Why Not a McCain-Powell Ticket?
By Juan Williams
NPR Senior Correspondent/FOX News Political Contributor
As John McCain considers his options for a running mate the obvious choice is Colin Powell. So far, however, it appears not obvious to McCain or Powell.
Columnist Robert Novak’s column earlier this week suggested that Powell fits in with neo-conservatives who are angry with the failings of the Bush administration and rushing to join the Obama campaign. Novak proposes that Sen. Chuck Hagel and Powell, two military veterans and Republicans, are likely to join forces with Obama. As for Powell, Novak writes, “Powell likely will enter Obama’s camp at a time of his own choosing.”
I’d be surprised if Powell endorses Obama. One person very close to Powell put it to me this way on Thursday: “He and John are good friends.” But let’s take it a few steps up the ladder of political possibilities. Why not a McCain-Powell ticket?
With Powell on the GOP ticket McCain’s standing with independent voters will go from a slight lead to a widening, awe-inspiring gap. With that one step he can erase the three to six point lead that Obama holds in most polls.
Powell is a more experienced version of Obama. He is also a proven American military hero. And to paraphrase Obama from his recent prediction that his opponents will make an issue of his race, did I mention that Powell is black.
Powell will magnify the risk factor associated with Obama and give the independent voters comfort in knowing they can make history without the anxiety of handing the keys to the White House over to a young unknown.
A recent USA Today poll had Obama up by 6 points but among Independent voters Obama held a 12 point lead. In a recent L.A. Times poll, Obama leads by 12 points but when Ralph Nader and Bob Barr are factored in the Obama lead widens to 15 points. The difference there is independent voters leaving McCain. But those independents can be recaptured and in fact they are looking to McCain to make his case to them. Right now, according to the Times poll, 54 percent of independent voters said Obama is too inexperienced. When independent voters are asked who has the right experience to be the next President the independent voters favored McCain 47 percent to 27 percent for Obama. McCain needs to focus on those independent voters and he can do that by naming Powell as his running mate.
It is true that hard core Republicans have a history of being ambivalent about Powell. But what too often gets lost in that calculation is that Powell is a tremendous asset to the Republican Party and to McCain. Yes, he is pro-choice on abortion. Yes, he supports affirmative action. And yes, he is a man who has been quoted as saying he is at best “55 percent Republican.”
But Powell is a winner with the American public, rated among the most respected leaders in the nation. Before the 1996 Presidential race the one Republican that scared Bill Clinton was none other than Colin Powell. According to a recent biography, Soldier – The Life of Colin Powell,” by Karen DeYoung, President Clinton worried openly that Powell was capable of capturing black voters and independent voters. “He’ll beat me bad,” Clinton is quoted as saying. But the hard right of the party kept Powell from getting to the starting line. So, too, did Powell’s wife, who was worried about Powell’s personal safety.
Now, the Republican Party is in the re-tooling business. They have to recreate the brand. That is why John McCain was the best possible nominee for this presidential race. The maverick McCain is out-performing the 15 to 20 point spread that a generic Democratic candidate for the White House holds over a generic Republican for the White House. McCain is both a Republican and not a Republican; he is the maverick Republican.
With Powell by his side, McCain further moves away from the damaged brand of GOP politics and captures the energy surrounding the idea of pragmatic, bi-partisan political actors with a history of achievement and knowledge of world affairs.
With Powell on the ticket, McCain becomes the favorite.
Powell’s a great choice. Will provide a different perspective and a good, decent, normal man. I agree with what Bush has done… and i agree that Colin would be a great VP.
Redistribute wealth? Didnt they try that in Cuba, Russia and several other places? Unfortunately the general masses - those in middle class - only listen to snippets of news and of course, are enamored with the idea of getting something for nothing! tax the rich, give to the poor! Sounds great… but follow that through. Rich people create jobs, they pay more taxes. They cut costs = cutting jobs. See my point??? Idiots our society produces can’t follow the reasoning….. easier to sue McDonalds because the coffee’s too hot…..
