Sen. Chuck Hagel, a possible White House hopeful in 2008, says we shouldn’t consider him an anti-war candidate if he does run.

The Nebraska Republican and Vietnam veteran has criticized George W. Bush’s troop increase plan in Iraq as “the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since Vietnam.”

Harsh words, and Hagel is one of five GOP senators to back a resolution by fellow Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), that would put the Senate on record as opposing Bush’s plan.

“Every member of the Congress should be engaged here and their people that they represent should know where they stand,” Hagel said.

“If they want to continue to send young men and women to fight and die in Iraq, then they should step forward and explain that position and why. If they don’t, explain that.”

Yet Hagel insists he shouldn’t be considered an anti-war candidate if he were to enter the 2008 presidential race.

“To have a different position than the president’s on a war doesn’t qualify anyone to be an anti-war candidate,” he said.

As for 2008, Hagel said he will make that decision as time develops. His opposition to the troop increase puts him at odds with leading Republican candidates, such as John McCain. On the flip side, it more closely echoes frustrations expressed by the American people. Would his position on the war hurt him in primaries but help in a general election?