As most GOP lawmakers are falling in line behind McCain, the party’s presumptive nominee, Hagel’s absence from the list of supporters has been highly visible.

The senator added that the disagreement with McCain “certainly doesn’t put me in Obama or Clinton’s camp.”

Hagel, who had been mentioned as a possible candidate on a third party ticket, noted there is a growing frustration among voters with both parties.

“There are more registered independents today in America than Democrats or Republicans,” the senator noted, pointing also to low approval ratings for Congress.

Hagel predicts that the country is undergoing a “historic reorientation of politics.”

“How much further do we have to look than look at the Democratic candidates for president?” Hagel asked. “We’re either going to have an African-American man or a woman. Both unprecedented. A hundred years ago, women in this country couldn't vote, George. Up until the mid-'60s, an African-American had very little prospects for going very high in the political system. The Democratic Party will field one of those two people.

“On the Republican side, we have a so-called, kind of maverick by many definitions, a good friend of mine. Dear friend of mine, as a matter of fact. He will be the oldest person we would ever elect to the presidency,” Hagel said. “So when you talk about reorientation, I don’t think you need to go much beyond just the field of candidates that the American people are going to choose from as to who’s going to lead this country.”

When asked whether he would consider serving in Obama’s cabinet as secretary of defense, Hagel said such a question would be premature at this time, adding that he does not “expect to be in government next year.” Hagel is not seeking reelection.