McCain having Powell as VP would be ridiculous. It was Powell who famously told Bush NOT to enter into a war w/Iraq (His Craker Barrel reference when he told Dubya “If you break it, you’ve bought it”). Powell is FAR SUPERIOR to McCain as a leader!!!!
My vote goes to MSNBC news for President and Fox news for Vice President. They decide for us anyway.
Comment by Bubba
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 am
Obama will be the straw that breaks our country. I’m a working class person and every time a liberal talks about redistributing wealth my family ends up footing the bill. I know they are going to only tax the rich. They don’t tell you that they classify anybody making over 40K a year rich. So brace yourself for the collapse that Obama will cause. It’s going to be really hard on all the hand out crowd. Since they don’t prepare for any kind of hardship. Katrina is an example of that.
The hand out crowd? You mean the people who work the hardest making the rich richer while getting nothing for themselves? How stupid do you sound accusing poor people of not “praparing for any kind of hardship such as Katrina”? I hope Obama taxes the hell out of your sorry $40,000 a year self, so you cant prepare for an impending flood that wipes out every thing you own either.
So sick of the upper middle poor trying to act like they have so much and dont WANT any help. I bet you didnt turn down those tax dollars when you lost your little “I didnt prepare to buy a home, so now Im loosing it” roof over YOUR head.
Too many Pro McCains on this board. What happened? Not allowing democrats to post?
OK….why did he retire….come on …he didn’t agree with the commander
Obama will be the straw that breaks our country. I’m a working class person and every time a liberal talks about redistributing wealth my family ends up footing the bill. I know they are going to only tax the rich. They don’t tell you that they classify anybody making over 40K a year rich. So brace yourself for the collapse that Obama will cause. It’s going to be really hard on all the hand out crowd. Since they don’t prepare for any kind of hardship. Katrina is an example of that.
I would vote for Powell if he is on the McCain’s ticket. But I think McCain should do his homework and choose a fiscal conservative black or not to balance his ticket.
The more I think about this idea the more I dislike it.
In the first place, Powell is not a politician, he is a soldier. I do not think he wants this job, whatsover.
Also, in my view, this is precisely the problem with the Republican party — Its members have lost focus of the philosophy of conservatism. We need to return to the philosophy, and from there make our argument.
Should we desire a candidate who does not wholly accept or believe or even know the philosophy?
If Powell is pro-choice — then he fails to understand the most basic yet fundamental element. And for his part, McCain also has his conflicts with the philosophy — namely, by his support of embryonic stem-cell research.
Going back to Powell, I have no clue of his economic views. Does he support cutting taxes and cutting spending? What about school vouchers, does he support them? Supreme Court justices: Would he appoint judges like Alito and Roberts? For if he is pro-choice then who knows whom he would choose.
Juan — there are too many unknowns here as regards Powell and the VP spot. I prefer the Republican Party win its votes because the Party knows its philosophy and communicates it well.
What would happen, or rather in which direction would the Party go, if it abandoned its commitment to protecting life?
powel has always been a democrat… he sided with the republicans because of his disdain for the clintons..
Sorry folks, but his own Party screwed him over…he was used as the sacrificial lamb and the entire world knows it. So don’t expect any love coming from him for Republicans.
Furthermore, he has on many occasions made it perfectly clear he supports Obama. So the best you will get from him is a non-endorsement of either…that is the extent of what he will do for his friend, McCain.
GREAT IDEA!!!
Makes gteat sense to me. A respected general and secretary of state alongside a war hero is a no brainer.Juan Williams is right on with this dream ticket.
I support Powell for McCain’s VP. Powell really should be president. He is one of the best leaders our country has. He is so far above Obama it is not funny.
I support Powell as the VP for McCain.
McCain / Powell makes little sense because they are both career military officers with nearly no economic experience.
