Chuck Hagel postpones decision on which IHOP breakfast to order

By Bea Loughnee
Washington Reporter

WASHINGTON -- After initially telling her that he would definitely order by 8:15, Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel asked his waitress this morning for a few more minutes to decide what he would like for breakfast, sources say.

"I stand at a historic crossroads in my daily food consumption routine," Hagel told Rita, his waitress at a Washington area IHOP. "I am here to announce that my family and I will make a decision on my breakfast future later this morning."

"He TOLD me he'd have a decision by 8:15," an annoyed Rita said. "So I come back at 8:15 and he announces -- announces, mind you -- that he'll make a decision some time later this morning. But he wouldn't tell me when. What the hell was that all about?"

Hagel said he would continue weighing his options and would make a decision at some point.

"In making this announcement, I believe there will still be options open to me at a later hour," Hagel said. "But that will depend on the people of IHOP and this country. I cannot control that and I do not worry about it. In conclusion, I would like to commend my fellow diners for making the difficult decision between consuming the Pancake Combo, a savory omelet, or the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'n' Fruity breakfast. I admire each of them for their willingness to put themselves in these booths and pursue their culinary beliefs and ideals."