In a recent Esquire interview Senator Chuck Hagel mentioned a word that is truly forbidden in the Republican lexicon.  The Nebraska Republican addressed a theme that has been frequently discussed in this column.

With reference to George W. Bush, Hagel mentioned the numerous recent occasions when the White House resident has engaged in actions called "unaccountable."  Senator Hagel mentioned that this word was used in frequent reference to the Iraq War, according to which, based on all current national polls, the majority of Americans oppose.

Hagel then took another forward step that has also been frequently addressed here, but is considered anathema for a Capitol Hill Republican to think, much less express.  The Nebraska Senator noted that Bush could be held accountable through impeachment.

As the Founding Fathers framed it, there is that constitutional protection in response to executive action discerned to encompass "high crimes and misdemeanors."  Hagel stopped short of advocating impeachment, but stated that this is an action that might well be considered should Bush continue on the same course.