How about Obama / Powell? It would combat the perception that McCain has more foreign policy experience than Obama. It would also move to capture more independents and some GOP voters.
My personal choice for President, for the past two elections and certainly this one, was Colin Powell. He alone is the most qualified person on the planet. He has run the military, and has run the State Department. He understands the carrot as well as the stick. He is trusted and respected world-wide, is a moderate, and would work with both parties (unlike Obama who claims to, but never has). The next best thing to a Colin Powell presidency would be a Colin Powell vice-presidency, but I could never vote for an Obama-Powell ticket. Obama has accomplished nothing and has run his campaign on empty rhetoric and lies. He associates with terrorists and whackos. He will divide the nation like never before, not unify it as he claims. Obama has the most liberal voting record of the U.S. Senate as well as the highest ratio of “abstains”. The far-left move-on.org crowd will get everything they always wanted and finish destroying America under an Obama presidency. God forbid.
I like and greatly respect Powell, but between the two of them (McCain and Powell), you have a combined near-zero IQ in terms of economics. For that reason alone, Romney still makes more sense. Government needs to be run more like a private business, you know, an entity that doesn’t lose hundreds of billions every year?
On the surface, it was good thinking, Juan. However, deeper thought indicates otherwise.
As a gay american and a hared core democratic I would definetly vote for McCain/Powell. No matter what if McCain wants to be president he will need a black or woman on the ticket. I think either way there is going to be a woman or black american (man or woman) in the white house as a president or vice president.
However if It’s Obama and Hillary I may vote republican but I could be easly convinced to go republican.
This is very good for our country. Go both McCain and Hillary.. I still cant imagine Obama running this country. I just have very bad memories of a great man but a horrible president (Carter)
In what way exactly is Powell a “more experienced version of Obama?” Did Obama lie to the American public about WMD, and I missed it? Did Powell do some community organizing he forgot to tell us about?
Thank you, Juan “just call me Bill Clinton, and by the way that Jackson-style win in NC was great” Williams. Your unveiled bias against Obama since the beginning of the primary has completely turned me off to NPR. And now you’re on the Fox blog! Good times. You and Tavis Smiley need to get right over yourselves.
Juan Williams the “Happy N3g7o”
The reason you cant have a (oh lord, it makes me sick just saying the words) McCain/Powell ticket, is because there will be an Obama/Powell ticket. Yeah, I said it! Call it intuition, prophecy, whatever, I have known this forever. Talk about a dream ticket. These two men will be unstoppable.
You say Obama has no experience in Foreign Policy……..well there you have it ! And who knows more about the lies of the Bush Administration, than Colin Powell. Why do you think Obama will not debate with McCain? Who wants to hold a convo with General Petraeus or McCain, based on lies? Why do you think that smirk has been wiped right off of Bush’s face these days? He knows. They all know. Come on people, you know these guys had their partners chosen and the deal signed long before the campaigns.
Powell?? Rice?? Are you kidding me? No Way!!
They are pro-abortion, for Obama & don’t even want the job.
Like many others here, I like JC Watts alot. Even Walter Williams.
Hey–How about McCain/Cain? Herman Cain, that is! He would be wonderful.
ALL are black, educated, experienced, conservative and CAN handle their business because they are FOR this country–not against it, like BHO! And there are many others that would be great as well. There are many black, conservative women, like myself, that feels this way. Don’t count us out.
Simply put, Nobama would QUICKLY have his dumb a** handed to him by any one of them–believe that!
Juan -
Your choice is okay…however, please use your power of the media to shift attention to JC Watts. If McCain is serious about picking a conservative, JC Watts is his only pick at this time. Obama will have NO words to say against JC…AND JC will put Obama to shame!
Juan -
I am Republican. I find your argument convincing. However:
I would prefer someone philosophically conservative — above all, pro-life. I would also prefer someone who is a politician and thus ready to take on the rigorous Washington political atmosphere, and the media. Not only that, another poster made this valid point: What about Powell’s age?
