[PerConPat]

I have always regarded Powell as primarily a poster-General. Perhaps, and it would not be entirely his fault, he was used by politicians as a token. However, his inability to effectively counter the criticisms from the Left, in the wake of his tepid UN appearance on the justification for invading Iraq, led me to think that his heart just wasn't in his duties.

The nicest thing I can state as to General Powell would be something to the effect that he, IMHO, sure didn't measure up to the likes of Chappie James.

[shibumi]

This simile may not mean anything to anyone who's not a college football fan, but Colin Powell, having achieved most of his fame in the first Iraq war, seems to me like Charlie Weiss.

General Norman Schwartzkopf was his Brady Quinn, and General Binford Peay the Jeff Samardjia.

No one really realized how inept the first was, ‘till he tried to win without the other two.

[Diego1618]

I have always regarded Powell as primarily a poster-General.

You nailed it! That's exactly the reason I have never liked this guy. He rode his way to the top based upon political considerations, only. He did not attend any service academy....but appeared on the scene at the right time to take advantage of the national mood.

He was promoted continually over the heads of more competent and experienced officers.

Poster Boy! Yup! That's what he was. He can also add DUmmy to that description now.

[TET1968]

There was a time when I would have voted Powell for President. I respected the man that much. Now he's reduced himself to demonizing a woman who was picked to run for what he probably thought was his right full, well earned office of VP. If he keeps this up, he should remove his Airborne patch.
Thank God it not an XVIII AB Dragon.