In a move that is sure to increase his already stellar Reputation among conservative activists, Chuck Hagel says he's open to being VP - with Obama:

"If it would occur, I would have to think about it," Hagel said. "I think anybody, anybody would have to consider it. Doesn't mean you'd do it, doesn't mean you'd accept it, could be too many gaps there, but you'd have to consider it, I mean, it's the only thing you could do. Why wouldn't you?"

Chris Cillizza calls Hagel's non-denial response, "the latest development in a fascinating evolution that has seen the Nebraskan transformed from a loyal Republican and close personal friend and supporter of John McCain's 2000 presidential bid to the loudest voice in opposition to his party's approach to the war in Iraq and an increasingly independent operator who has yet to throw his support behind McCain in this presidential race."

The odds of an Obama-Hagel ticket are small. Smaller still is the chance that we see a double fusion-ticket general election that would have both bases gnashing their teeth: Obama-Hagel vs. McCain-Lieberman.