In short, I think McCain needs someone who is both young and staunchly conservative. There are two candidates in particular I have in mind.
Sarah Palin. Michael Steele.
Speaking as a conservative, I think McCain needs one of them rather than Powell. For my part, I would be excited yet at the same time not so excited with a McCain-Powell ticket — namely because Powell is pro-choice. In addition, Powell does not seem interested, or rather energized, to be a candidate.
Absolutely need Powell. That would be the best thing to happen to the Republican ticket. But, I’ve always heard him say that he isn’t interested.
I’m an independent (the group of Americans who make the most sense among all you crazies!) Yes this would work. If this happened I would be SO proud to see America, the greatest country in the world, put to rest the issue of race in a presidential election where race is a central issue. Colin Powell is the REAL change we need as a country, the change we have ALWAYS needed!
Juan, so glad someone brought it up-that is my ticket, also.
Never will hapen ..
Powell is for Obama so is Rice,
I know a black republican (lawer) his told me he is voting for Obama..
and not because he is black.. if Obama was a blond white dude .. he would get the vote..
who in their right mind will vote for MCain?
McCain and Powell would be a great option, one that I would vote for unabashedly …
McCain - Powell ticket….?? I’ll vote right now, a BIG FAT YES !!!!!!
I think Powell would be FANTASTIC !!!
Now that is a combo that I would gladly vote for in a heart beat, I wouuld like to see a McCain-Powel on the ticket. Having serves under General Powel, I know he is a man of Values, Honest and integrity.
He too is an American sucess story.
i follow your news from italy,but your attacks or should i say your stupid attacks on obama and his family to me is low class.u guys can do better.grow up guys,dont forget obama is american.
I agree. Colin Powell would make a terrific Veep for John McCain!
Why not a McCain-Powell ticket? For the same reasons that a McCain-Rice ticket will not go over with most Republicans. Both Powell and Rice are pro-legal abortion, and both have bought into the “stability at all costs” mentality of the State Department. Since Jimmy Carter we have seen what a dangerous philosophy in guiding our foreign policy that mindset has proved to be. There are more, but the abortion and foreign policy positions of Powell and Rice are enought to reject them as VP pick. If the McCain does happen to pick one of them, he will completely lose the base/the workers/the backbone/the conservative Christians in the party. Very bad idea McCain.
Colin Powell should be our candidate for President, but VP is OK/fine with me for this run. I served under General Powell in Germany in the 80’s and the man is an OUTSTANDING leader. Exceptionally intelligent, wise, compassionate, with a solid business sense about him. He brings out the absolute best in everyone he touches. The man is so well grounded in life and his experiences would make Senator Obama appear even more childlike than he already does. Powell is the guy you want to “answer the phone”, 24X7.
This would be a slam dunk for Republicans, but more importantly, it would be fantastic for our country. There are only a few people like Powell in each century and we should strongly encourage his nomination. This man is a genuine hero, a proven leader and the real deal - by anyone’s standard!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t think it would be fair to Mr. Powell to undergo the extreme criticism and racial attacks he would face from the media (both liberal and ultra-conservative) if he agreed to run as McCain’s vice-presidential nomination. Nor do I think he would consider the position for that reason. I also believe it would be a great ticket and one that a large majority of the independent moderates would vote for.
Yes, yes, absolutely YES!
I wonder what the race baiters would say if Powell did become McCain’s running mate and won by a landslide. I think it would certainly diffuse the notion that the country is still in the throes of race issues. People are not going to elect Obama, not because he is black, but because he is blank.
If only Powell was pro-life. I think he would be a good choice. Its hard to marry the two opposing views. The choices would change drastically if Powell was thrust into being President with an untimely death of McCain. I am sure their choices for the Supreme Court would be vastly different…
JC WATTS FOR VEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Powell is the epitome of Duty and Honor. He should be President. He doesn’t want the position, which makes him the perfect candidate. We need someone who would do the job out of duty to his/her country.
