Hagel on Clinton, Giuliani, Iran, and more

I'm concerned with that kind of rhetoric that I hear when the president of the United States says a couple of weeks ago, if Iran doesn't do what we say, then this could lead to World War III. That shook the very foundations of our diplomatic relations around the world. I had ambassadors call me. I had senior officials from various governments - our allies, our friends - call me and say, what's going on? What is he doing? Why is he talking about World War III?

MR. HUNT: Senator, in your speech, you call for direct, unconditional talks with Iran. Barack Obama, your Senate colleague, also has called for that. And let me get your reactions - two of the reactions to that. Hillary Clinton said that his call shows that he's not experienced enough to be president. And Rudy Giuliani, who is the front-runner in your party's nomination for the president, said it's a sad, naïve move on Obama's part.

SEN. HAGEL: Well, I understand politics as well as anyone. But political rhetoric does carry with it meaning and optics, and the optics are important here. As the world looks at America for mature, wise leadership, that we've essentially provided the world since World War II, and they hear leading presidential candidates talk like cowboys, with the lowest common denominator being, `I can be tougher than you; I'll go to war before you or we aren't going to talk to anybody,' that's recklessly irresponsible. Come on.

MR. HUNT: Two months ago you announced you were not going to run for president nor were you going to run for reelection. Do you expect to endorse someone either in the primary or in the general election?

SEN. HAGEL: Well, I will not endorse anyone in the primary. We will let that work its way. I will see what the options are and who the candidates are.

MR. HUNT: It could be a Republican, could be a Democrat, could be an independent. Is that a fair statement?

SEN. HAGEL: That is a - correct on all counts.