We certainly aren't alone in asking, "Chuck, what's going on?"
On March 12, Sen. Chuck Hagel brought almost every major news source in the country to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, tantalizing us with the promise of an announcement on his political future. What was it going to be? Running for re-election? Running for president? Retiring from politics altogether?
The answers he gave were far less interesting than the questions: maybe, maybe and maybe, all accompanied with the promise of another announcement soon.
We can only assume that this was not the plan all along. It makes Hagel, and Nebraska, look more than a bit silly, being lampooned in the blogosphere, "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and even traditional media outlets.
It's quite possible that Hagel's strange non-announcement was due to family considerations. That is certainly the least mystifying of the possible explanations we've heard. Among them are rumors of Hagel holding out for a vice presidential nod after the other candidates have tore each other to shreds or even that Hagel may be considering a presidential run as an independent.
Regardless of his future political intentions, both Hagel and his Nebraska constituents would have been better served by making a more definitive announcement.
An announcement that he does not plan to run for president at this time would not have prevented Hagel from jumping into the race later if he changed his mind. It also would've made Hagel seem more credible than making an announcement announcing a future announcement. Sure, flip-flopping is frowned on, but not quite as much as nonsensical press conferences.
Regardless of Hagel's bizarre press conference stylings, we still stand by our hope that he decides to run for president.
Hagel would add an interesting dynamic to the race. He represents a point of view that the other Republican candidates do not.
Hagel was one of the first, and remains one of the few, Republicans to openly criticize the handling of the Iraq war. He has repeatedly demonstrated his devotion to what he believes is in the best interest of our country, regardless of its political popularity.
Hagel in December 2005 said, "I took an oath of office to the Constitution, I didn't take an oath of office to my party or my president."
He also brings important experience and values to the race that many of the other candidates are lacking.
He is a highly decorated veteran and has experience on the Committee of Foreign Relations.
Hagel has given himself more time to make a decision about his political future. We hope he uses this time to his advantage, works out whatever prevented him from making a substantive announcement earlier and represents Nebraska well in his decision.
And, though we aren't counting on it, we hope the rest of the media decides to show up to his next announcement as well. The pull of Omaha steaks can only work so many times.