Hey Marty - Our “ILK” is the only thing that kept you from a President Gore and a President Kerry so shove it
Mitt Romney / Ron Paul - 2008!!!!
Bye Rich. No matter our problems those who disparrage our country NEED TO LEAVE. You’ll be back, I give it 30 days tops and you’ll find out the statistic you scribe of the “Top 10 counties” is bullSh_t. I don’t care what your ideology, true Americans know that regardless of who is in the White House, this is the best country in the history of the world!
Juan
Excellent article. Mr. Powell by and far would be the hands down best choice for the Vice Presidential position. I hope Mr. McCain can interest him in the position. Wow..what a team!! Mr. Powell would be the strong element on that team.
Best
Juan, Two thumbs up ! I live in south Georgia and I can assure you I, and many more would boldly embrace this joint ticket !
The Dream Ticket.
Yes, there are black Republicans out there. I am a black Democrat who is a Hillary supporter, but will probably vote for John McCain. I do agree that Colin Powell would be an excellent VP! He is well educated, a decorated veteran with many years of public and private service to this country, and a man of great character and integrity. I was very disappointed in much of the black community when they accused him of being too “white”. Are you kidding me? Colin Powell represents the best aspects of being black and a proud American. Where do Obama’s loyalties lie? This election for the DNC is not about Obama, it’s about corporate America and driving this country into exteme poverty. I ask that all Americans take a long hard look before casting your ballot in the November general election.
Thank you, Juan for speaking up. If you have previously, I missed it somewhere in all the news.
From the beginning I have supported the idea for Mr. Powell, could not figure out why he had not been chosen to run with McCain. He is respected and honored throughout the Republican and Independent Party (not to forget the Democrates). It does concern me why he would leave the Republican Party and endorse Obama. From what I know about Mr Powell, he stands for something different from what Obama represents. I emailed you all about this 3 to 4 months ago, never saw anything about this idea, suggestion……. Think about it America, this is the best ticket, McCain and Powell for a better America!!!! or vice versa.
My thoughts exactly for the past several months! Why is McCain not pursuing him? Among other issues, his age makes his VP choice more important to voters that ever before in an election. They need to know the VP would be someone they would actually vote for as a president, not just an extra on the ticket. Powell is such a person and he also helps to “fill in the blanks” many see in McCain.
Powell? You have got to be kidding. Powell is more liberal than McCain is. Sorry but suggesting Powell as a VP is just plain idiotic.
Heck why not just suggest Hillary Clinton, she’s closer to a conservative than Powell.
Has everyone forgotten what a republican is supposed to be?
Powell was born in 1937. He is 70.
McCain was born in 1936. He is 71.
McCain will not pick him based on that alone.
The man on the street has no good choice to vote on this coming Nov. Both persons are going to be real bad for the people of the USA. Look at their pass records in the Senate, out of touch with the working people just to start with. McCain was one of the five people in public office involved in the AZ saving & loan scandal. Just how soon do we forgot! Never have trusted the man.
The Sentor from IL has alot baggage just like McCain, so how can anyone trust him. In short all the people in the Legislative Branch have done very little for the comman working folk. However, they have made sure that they have been taken well care by their rich friends in big business.
The USA of is well on its way to becoming the largest 3rd world county thanks to big business & the smart leaders in the Legislative Branch.
You may think its bad now, THE WORSE IS YET COME, thanks to the two booby we have running.
I myself am thinking leaving the USA to live in one of the top ten counties (USA is 28/29 in rank) never thought I would say, well now I have.
Ref: McCain Powell
You get brass and class. Go for it !
Barbara
can we have less of mr. williams
I would like to see Powell be different in this instance……I don’t believe many blacks have the intestinal fortitude to come out in public supporting McCain….their “bro’s” wouldn’t lik it! Talk about racism, no one has a worse case of racism than the black community!! Wonder if any are their own man/woman enough to speak up for McCain?
