Hagel on Bolton, DeLay, Filibusters

With due apologies to Wolf Blitzer, he did try to pin Senator Hagel down on a number of issues I've been discussing here:

- On Bolton: Hagel said that he is "troubled" by the allegations that have surfaced regarding John Bolton's behavior, which he called a "disturbing pattern". [A coded message to Linc Chafee, perhaps?]. Hagel said, correctly, that we need a "uniter, not a divider" at the UN who can "develop confidence with the other ambassadors". After discussing Bolton's bullying manner, Hagel stated flatly "We cannot have that at the UN." And then he said that he still intends to vote for the guy. "If there's nothing more that comes out I will vote for Bolton," Hagel concluded. I guess that just means we'll have to keep working!

- On DeLay: Like McCain last week, Hagel punted on the question of whether DeLay should resign, saying "that's an issue DeLay and the Republican Caucus in the House should decide."

- On the nuclear option: Hagel called McCain's argument on ending filibusters is "a good one," but said he wanted to get "deeper," going on to discuss the important role that minority rights has played in the Senate and saying it's "important that we protect the institution of the Senate" by not eliminating key elements of its traditions. He called the nuclear option a "dangerous, irresponsible approach," but contined to play coy on a final answer, saying that he has "not made a decision" and has told both sides not to include him in their vote-counts.

- On 2008: Hagel continued his trend of deferring an answer to the question of whether he'll run in '08, saying he will make a decision on the presidential race sometime after the '06 midterm elections.