More: He would be open to the idea of either working in a Democratic administration or even running as the vice presidential nominee on a Democratic ticket -- though, he conceded, "I probably won't have to worry about it" because he's unlikely to be asked.

"If there was an area that I thought I could make a difference and influence policy, leadership, outcome ... then I would entertain" those possibilities, Hagel said.

He called Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton "capable." As for the speculation that he and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg might form an independent ticket, Hagel joked that "Bloomberg's got the money. I think it'd be Bloomberg-Hagel" ticket.

Totally agrre with the anti-Bush views. Bush, IMO, worst president in USA history; a dangerous and flawed man.

As far as putting down the Democratics, I can also see that point but I'd fear this might encourage some folks to just give up on voting...and the problem with that is that it would help the Republicans win.

Kick Republician butt is a Number One Good Goal for this election cycle, 2008. Whip them bad.

Then we can move on from there to hopeuflly make it better. But giving up and pissing on everything is stupid and counterp-productive. If that is anyone's sentiment I'd encourage them to take a break, do something they like for themselves, and shut up.