One problem with a Powell/McCain ticket, Powell has not said yes.
Mr. Williams, this is brilliant! Now, how do we get this across to the Republican hierarchy and to Senator McCain? My only alternative suggestion would be Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson.
Are you kidding? If Mr. Powell was interested in politics, HE WOULD run for prez. And everyone knows, he would be elected. But as a veep? That’s a joke!!!!
Horrible Idea. The Social Conservatives will not vote for them. They will be so ticked off they will form their own party.
I totally agree Juan. Powell is a highly respected man and would greatly strengthen the ticket. Powell has demonstrated that he wouldn’t make race a main issue as Obama has already chose to do.
This is the first idea that has made any sense what so ever. I am an independent or non aligned voter. Firstly this country is in severe distress. Many issues factor into that, but if we as a people do not wake up and get a governemnt that is more for and by the people and not 8 more years of self serving ignorance as the current administration has been we have not even begun to see how truly dire it will become.
After watching this Republican Administration gut this country and the Congress coast along like lambs to the slaughter, we HAVE to have change.
Obama is not the answer he will be the last straw that breaks our backs. His non patriotic socialist desires will make us the newest 3rd world country. He has no experience and what he originally passed as positive influences (Rev Wright), business sealings with known criminals, dictate who he is and where he is looking. Although when pressed on these issues he “flips” to stay the “Media Boy”.
McCain is older, he has experience, he definately has the desire to see the US recover. Colin Powell is a True American and that has nothing to do with his race. He will be a balancing factor on a McCain ticket. Truely it is the only way for McCain to defeat BO. People are not looking for a solution to where we are they are looking for a CHANGE to the Bush Bunch and they are willing apparently to accept far less in BO than we need in our next government purely out of the desire to CHANGE out Bush.
Bush should have been Impeached for the lies and blunders he made over the past 8 years which amount to Criminal. We were ready to impeach Clinton for being a Pig in the Oval Office while we have let GWB murder our soldiers for his own personal payback for what his father and Colin Powell understood to be insane and wrong in 91.
So I say if you want all us indies out here give us the life ring we are searching for in a McCain/Powell ticket.
NObama, thats a really good slogan!
The democrats are right, if it wasnt for the radical far right wing conservatives who abandoned GOP principles, McCain would easily win in 2008. But the far right is so far gone, they need to start their own country somewhere and move there…
People still dont seem to know who Mitt Romney really is, I heard an expert say Romney is just Hillary in a Ronald Reagan costume. You wont hear that from the major talking so called conservative people in media.
Someone said Colin Powell was lied to by the Bush admin? huh? The biggest story of lying was from democrats Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame, they were proven to be liars yet the left still worships them;
And I value Juan Williams as an outstanding journalist and respect what he says. now I may disagree with the things he says sometimes but I listen closely. (I tend to agree with Brit) In fact, if John McCain chose Brit Hume as his VP pick? that would be fine with me. And Mr. Hume didnt pay me to say that.
Hmmmm…. Powell? Interesting choice but he has too much at odds with McCain. From Free Trade, Immigration, Government Programs to Foreign Policy. They can’t be much more different. Powell is a great man and so is the Senator but two great men together just doesn’t fit. McCain needs someone who will boost him where he’s weak and be a solid supporter, as well as a good fill in if the worst should happen.
Seriously considering Powell as a VP is just about as ludicrous as Condi Rice being the VP. I think she would be a great choice but she want’s the University atmosphere, not the Political. Besides choosing Powell makes about as much sense as Obama considering that one quick summer tour around some of the more interesting area’s of the world to have the same Foreign Policy experience as McCain. I’ve had more travel than Obama has had.
I’ve lived all over the US, Europe and the Orient. I’ve seen first hand how those people love, like and/or hate or are jealous of the U.S. . Has he? Don’t think so…. One quick whirlwind tour around some of the key spots in the world will not give him the Bona fides that he is going to need. Not even close.
