mr. Secretary of Defense

mb (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:48 AM)

Chuck Hagel is an idiot.

On the other hand, is you compare experience, it is clear that OBAMA is not qualified to be PRESIDENT. No mention of that, SEnator Hagel.

Or Joe "Boffo" Biden's latest-it is patriotic to pay more taxes.

Get real. Hagel is letting his personal dislike for Senator McCain get in the way of his common sense. That's okay, it's a free country.

That is, unless the socialist gets elected. Then, Hagel will be able to say whatever he wants about his own party, but will be thrown in jail for criticizing 'the One'.

The Democrats are frightening.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:48 AM)

I wonder if/when McPalin doesn't get into the white house will the GOP throw her under the bus? When I saw her interview where she said that she could see Russia from Alaska I felt she was some little lamb being exploited by the GOP.

She was picked soley for the political potential her placement on the ticket would generate. NOTHING to do with actually creating a good team to serve the people of this nation...

So if the jig came up and the American people saw through the charade she could be thrown out with the morning trash...Maybe the GOP could even blame her for the loss...

She is barely Mayor material imo...

BamaBoy (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:50 AM)

Does "corny Chuck" really think that the average American identifies with a person who is anti abortion for victims of incest and rape? Hagel is right.

Mike, Omaha NE (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:50 AM)

Can we just vote today then?

Obama/Biden '08

Vote Obama (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:50 AM)

When will the rest of the Republican Party see through this scheme and lies of the McCain/Palin Ticket? I have voted republican before, but I have voted on the issues not for the party itself. I will vote the issues in this election also. The Rethugs have no solutions on anything nor can they elaborate on any one issue unless it's the "Surge".

Hagel is "right on" and these two clowns have embarrass the party. Plan Sarah experience is to leave a small town like Wasilla in debt while relaxing in her tanning bed dreaming of shooting moose/caribou and let me not forget helpless wolves from a plane. Damm, she could at least give them a fighting chance.

The American people will also get the same chance as the wolves in Alaska if "Pistol Packing Sarah" and "Dufas Mac Cane" win this election. Shot down by the Deregulator and left out on the unbuilt bridge to Ketchican waiting on the pipeline for approval that's being built.

As my friend Sarah said and I quote, "No, but no Thanks"

Jes S.C. (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:50 AM)

Someone in an earlier post mentioned that they can "identify" with McCain and Palin. Honestly speaking, I'm ready for the "A" students to get a chance. Ready for someone that can understand the subject matter...

Faye S. (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:52 PM)

Why didn't Chuck mention that Obama was far more
experienced than McCain, since that is who he is
running against. Also, Has Chuck found the other
seven states that Obama said he was going to
campaign in all 57 of? Must have been a flash
back to his early schooling in a Muslim school
in Indonesia since there are 57 Muslim states !

norm (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:52 PM)

Sarah is a quick study and if she couldn't fulfill her position as Vice President she would not have accepted the nomination. She is full of energy and she does have experience. I think you enjoy bashing her with your unkind words but you must remember she can handle whatever you have to say. She is strong. John McCain knew what he was doing when he chose her. Instead of allowing her the opportunity most of you are against her. Time will tell.

Mardeanne Heffelfinger Camp Verde,Az (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:52 PM)

Well if this isn't the Koolaide drinkers society here...rename this site Obamatown...Chucky baby is nothing more than a democrat in republican clothes...he's an idiot...you would rather put a person in the white house who has run for more offices than running an office...he's a dummy without a ventriloquist...leave him at a podium without a teleprompter and he's lost....and Biden is the second most liberal person behind NOBama...get with the real program kids and get the stars out of your eyes. you elect this moron who ran a block watch somewhere is chi-town and we will be a leftist state run with a marxist theory...Get with the real program...McCain/Palin...

Joe Dowdle, Louisville, KY (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:52 PM)

Oh, and another thing: just in case the Crypt Keeper and the Church Lady do end up in the White House, I would like to point out that I had Chicken Parmagiana for dinner last night and I like Dean Martin. By their criteria, this makes me the perfect choice for ambassador to Italy.

Dave, Collegeville, PA (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:52 PM)

McHowdoIgetridofthischick, if your e-mail is true you should be in JAIL. If it's false, you're an idiot.

Peter, Downey, CA (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:53 PM)

I can see Mesquite, Nev does that make me a gambler?? Go Chuck!!! Tell it like it is for a change from the GOP!!! Hey John take a listen, your gal isn't ready for prime time!!

Lyn, St Geo, Ut (Sent Thursday, September 18, 2008 5:21 PM)

<< Previous

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1415527