same views when bush was in the white house, if he had nominated him for secretary of defense, if he'd have the same opposition. i doubt it seriously. it's because this president is nominating him. listen, i think hagel will be asked serious questions, and he should answer those questions, and the senate should vote him up or down. >> ip chip, you're the republican strategist here. why would republicans oppose his nomination? there are reports as many as three republican senators will oppose him. >> now, i know one for sure will be deb fisher, the newly elected senator from nebraska, because chuck hagel endorsed her opponent. that would definitely probably be one. >> bob kerrey, right. >> i think the past few years, chuck hagel has been moving away from the republican party. what lindsey graham was talking about, his views on israel and that sort of thing, these interviews will be tough and challenging. we'll see what happens. >> jimmy, why not nominate a democrat for this position? is it really important that the president gives this rather bipartisan view of doing this?