P.S. Romney is Mormon. Not Mormin. Mormons are just fine. Have you ever met somebody who’s Mormon? They are just like you and me. The Mormon church has long ago abandoned the mutliple wife thing. It’s just those wierdo’s that make it so bad and of course those people who are so petty and can find no other reason to dislike somebody than to dredge up the past. A past that Romney was ever involved with.
McCain/Powell wins hands down over Obama and anyone else. Where do I get a McCain/Powell bumper sticker and yard sign !!
Here’s one life-long Democrat who will vote for a McCain-Powell ticket in a heartbeat! Those two would be unbeatable! Let’s hope it happens! Where do I sign the petition?
You folks reading Juan Williams commentary and gladly swallowing the koolaid need to slow down, step out of the line for a moment…and THINK. While I think Gen Powel most certainly did serve honorably in Gulf War 1 I think you need to read his personal policy positions on abortion, gun control, personal liberties (both verbal and written) and in general his predisposition toward solutions that require Federal intervention or oversight.
The Republicans are in the mess they are in because they governed LIKE Dems. No government money was too small or large to hand out. If they had stayed true to the conservative ideals ALL quoted to become elected, then we would not be in the mess we are in.
55% Republican? No thanks. We already have LOTS of 55% Republicans.
I wouldn’t listen to anything Juan Williams thinks or says. As for Powell, he is too smart to partner with McCain! It’ll never happen!
OBAMA ‘08
I had the incredible opportunity to meet General Powell when I was a young boy. He was working on one of his cars at the military base in Alexandria on New Years morning. I’ll never forget meeting this great man and how he took the time out of his day to stop what he was doing and shake my hand.
In short, PLEASE CONSIDER POWELL. And Mr. Secretary- PLEASE CONSIDER ANY OFFER.
Thanks! With Powell as VP McCain might have a chance of winning. I have been a Republican for over 50 years and I’ve never seen such self destruction in my life. We are on the verge of letting a very junior senator become the President. It’s like letting a student jump from the first grade to senior just because he’s a gifted speaker but won’t be able to pass any of the tests.
Why would Colin Powell ever consider being a Republican after how horribly he was lied to and used. He would be crazy to even consider it.
Juan,
As a liberal Canadian I agree with you that Colin Powell would make a great running mate for McCain because during his time in Junior’s cabinet he was the only voice of sanity. I don’t agree that the neo-cons will go to the left, these are the dead-from-the-neck-up, jackbooted rightwingers that caused all the problems in Junior’s administration, they created most of the conditions for the US to go to war in Iraq. But you might be right, US politics can be very weird at times. After all Americans elected Junior TWICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harold Israel
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Canada
McCain/Powell that would be a great idea. Also stop some of Senator Obama’s “I know what the Republicans are going to do” scare tactics.
Juan, this is confusing, you write that Powell will join the Obama camp because he and John are good friends? huh? and that Powell-McCain would be good
dont worry about electing Obama if Powell is on the Obama ticket, huh? which side is Powell going to be on?
Is Powell such an extremist liberal that the neocons will like him better to make the McCain ticket more conservative? Powell is a more experienced and older version of Obama? huh? Either you are mistaken or Powell has changed his core beliefs and done a full turnabout.
Obama lacks integrity and honesty, and wants to plunge the USA into a neo communist state. Since when has Colin Powell been a communist?
Colin Powell clearly has the experience and personality to be President. but how is Powell exactly like McCain on political views, religious views and beliefs that integrity and character are important (which are required to be a McCain VP) when you write that Powell is just an older version of Obama? and Obama is an extremist liberal who does not hold mainstream Christian religious beliefs, and is intellectually dishonest to make false accusations about the war?
John McCain is a solid conservative, for anyone to claim that McCain is “a liberal” they are either ignorant of the facts or are dishonest. (el Rushbo knows the facts so he is dishonest about McCain)
How about Trent Lott for VP?