At a small gathering at the residence of the Italian ambassador Tuesday, Republican Senator Chuck Hagel took serious issue with some of the things John McCain has been saying lately about "appeasement," urging him to elevate the level of discourse in the campaign.

"We know from past campaigns that presidential candidates will say many things. But once they have the responsibility to govern the country and lead the world, that difference between what they said and what responsibilities they have to fulfill are vastly different. I'm very upset with John with some of the things he's been saying. And I can't get into the psychoanalysis of it. But I believe that John is smarter than some of the things he is saying."

Hagel also warned that he would not hesitate to seek the impeachment of President Bush if he unilaterally attacked Iran.

When asked to respond to rumors circulating within political circles that the Bush administration was ginning up the possibility of war with Iran, the Senator even raised the specter of impeachment.

"You've got the power of impeachment, now that is a very defined measure if you are willing to bring charges against the president at all. You can't just say I disagree with him, let's impeach him," said Hagel. An attack on Iran without Congress' consent, he added, "would bring with it... outstanding political consequences, including for the Republican Party."

I appreciate that Hagel isn't pulling any punches given that he's retiring this year.

John Amato: If only his voting record matched his rhetoric.