Pffft!

Obsessive consumers of political news spent the weekend anticipating Chuck Hagel's Monday press conference. We couldn't wait to hear what Hagel's political plans were for 2008. We're still waiting.

America is facing its most divisive and difficult issue since Vietnam-the war in Iraq, an issue that I have been deeply involved in. I want to keep my focus on helping find a responsible way out of this tragedy, and not divert my energy, efforts and judgment with competing political considerations.

I am here today to announce that my family and I will make a decision on my political future later this year.

Um... okay. What on earth just happened here?

It hardly bears expressing, but couldn't he have accomplished as much by issuing a press release? Or, you know, by not saying anything at all?

As recently as a few weeks ago, Hagel was the potential GOP contender that many Democrats feared the most. He is a solid conservative with legitimate anti-Iraq war street cred. He gave that speech about selling shoes if you don't have the courage to confront the president on his war strategy. The press anointed him the new GOP maverick, shedding the last wispy remnants of its affection for John "The Panderer" McCain.

Then, he voted with senate Republicans to filibuster the non-binding resolution opposing the war. He practically disappeared from the news, causing a sigh of relief among Democrats who understand what trainwrecks McCain, Giuliani and Romney are. The last thing we want is a Republican candidate who isn't a flip-flopper, a cross-dresser, or a nutcase.

Last week, when Hagel announced the Monday presser, I have to admit a couple of beads of sweat appeared on my brow. Now? Not so much. You don't demonstrate presidential gravitas by gathering the press together to announce that you still haven't made up your mind.

Good luck with those future plans, Sen. Hagel. I can confidently predict they won't involve your taking up residence in the White House.